Are you in the process of planning a move to Houston? Must be a tough time for you then. Houston is one of the busiest metros in Texas to relocate into. Still, you may be wondering if you should hire a moving company. While it is certainly possible to move by yourself, professional movers will save you time, money, and resources, making it the better option. But since not every moving company operates to the best ability, you’ll have to do some extra digging to find the best ones. To help you with your search, here are some useful ins and outs of hiring a moving company that you must know about.
Get Multiple Quotes
This is standard advice, whether you’re moving to Houston or anywhere else in the country. Getting multiple quotes from different companies is one of the best ways to ensure that you find an affordable moving company with fair rates for their services. Other companies offer different things, so don’t assume that all these Houston, TX movers are equal or all companies charge similar amounts. Check out customer reviews and ratings on websites like Google Reviews and Yelp – these will give you an idea of what people think about each moving service provider’s work ethic and competence level.
Check The Company’s Credentials
Do some research on the movers’ legal authorization. Make sure that you ask them if they have insurance – if they say yes, then check to see that it’s valid, up-to-date, and covers the damage you’re worried about. Reach out to the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to check the company’s reliability. BBB ratings are based on customer feedback, so you know they’re doing something right if they have a high rating. More importantly, ask for your potential movers’ USDOT license number and Texas DMV number. These two will verify that the company is licensed to move household goods across state lines.
Don’t Pay a Large Deposit
Trustworthy moving companies never ask for a large down payment before you book your move. The standard protocol is they have to complete the mover first before demanding payment. If a moving company asks you to drop a hefty sum, it is likely that they will either run off with your money or provide substandard services that can cost you more in damages.
Insist on a Binding Written Estimate
A binding estimate is a written agreement that both parties must honor the responsibilities stated in the contract. This means your movers will have to stay true to the price they named during evaluation. Binding estimates are legally enforceable, whereas non-binding estimates are guesstimates that you may end up paying way more for. The best movers will provide a written binding estimate on an hourly basis with no hidden fees or overcharges.
Do The Packing Yourself
A full-service move can be pretty costly. The national average cost for hiring a professional mover range from $855 to $2,309, or $1,579, according to HomeAdvisor. By doing some of the packing and moving yourself, you can cut your costs greatly. The best thing to do is start early, so you will have plenty of time to sort through your possessions. Pack heavy objects in the bottom with the lighter ones on top, so they’re more secure to carry. You should also get rid of anything that you no longer need or use; this will help prevent clutter in your new home.
Ask For Referrals
Your friends and family may be able to refer someone they know who has moved to Houston recently. This gives you a good idea of what the movers have to offer. If you don’t have any close recommendations, you can head straight to the moving company yourself. A good company will offer references and phone numbers on their website. Just remember to be polite when talking to other customers.
Inspect the Company’s Website
Moving companies are easier to access nowadays, thanks to the Internet. However, this doesn’t mean you should be complacent just because they’re able to show they can operate on the web. Be sure to assess the company’s website before calling or stopping by. You should check out their experience and certifications, along with any online reviews they have received. A reputable business will always take pride in these aspects of their company and display them for all to see. Some companies also have video testimonials and interactive questionnaires on their website. It’s all about authenticity and professionalism.
Ask Questions
There are no dumb questions when it comes to hiring a moving company. It’s your money and peace of mind that’s being spent, after all. So if you’re not sure about something, just ask! You should feel free to ask your moving company representative any question that will help you determine if they are the right fit for you. The more comfortable you are with your choice of movers, the less stress there will be on moving day.
Wrapping Your Move Up
Houston, TX, is a city brimming with opportunities and culture. Moving here might seem like a huge hassle at this point, but it’s all going to be worth it in the end. You just have to be patient, follow the tips above, and let the process take care of itself naturally.
