7 Tips for Hiring Movers

Overwhelmed at the thought of moving? If you’ve sold your home and feel closing day creeping forward without a clear plan for the move, consider hiring a moving company. A good one will pack, tape, cover, lift, carry, and transport your belongings, saving your back in the process!  To be sure you hire great movers who will not take advantage of you, check out our seven tips for hiring the best movers in the business:

Require References

If you’ve found a moving company with a simple search online, always get references!  Check social media accounts, Yelp reviews, and ask the company for legitimate references you can call to ask questions.  Even when a company has been recommended by friends or family, it’s a good idea to ask for additional references.

Ask for a Detailed Inventory 

Reputable movers will carefully inventory your belongings, checking them off as they are loaded on the truck and again as they are unloaded.  Your list will be further detailed if the movers packed boxes for you.  Be sure to carefully review inventory lists; you will not be able to make a claim for a missing jewelry box if it was never included on the inventory.

Have a Thorough Walk-Through 

The best moving companies will visit before your move to give an estimate by walking through your home.  They’ll take into account things like flights of stairs, narrow hallways, steep entryways, and truck parking.  Be sure to show them every item they’ll be moving, including behind closet doors and in attics and basements.

Do NOT pay a large deposit up front 

Good movers might ask for a small deposit, but beware those who ask for a large one or full payment before the work has been done. 

Never sign a “Blank” Contract

It might seem like common sense, but if you’ve negotiated the terms of your move on the phone and are presented with a blank contract to sign and assurances that those terms will be honored, don’t sign.  Any contract should have every field completed before you sign on the dotted line.

Review Extra Fees  

Some movers will charge extra for climbing stairs, taping boxes, or draping furniture.  Ask lots of questions during that required walk-through:  Will there be an extra fee for moving the washer and dryer?  Should beds be dismantled before the movers arrive? What recourse is there if items are broken in transit?

Get quotes from multiple moving companies

It’s important not to choose a mover based solely on price.  Obtain quotes from at least three companies, then compare references and extra fees.  Remember, in all things, you get what you pay for, so decide carefully with all the information in front of you.

At Peggy Slappey Properties, we know that moving into your new home is an exciting and often stressful time.  Hiring a reputable moving company can greatly reduce that stress and allow you to enjoy the day.  We hope these tips help you with that decision.  Happy Moving Day!

Peggy Slappey Properties, Inc. is a Metro Atlanta real estate brokerage with over 35 years of experience in real estate sales and marketing.  From new home construction to resales, we can help you find the home of your dreams.  To see our current listings, visit www.psponline.com and call us for expert advice at 770-271-5555.  Keep up to date with the latest PSP events and offers by checking in on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/peggyslappeyproperties and on Twitter at https://twitter.com/psponline.