FAQ About Packers and Moving Costs

It’s time to move to a new home, apartment or townhouse.  Maybe your business is moving.  Either way, you are considering professional packers and movers to complete your move.  This is a big decision.  If you do the work yourself, it will be time consuming.  If you hire a company, you will have many questions that need to be answered.

Q. Where can I find a reputable moving company?

A. Go to the MerchantCircle website.  Many reputable moving companies register with this site.  You can search for moving services in your area and then read customer reviews and company information.  There may also be a link to the company’s direct webpage.  Reading customer reviews will help you determine if the moving company is reputable or not.

Q. Who will pack my belongings?

A. If you want the professionals to pack your belongings, you will need to tell them.  They will determine a price based on how much packing they will need to do.  If you can pack little things, empty drawers and organize belongings, you may save some money.  You can decide what items you want to pack and what items you want the company to pack.

Q. Where can I get boxes for packing?

A. If you hire a moving company to do the packing for you, they may supply the boxes at an additional cost or it may be included in the overall price for moving.  If you want to save some money on packing supplies, you can contact local stores and ask them to hold boxes for you.  Providing your own boxes may be beneficial; however, if cost is not a major factor, allow the company to provide their own boxes.  This will ensure getting sturdy and durable boxes for your move.

Q. What if I don’t want to do anything in regard to moving?

A. It is absolutely okay.  You do not have to pack one single item or you can pack all of your items.  It is really up to you what you want to do.  Be prepared; however, if you do not do any of the work, the price will be more expensive for the move.  Many businesses prefer to have a professional company do all of the moving.  Many moving companies can move a business or home in a few short days and have the new place looking exactly like the old place in no time.

Q. How much will it cost to hire professional movers?

A. The actual cost to hire movers depends greatly on where you currently live and where you are relocating.  If the move is across town, the costs will be less than moving to another state or across the country.  If you have a large house, the costs will be more expensive than moving a small apartment.  Contact several reputable moving companies and ask for quotes.  This is the best way to find out how much a professional mover will cost for your specific move. 

Q. How can I save money during the moving process?

A. The best way to save money is to do much of the work yourself.  If you can pack boxes and load them into a truck, you will save more money than having a professional do the packing and loading for you.  You can also save money be comparing companies and asking the best company to match the price of another less expensive company.  Buying your own packing supplies may also help you save money in the moving process.

Q. What happens if the movers damage my belongings?

A. Reputable moving companies are insured and bonded.  This guarantees coverage of lost or damaged items.  When you hire a moving company to complete your move, ask to see their policy about lost or damaged items.  This should be included in the contract you will sign.  Knowing the policy upfront will save you time and frustration if something does get broken or lost.  Most companies will replace the item or reimburse you for repairing the item if the company is at fault.

Q. How long will it take to move?

A. The time it will take to move your belongings depends solely on the distance you are moving, the company completing the move and your expectations.  When you talk with a company about moving your home or business, you will need to let the company know when you need to move and how long you expect it to take.  The company will also let you know how long they expect an average move of the size of your belongings to the place you need to move.  If you think that the time is too long, ask for expedited services.  Some companies will hire more movers and more trucks to get you moved more quickly.  These expedited services may costs more money in the long run, but you will be out of your old place and into the new place quicker.