When moving, people often hire a professional company to pack, load, transport and unload their belongings. There are numerous benefits to this approach, including relieving stress and preventing injury from carrying heavy, unwieldy items.
When choosing a moving company, customers should survey multiple options. They should start by looking at online reviews from previous customers and examining the companies’ websites for information on services offered, pricing structure, fees, add-ons and cancellation policies. The best movers will provide up-front, transparent pricing and won’t surprise the customer with hidden fees during the move.
In addition to looking for reviews, customers should also look at each company’s licensing and accreditation requirements. Licensing requirements vary by state, and many states have departments of transportation that maintain a database of licensed movers. In addition, the American Moving and Storage Association offers a ProMover certification that requires moving companies to adhere to rigorous service standards.
Another important factor to consider is whether the moving company is a broker or a carrier. Some interstate movers are brokers that act as middlemen for clients and then hand them off to third-party carriers to handle the moving process. While this model can save money, it can lead to poor customer service, delayed delivery or damaged items.
Ultimately, the best moving companies will be ones that offer both a full-service option and a self-packing option. This will enable customers to choose the services they want based on their budget and time constraints. In the end, a full-service move can be more expensive than a self-packing option, but it will ensure that your belongings are safe and secure during the entire moving process.
If you’re planning an international move, you should consider choosing a company that specialises in this area. For example, UK-based Pickfords is one of the most established removals Austin moving company with a huge number of customer reviews and industry recognition from BAR, the Association of Relocation Professionals (ARP) and RoSPA. They offer a range of tiers from providing boxes for self-movers to organising the whole move for you through their “Pickford’s Gold” service.
Other international moving companies include Allied Van Lines and Anglo Pacific. Both Allied and Anglo Pacific are members of the BAR, ARP and RoSPA and have top customer ratings on Trustpilot. They also offer national and international moves and storage solutions, and both have a network of agents in various countries who can assist with local regulations and customs.
Anglo Pacific is particularly renowned for its vehicle shipping services, and they’ve been helping intrepid movers take their beloved cars and bikes with them to their new home for over 40 years. They ship everything from a simple car to a luxury caravan, and can even arrange to escort your boat or yacht across the ocean.
Regardless of which type of move you’re planning, it’s important to have an accurate inventory of your belongings. This will help you determine the approximate weight of your shipment and will help you calculate the cost of your moving quote. You should also consider any additional charges, such as for extra packaging, tight stairs or the use of specialty equipment.