Mark Lesses Explains Choosing a Moving Company

WINCHESTER, Mass. - Sept. 16, 2014 - PRLog -- If you’re in the market to buy a new home, it’s likely that you’re also going to need to move all of your belongings and furnishings. Moving is a big job, and if you aren’t up for moving yourself, you’ll need to look for a moving company. But where do you start if you don’t already have a trusted company in mind?

Your real estate agent likely has knowledge of more than one moving company, so you can start by asking for a recommendation. But you’ll probably want to do some comparison shopping before you make a final decision. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a company for the all-important task of moving your treasured belongings:

1) Create a budget. As with other aspects of buying a new home, moving can be expensive. You’ll need to allocate some funds for this task. If you’re short on money, you might want to think about borrowing or renting a truck in order to do some of the moving yourself. Being willing to pack some or all of your boxes can also cut down on packing costs.

2) Sort it out. Undoubtedly you will have at least some items you will want to move yourself. Important documents, family heirlooms, and photos or just some belongings that you might not want to entrust to a moving company. Make sure that any items you will be moving are set aside before the day of the move – or, if they are large or numerous, even before you set up an appointment for an estimate.

3) Ask around. If you have friends or family members who have moved in the recent past, ask them for recommendations regarding a mover. Contact the companies who have the best reputations and seem like the best fit for you.

4) Get an estimate. Actually, get several estimates so that you can choose the company that can best accommodate your needs and budget. And when a company sends a representative to survey your belongings and give you a price quote, ask any important questions you have, such as availability on your moving date and what types of precautions the company has in place when moving fragile items. If you have an unusual item to move, such as a grand piano or pool table, make sure to point this out to the mover and verify that the company is equipped to handle moving it.

5) Make your move. Once you’ve collected information from a variety of companies, make a decision about which mover you’re going to choose. Book that company for your moving date as soon as possible so that you won’t be stuck without movers on your big day. Depending on the market and the season, companies’ schedules can fill up quickly, so make sure to book early. Be sure to mark your calendar as well so that you’ll be ready for the company’s arrival.

Moving homes can be stressful for any number of reasons, but by partnering with a trusted moving company, much of the burden can be lifted from your shoulders. Do your homework now so that you’ll be ready for the big event.