During the busy summer moving season, it’s important that consumers act fast to schedule their professional move. Almost a third of all moves take place in the summer, peaking in June, according to the U.S. Census. The busiest times are often near the end of the month and on weekends.Scheduling your move mid-month or mid-week can reduce stress and sometimes result in savings. Begin contacting moving companies at least four weeks prior to your move. Reputable moving companies can reach capacity quickly, and procrastinating may result in missing your preferred move date.
Here are some questions to ask potential movers:
- Do you have references from other customers who have booked with you?
- What type of training do your movers, drivers, packers, and loaders go through? Are they certified?
- Are there any hidden fees or extra charges for stairs or long distances?
- Will my stuff be transferred to another truck mid-trip?
- Do you offer valuation or liability coverage?
Red flags to watch for:
- Make sure the company has a telephone number and physical address listed on their website — not just a “contact us” form.
- Watch out for “too good to be true” pricing by getting at least three in-home written estimates. Avoid estimates that are much higher or lower than the others.
Consumers also can get free referrals for certified professional movers to schedule free in-home estimates for the move at no obligation to you. Even if you are considering handling the move yourself, you have nothing to lose by inviting a mover into your home so you can find out if a professional move is the best option for you.