Whether you’re planning to move down the street, across town, or to another state entirely, there’s a lot to consider and prepare for leading up to the big day. Hiring a moving company to take care of most of the heavy lifting and organizing can be a major help, but only if the company is experienced, professional, and properly licensed and insured.
Here are five tips for choosing New Orleans movers that can get the job done without adding any undue stress to your moving experience.
1. Identify Your Moving Needs
Before you even begin to search for the right local moving company, it’s important to think about the scope of your move so that you can identify the specific services you will need. Professional movers often offer a wide range of services, from packing and unpacking your belongings to disassembling and reassembling furniture, hauling items up and down stairs, insuring your belongings, and even providing storage solutions. Knowing ahead of time what your move will entail will help you narrow down your search to companies that can meet your requirements.
2. Ask for In-Person Estimates
Unless there’s no limit to your moving budget, you will need to take costs into account before deciding on a home moving company to hire. Contact your top potential movers and request in-person meetings so they can assess your belongings, discuss the scope of your move, and provide accurate estimates for the total costs of their services. In addition to getting estimates, an in-person meeting will also give you the chance to ask questions about additional fees, the costs of moving supplies, and cancellation policies.
3. Do Some Research
Moving companies worth their salt will have a robust online presence, including a website with information about their policies, services, and professional qualifications. Doing your research ahead of time will allow you to vet your chosen movers and figure out if they are worth going forward with. Here are some important questions to keep in mind during your research:
- Does the company have positive ratings and reviews from former customers?
- How many years have they been in business?
- Are they properly licensed and insured?
- Do they have any additional accreditations or certificates?
4. Watch Out for Red Flags
Thanks to the internet, it’s pretty easy these days to distinguish between qualified, professional movers and those who are either unprofessional or downright fraudulent. As you research potential movers, keep an eye out for red flags that certain companies might not be a good fit for your moving needs, including:
- A lack of information available online
- Companies that refuse to be upfront about costs and decline to sign contracts
- An absence of customer reviews or testimonials
- Companies that don’t provide proof of proper licensing and insurance coverage
It may be tempting to give dubious companies the benefit of the doubt, but when your personal belongings are on the line, it’s best to be cautious and take your time making any final decisions.
5. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
Legitimate and qualified moving companies generally make an effort to answer customer questions upfront, but if you still have any lingering concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information. Your ideal moving company should have no issues answering any questions you have and working with you to determine if their services are a good fit for your needs. Companies that are uncommunicative or inconsistent in their answers to important questions are more likely to be untrustworthy when it comes to your time, money, and belongings.
Let Our Expert Team Help You Move in New Orleans
Moving in New Orleans requires a lot of planning and careful consideration on your part, and the services of a dedicated moving company can make all the difference over the course of the moving process.
Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. has been an industry leader in residential and specialized moving for more than 70 years. Our team offers a full range of moving and storage services to help you get from A to B as efficiently and stress-free as possible. Fill out our online contact form to request a free quote today.