Moving represents one of the most significant transitions you will experience in life. It signals a fresh start and new opportunities, but it also brings a laundry list of logistical challenges that can feel overwhelming. You look around your current space, filled with years of memories and possessions, and wonder how you will transport it all from point A to point B without damage or delay.
This is where hiring help makes a tremendous difference.
However, handing over your worldly possessions to strangers requires trust. You need to feel confident that your belongings are in safe hands. Understanding the process before you sign a contract will save you time, money, and unnecessary worry.
Here is a comprehensive guide on what to know before hiring movers to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Start Your Search Early
Time is your most valuable asset when planning a move. Many people underestimate how far in advance moving companies fill their calendars, especially during busy summer months or at the end of the month, when many leases end. If you wait until the last minute, you limit your options and may have to settle for a company that does not meet your standards.
Begin your research at least eight weeks before your desired move date. This head start allows you to vet companies thoroughly without the pressure of a looming deadline. It also gives you the flexibility to choose a date that works best for your schedule and budget.
Related Article: When is the Best Time to Move?
Verify Credibility and Reputation
The moving industry has many players, but all of them operate with the same level of integrity. You want to partner with a reputable moving company that has a proven track record of success. Start by checking their legal standing. Interstate movers must register with the U.S. Department of Transportation, so look for a valid USDOT number on their website.
Beyond licenses, read what previous customers have to say. Online reviews provide a window into the company’s reliability and customer service. Look for patterns in the feedback.
Do they arrive on time?
Do they handle furniture with care?
A reputable company will have a history of satisfied clients who vouch for its professionalism.
Understand the Estimate Process
One of the most confusing aspects of hiring movers involves the cost. You should avoid companies that offer a definitive quote over the phone without seeing your inventory. A legitimate mover needs to see exactly what you plan to move to provide an accurate price, as most—if not all—base their estimate on the estimated weight (pounds) of your belongings.
Invite the movers to your home for a survey, or arrange a detailed video walk-through. This allows them to see the volume of your belongings and identify any access issues, such as narrow stairs or long driveways. It is always a good idea to get written estimates from at least three different companies. This helps you compare prices and services side-by-side.
Pay attention to the type of estimate they provide. A non-binding estimate means the price could change based on the actual weight of your shipment. A binding estimate guarantees the price upfront, provided you do not add more items later.
Related Article: How to Compare Moving Companies
Look for Insurance and Liability
Many homeowners assume that their moving company covers the full value of their items if anything breaks. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. You need to ask specific questions about liability coverage to understand your risks.
Movers typically offer two levels of liability. The first is Released Value Protection. This is the most basic coverage and usually comes at no extra cost, but it offers minimal compensation based on the weight of the item, not its value. If a lightweight but expensive vase breaks, this coverage will not replace it.
The second option is Full Value Protection. This places the liability on the mover for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods. While this costs more upfront, it provides significant security. If you own high-value items, check your homeowner’s insurance policy as well, as it might offer additional protection during a move.
Identify Your Specialty Items
Standard furniture requires standard handling, but some possessions demand extra care. Ahead of time—maybe during an in-person estimate—clearly communicate about any specialty items you own. These include pianos, pool tables, large artwork, antique clocks, or heavy safes.
Professional movers have the training and equipment to handle these objects, but they need to know about them in advance. Moving a grand piano requires different tools and skills from moving a sofa.
If you fail to mention these items until moving day, the crew may not be equipped to move them safely, or they may charge a substantial last-minute fee.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
As you narrow down your list of potential movers, stay vigilant. Most companies are honest, but scams do exist. Protect yourself by watching for these warning signs during the hiring process:
Cash-Only Demands
A professional business will accept checks or credit cards. If a mover demands a large cash deposit up front, this is a major warning sign.
No Physical Address
Verify that the company has a local address. If their website only lists a P.O. box or no address at all, they may not be a legitimate business.
Unmarked Trucks
On moving day, the crew should arrive in a branded vehicle. A rental truck with no company logo often indicates a lack of professionalism or a subcontracted job you did not agree to.
Blank Documents
Never sign a blank or partial contract. Ensure every page is complete and that you have a copy of everything you sign.
How to Prepare for Moving Day
Once you hire a moving company, your job isn’t finished. You play a vital role in ensuring the day goes smoothly. Professional movers are efficient, but they rely on you to have the home ready for them to work. Taking the time to organize your space before the truck arrives will speed up the process and lower the risk of accidents.
Consider these steps to help the team work effectively:
- Declutter First: Do not pay to move items you no longer want. Donate, sell, or discard unnecessary things before the packing begins.
- Label Clearly: If you are packing your own boxes, write the destination room on the top and sides. This directs the movers exactly where to place items in your new home.
- Secure Pets and Kids: Moving day is dangerous for children and animals due to open doors and heavy lifting. Keep them in a safe room or arrange for them to stay with a friend.
- Pack a Personal Bag: Keep essential items like medication, chargers, and documents with you in your car. Do not let these get packed onto the truck.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Moving involves more than cardboard boxes and packing tape. It signals a major life shift. So, you want to find the best partner to help with your move; that’s completely warranted. Doing so changes the experience entirely by allowing you to focus on the future while experts handle the heavy lifting.
If you’re in the Philadelphia area and are looking for movers in Philly, you’ve come across them. At EverSage Moving Co., we’ve handled hundreds of moves to and from Philadelphia with expertise, care, and compassion.
Contact us today to schedule an estimate!
