At one point or another, the chances are good that you are going to move. Whether it is your first move from home, a subsequent move into your own apartment or even into a house of your very own, moving can be stressful. Selecting the right moving services can make the process simpler and easier. Here are a few tips to help you make the best choices.
If you have decided to handle your move on your own, make sure you get the right supplies. For a very small move, you may be able to make do with boxes you acquire from local stores. Liquor stores and grocery stores are often a good source. Once you move beyond the realm of moving in a car, you should consider investing in standardized moving boxes. These boxes are stronger, designed to fit together in a minimum of space and available in various sizes. Purchase packing tape, label every box and recruit as many friends as possible.
In a larger move, you may want to consider professional help. Experienced packers get everything boxed quickly and safely, reducing the chance of breakage. A large home can be packed up in a day, letting you live at home until the last minute; a real boon if you have children. Some movers provide limited unpacking, special care for unusual items or will simply move what you have packed to a new location. Determining which services you desire before you call for a bid will provide the most accurate estimate.
In addition to taking several bids take the time to evaluate word of mouth referrals as well as those offered by neutral sources. The BBB tracks the complaint records and reliability of moving services online and taking a look at the information can save you a lot of heartaches. Making a move, whether for a few blocks of a few thousand miles is challenging enough. The right assistance at the right time can make the process much more palatable.
Summary
This article gives tips for choosing moving services. For a DIY move, it recommends using sturdy standardised boxes, packing tape and labelling everything, while enlisting friends to help. For larger moves, it suggests hiring professional packers who can pack a home in a day, and advises getting several bids, checking word of mouth referrals, and reviewing BBB complaint records before choosing a moving company.
Questions this article raises
- How much more expensive are professional movers compared with a DIY move?
- What should you look for in a mover’s BBB complaint history?
- Which items are best left to professional packers rather than packed yourself?
