Hiring Residential Movers: Five Top Tips

Hiring a moving company certainly does make moving easier. Your movers will be the ones who figure out how to fit odd-shaped furniture into the truck. You also get to leave tasks like maneuvering the sofa down the stairs to them. But while hiring movers does take a lot off your plate, there is still some work you need to do in this process. Here are a few tips to help ensure you handle your part of the responsibilities appropriately.

Get a few estimates before picking a moving company.

Don't just select a moving company based on its website or marketing materials. Ask more than one company to come and give you an estimate. Not only does this give you a chance to compare prices, but also services. You may find that one company is willing to take apart the furniture for you, while another requires you to do this part, for example. Getting several estimates helps ensure you hire the company that best fits your needs, monetary and otherwise.

Read the contract.

Make sure you read the full contract before you hire a moving company. Pay special attention to any mention of insurance, guarantees, or refunds. It's rare for movers to damage things or to get in accidents, but it does happen. You want to make sure the contract you sign offers some protection should something happen to your things.

Be there on moving day, if possible.

Most movers are willing and able to move your items without you present. But if you are able to be onsite while the movers load the truck, try to be there. This way, you can answer any questions they may have about your furniture, how to take things apart, where to put things, and so forth.

Don't get too involved.

Stand by in case the movers need you, but also make sure you are not getting in the way. You don't want the movers to have to trip over you or push past you while they are working. 

Move your valuables separately.

If you have any cash, valuable jewelry, or other valuable items, make sure you transport them separately from the items that the movers are transporting. Some movers won't even move these items. Either way, it's nice to know they are safe with you.

These tips make the whole process of hiring a moving company easier. Talk to your residential moving service if you have any questions.