Checklist for Hiring Professional Movers

Hiring professional movers may seem daunting, but doing your homework to make this important decision means you’ll save time, money, and headaches later. Our step-by-step guide will outline seven steps for finding and working with a trustworthy moving company. 

• Ask for referrals. One of the best ways to find reliable professional movers is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Local real estate agents are also good sources for referrals. Finding a mover through one of these channels is preferable to choosing a random name out of the phone book or going with the first name you see on Google. You’re much more likely to have a smooth move if you know someone who has used the mover and had a positive moving experience.
• Consult Professional Movers Association (PMA). If you can’t come up with at least five different moving companies using your contacts, you can find additional companies through the South African Professional Movers Association, the professional trade organization for movers.
• Do your homework. After you have a list of at least five recommended professional movers, do initial background checks. You want to deal with companies in good financial standing that have been in business for a while and have a great customer service record.
• Get estimates. The next step on your checklist is to get moving estimates. A moving company should send a representative to your apartment to do an in-home estimate. Show him everything you will move, including the contents of closets, garages, and other storage spaces.
• Compare estimates. Compare moving companies by reviewing their estimates. Each estimate should include an inventory of your items and explain the services included in your move. (Note that there are different types of estimates, and the final cost of your move may differ from what’s on paper. Refer to our Moving Terms Dictionary for an explanation of these types.)
• Do more homework. At this point, you’ve probably narrowed down the field to two or three professional movers. Now it’s important to do a more thorough background check on these companies. Visit the Hellopeter online to find detailed information about your final contenders. Make sure a company has the proper licenses and an unremarkable complaint history. Keep in mind that every company has had complaints filed against it, so complaints alone shouldn’t take a mover out of contention. However, you should take note of the types and frequency of complaints against a company and make sure that a company resolves issues in a fair and timely manner.
• Make your choice. Now you can make an informed decision — one you can feel comfortable with. Contact your moving company and confirm the dates and details of your move. (Will your moving company be packing for you, as well, for instance?) Make sure you get a signed contract to confirm that you’re good-to-go. 

Once you’ve made it through this step-by-step list, you’ll be ready to welcome your professional mover into your apartment on moving day. Shopping around for a good moving company may take a bit of effort, but the peace of mind you’ll feel will be well worth it!

Are you moving soon or in the near future? Moving the traditional way puts an unbelievable amount of trash and other waste into our landfills which are harmful to the planet. Why waste time and money on cardboard boxes and tape that you’re just going throw away when you move into your new place? Instead, consider getting green plastic moving boxes from us at Rentabox. We’ll deliver them to you and pick them up from your new address so you don’t have to worry about it. With Rentabox, moving can be a streamlined, pleasant experience all the way around!

Think Big Ease and Efficiency for Your Upcoming Move

Does the thought of moving stress you out?
While it can certainly be a challenge, a move does not have to be overwhelming.
If you think “big picture” about all of your moving needs from the very beginning, you can plan an easy and efficient move.

Think big about your moving checklist
The very first thing you want to do is keep an apartment moving checklist. This helps you think carefully about your upcoming move and make sure no detail is missed. Apartment Guide offers a comprehensive moving checklist that will help you plan an efficient move.

Think big about the big questions
There are a few questions that you need to ask yourself at the beginning of the moving process. These questions include:

• Am I going to pack myself or hire professional packers?
• Am I going to move myself or hire professional movers?
• If I am moving myself, am I going to rent a truck or a portable storage unit?

The answers to these questions will depend on your specific situation. If you have to move across country very quickly, it might be best to hire a company that will do all the packing and moving for you for an efficient move. If you have time and lots of friends to help you out, packing yourself and renting a truck might be the right move for you. Whatever you decide, you have to answer these questions before you can proceed any further.
Think big about your moving budget
Whether you are going with a full-service or a do-it-yourself move, you may only have a certain amount of money you can comfortably spend. Sit down and form your moving budget, factoring in the cost of packing supplies, moving costs and incidentals (pizza for your friends if you are moving with their help!) Keep the budget close at hand when you are calling for quotes from moving or truck rental companies.
Think big about your packing plan
You will need a system to make sure everything gets to the right room when it arrives in your new apartment. If you are hiring packers, this may be taken care of for you. If you are packing yourself, you’ll need a packing plan.
Color-coding boxes can help you tell at a glance which box goes in which room. Make sure each box is clearly labeled. Label several sides of the box because you do not know how it will be stacked when moved.
Always pack a priority box that contains supplies to get you through the first days in your new apartment. You’ll need to be able to get to your bedding and toothbrush, for instance.
Think big about your plan for moving day
Plan out how moving day is going to go. If you are going with professional movers, have all the details, such as payment and directions to your new apartment, all set and ready for them. If you are moving yourself, plot out when and how you are going to pick up the rental truck. Use this Move Out Checklist to ensure you follow all the steps to close out your old apartment and move into your new one.
When you plan out your move and think big picture, you can experience an easier and more efficient move with minimal hassle. Planning your move carefully can save you time, money and stress!

Are you moving soon or in the near future? Moving the traditional way puts an unbelievable amount of trash and other waste into our landfills which are harmful to the planet. Why waste time and money on cardboard boxes and tape that you’re just going throw away when you move into your new place? Instead, consider getting green plastic moving boxes from us at Rentabox. We’ll deliver them to you and pick them up from your new address so you don’t have to worry about it. With Rentabox, moving can be a streamlined, pleasant experience all the way around!