Moving for the first time is never easy. Some might say that you get used to it after a few times, but really, moving never comes easy. There is just so much work to do! And if you aren’t organized and do not face it head on, it can be pretty hard for one person to handle. That’s why it’s always a great idea to get some professional local movers in New Jersey to help you. This is why in today’s article we give you the most helpful hints and tips on finding reliable movers online.
Why is this so important?
A lot of people often find it hard to decide between finding reliable movers online and doing the move themselves. Even though it may seem cheaper to just rent a truck and pack your things, there are so many little, hidden expenses that you never see coming.
Another thing to help you make your mind is that good, professional movers save you a lot of time. They can do the packing for you, plan logistics, load and unload the truck and transport your goods. This leaves time for you to work on the paperwork, enroll your children in new schools, cancel utilities, etc. When you add up everything that the movers do, you realize they save you not only time but stress, too!
This is why it’s important to find movers that are:
- professional,
- experienced,
- reliable,
- secure and
- respectful of your time as well as your things.
On the other hand, finding unprofessional movers you cannot count on can lead to a disastrous move, where you don’t only love time and money, but your energy as well. So how to go around finding reliable movers online, and how to recognize the good from the bad?
The ways of finding reliable movers
Well, there are three ways of doing this:
- finding reliable movers online;
- talking to your friends and colleges about their moving experiences;
- browsing the local newspaper and ads.
The easiest way is, of course, finding reliable movers online. You can do this from the comfort of your own home, with just a few clicks.
Start making a list of reliable movers you find online
The first step of finding reliable movers online is by searching for movers in your area. You can use various websites, like Better Business Bureau. Go through the lists you get, and create a list of your own – with ten to fifteen moving companies that seem reliable to you. You can check their reviews on the Better Business Bureau website, or by using any other review based website.
There are many moving companies NJ, so finding a good one can take some time. You need to be aware of this when finding reliable movers online. Don’t give up if your first 15 companies don’t seem like the perfect fit. But do think critically when assessing the company based on its reviews. For example, if a review page has only five-star recommendations, then that company might be very new (and thus inexperienced) or maybe those reviews aren’t really well thought out or honest.
On the other hand, if there is a huge number of reviews noting something negative about the company, then that might be a serious problem that you should look into. Note it down in case you decide to call the company later on. Make sure you ask them about it when you first talk to them.
Finally, keep in mind that for a company that has worked for quite a few years, it is perfectly normal to have a few bad reviews. No one can please 100 percent of their customers for that five-star review. Do pay attention, though, so that the same dissatisfactory service doesn’t happen to you.
By looking into reviews, you should reduce the number of companies on your list from 10 down to 3-5.
Finding reliable movers online is only the beginning
After you have your pick of the companies, it’s time to call them and set up an estimation. Pay attention, though! Reputable moving companies will offer a free in-home estimate. If they instead want to do an online estimate or offer you quotes, you should probably be better off with another company. While talking to them, ask them for a couple of references as well. Tell them you will need their contact information and phone numbers.
Make a point of calling the references later and asking them detailed questions about their moving experience. Also, use this time to talk about any concerns you might have about the move with both the company representative and the references (for example, the things you noticed in the reviews).
Schedule in-home estimates with the reliable movers you found online
After that is done, it’s time for an in-home estimate. When the estimator comes, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.
The first is that the estimate should be thorough. The representative should ask to see everything you will be moving – even things in the rooms you don’t use, such as your basement or your attic. They will even want to see what you have in storage – like kitchen cabinets and clothes. Talk to them about what you plan to bring with you, and what will stay.
Finding Reliable Movers Online
This is also the perfect time to get a few more information about the moving company. Ask them about the transportation methods, what type of insurance they offer, and write down their U.S. DOT number. At the end of the estimate, you should have a written estimate with your and the company representatives signature on it.
Screen the moving companies
One final step to finding reliable movers online is to check the company’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. See if they have been changing their name or address recently (reliable companies usually work under the same name for quite some time). Make sure all their information and insurance are valid. If anything raises a red flag, make sure you go back and talk to the company representative.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you are making small moves in New Jersey or big ones, finding reliable movers online does not need to be hard. You only need to take it step by step. Being thorough and not losing patience is the key to success. Good luck!
