How to Hire Labor for Moving: A Complete Guide
Finding a mover should be a piece of cake
Learning the steps for hiring labor for moving is key to a fast, easy move to a new home. Moving companies help you pack, move, and even store your belongings while you’re moving. Our guide will explain how to hire labor for moving to make your move as stress-free as possible.
How to Find Professional Movers
Finding movers in your area requires some research on your part, but taking the time to find the right movers will ensure you have a smooth move and that your belongings are in safe hands. When searching for movers, go through a few sources:
Friends and family: Word of mouth is important in the moving industry. Ask your family and friends for recommendations of moving companies in the area and what they may have liked (or not liked) about each company.
Angi: Angi is the easiest way to find local movers in your area. The site provides a variety of reviews to help you find the right moving service for your needs.
Once you find a list of potential pros, you should visit each company’s website and read customer testimonials, research which services they provide, and the pricing structure.
Before Hiring Movers
Before deciding on the moving company you’ll use, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to prepare:
Choose a Moving Date
When you call around for moving company quotes, one of the first questions they’ll ask is when you’re moving. The date and day of the week will affect how much the move costs, particularly if it’s a busy time of the year between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
When choosing a moving day, consider your personal schedule, school schedules, new homeowners’ move-in date, your lease agreement, and the moving company’s availability. Keep in mind that moving during the week is less expensive and easier to reserve than moving on a weekend.
Plan Your Move for Accurate Quotes
Staying organized during your move from beginning to end is key to a successful process. While you’re planning, make a list of the items you plan to move, particularly larger items like appliances or furniture. When shopping around for quotes from multiple moving companies, you’ll need to provide an estimate of the number of moving boxes, size and number of furniture items, and estimated weight of all belongings, so prepare that information in advance.
Additionally, make sure to tell movers if you live in a place where it would be difficult for movers to move your belongings, including homes with multiple floors or tight spaces with small hallways. Making note of these specifics can help moving companies provide an accurate rate for your service. Make sure to get multiple quotes (at least three) from different moving companies to ensure you’re getting the best price.
Check Your Movers’ Qualifications and References
Certain states require more licensing than others when it comes to moving companies. Many states have no technical license requirements for moving companies, while others do.
For example, states like Alaska, Maine, Delaware, and Maryland don’t require local licenses. On the other hand, Florida, Hawaii, and Iowa-based movers must be registered with state organizations. If you live in a state with a licensing requirement, double-check that your moving service holds the necessary licenses.
Questions to Ask Your Movers
Don’t be afraid to ask many questions when talking with moving companies. If you’re stuck on what to ask, here’s a list of questions to consider:
Do you have a license (if applicable)?
Do you have a rate schedule?
Do you move extra large items such as furniture or appliances?
Do you have any extra fees?
How long does a typical move take?
What if one of my items gets damaged?
How far out are you booking moves?
Do I have to be there when you’re moving my things?
Do you offer packing services?
Do you move long distances?
Tips for Hiring Movers
Working with a moving company should be an easy, well-managed experience, it just takes some planning. To help you get through the moving process more smoothly, here are a few tips for finding the right movers:
Plan early: Begin researching and contacting moving companies several months in advance to secure your preferred dates and ensure availability.
Check for hidden fees: Clarify any potential additional fees with the moving company. Ask about any extra charges for stairs, heavy items, long carries, or packing materials.
Read reviews before making a final decision: People who take the time to leave a review are often pretty honest. Read many online reviews to get a complete picture of what it’s like to work with a certain company.
Double-up on services: Some moving companies offer deals if you use their moving and packing services. Bundle services whenever possible to save money in the long fun.
Get a written contract: Make sure you sign an agreement with your moving company that outlines how the move will go, the timeline, the costs, and what will happen to any damaged items.
Don’t forget to tip: Tipping your movers shows your appreciation. Moving isn’t an easy job, so make sure you tip well, at least 20%.
Interview Your Movers
When you interview your movers, it gives you some insight into what the company offers, as well as a realistic look at their rates. You should plan to interview at least three companies to find the best fit for your move.
Some companies also offer specialty services like heavy lifting, long hauls, or packing, while others don’t. Calling multiple companies helps give you a feel of the specialty services each offers. Interviewing multiple companies also gives you a sense of the reputation of the company and the customer service they provide. If you have a better experience with one company over another, it could help narrow down your choice.
Get a Contract and Arrange Payments With Your Movers
When you hire movers, you must put the details of your agreement in writing. A contract protects both parties in the event of any confusion or incidents down the road. Although the moving company will likely draw up the agreement, make sure the following is included:
Contact information: It should include the names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of the moving company and the customer.
Services provided: This is the nitty-gritty of the contract. It should be the details of the moving services, such as packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking.
Pricing: Get a clear breakdown of costs, including hourly rates, flat fees, or any additional charges for services like packing materials or special handling.
Payment schedule: The contract should outline when you have to pay and how.
Any insurance coverage: The moving company should offer moving insurance that explains their liability for damaged or lost items, including any additional insurance options you can purchase.
Dates and times of the move: The contract should list out agreed-upon dates and times for pickup and delivery.
Look for Red Flags and Prepare to Troubleshoot
No matter how you contact the moving company, they should provide a courteous and helpful experience. If you didn’t experience great customer service, this may indicate how working with the rest of the team will go. If you live in a state that requires licensing, a major red flag is a lack of a license or an unwillingness to show you a license.
If a company gets poor reviews, that may indicate they’re not the right one to work with. That’s why it’s vital you take the time to research and contact each moving company you’re considering to avoid a poor experience or a moving scam.
After Your Movers Have Finished
After your movers have finished moving your belongings, there are a couple of steps to wrap up the moving process and ensure your satisfaction with the services:
Inspect your belongings: This step will likely happen while you’re unpacking. Look over everything to ensure nothing is broken or damaged. If you notice any discrepancies or damage, document them immediately and notify the moving company.
Make any final payments: Once you have confirmed that everything is in order, you’ll need to pay your full bill, if you haven’t already. Remember to tip the movers at the end of the service.
Leave a review: Consider leaving a review of your experience with the moving company. Sharing your feedback can help future customers make informed decisions.