Dancing with the stars, American Idol, America’s Next Top Model… are you voting too? It appears text the word vote, or dial in to vote is the normal ending to America’s most watched T.V. reality shows these days.
However, there are a number of things in life you can’t vote for by merely texting. You actually vote for these products and services when you purchase them. Take moving for instance. Everyone wants a good moving company. It’s like American Idol. They’re looking for the whole package, a contestant who has a great voice, fabulous sense of style and one who connects with his or her audience. What are you looking for in a moving company? This question needs to be answered before you call and request a moving quote. Let me recommend a few things you should include on your must have list.
1. Moving experience
2. Industry affiliations (i.e. ProMover, Pinnacle Mover, and AMSA)
3. Professional and skilled full-time employees
4. Fair and honest pricing
5. Licensed and insured
6. Professional packing materials
When looking at a potential mover the amount of moving experience they possess is paramount. You should hire a moving company who has years of experience successfully relocating individuals and families. Stay away from amateur moving companies. While an amateur mover may provide you with a lower hourly rate, they fail to disclose their lack of experience will cost you more in the end.
Number two on the list is industry affiliations. Organizations like AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association) and Pinnacle Movers provide consumers with a guide for hiring a quality mover. These organizations require movers to meet a certain criteria to be listed as a member of its network of movers. This privileged association indicates it’s safe to do business with this particular mover.
A company is only as good as its team members. Therefore hiring a quality moving company has a lot to do with the level of professionalism and skill their employees possess. Some moving companies hire day-laborers instead of regular full-time employees. This unfortunate practice places the client in a vulnerable position. Their furnishings and moving expenses are in the hands of inexperienced individuals. When booking your move, ask if their moving crews are full time employees. When you hire a professional and skilled mover you save money.
Speaking of money…when you solicit quotes from moving companies compare pricing of at least three to five. There may be a slight variation in cost from one to the next, but for the most part their pricing should be similar. At this point it depends upon your preference. Which mover outshined the other when you initially phoned in? Who can accommodate your schedule? The choice is yours!
In closing, your most valuable items should be protected. A reputable mover is licensed and insured. Inquire about this in the beginning. Note although a mover mentions they have insurance, a good mover will alert you to the amount of coverage they provide. Typically standard coverage for movers is only $.60 per pound per item. Of course this will in no way cover your most valuable investments. I always suggest you add coverage. While their intent is not to damage your items, mistakes do happen. Another way to ensure your items are protected is by making certain your mover uses quality packing materials to secure your furnishings. Professional movers use quilt pad wrapping, packing paper, bubble wrap and more to protect their customers’ belongings. All in all a good mover is the total package. Don’t forgo any of the above mentioned items with your upcoming relocation. Cast your vote for a ProMover!
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