What to pay attention to when hiring long distance movers?

Congratulations! If you are reading this, it means that you are thinking about moving. Starting something new always requires good preparation. And you have to think about many things when hiring long distance movers. Especially if you are moving from another state, you need to choose the best long distance Brooklyn movers. So, how do you do it? What are the criteria when making a decision? We will describe some of the most important ones that you need to know. As mentioned, you need to prepare well. By this, we mean several months in advance.

If you want to know what to pay attention to when hiring long distance movers, keep on reading and learn more about this process!

Create a moving strategy before hiring long distance movers

Step 1: Research

A Moving Planner
Write down your priorities

Start researching several months in advance. Explore the market to get an idea about your options, available companies, moving quotes, services, etc. Follow these steps to begin your search:

Check credentials

When doing research, ask Google and ask around. Always check what the reputation of the company is. A good starting point is asking your friends, neighbors, or colleagues. If some of them moved recently, they can recommend their movers and give you feedback. Proceed to check how the company’s ranking is on Better Business Bureau. This is a good indicator that they are serious and professional. You must have that in mind when hiring long distance movers. We advise you to choose the low season period when the prices are not that high. Don’t forget to check the reviews of the company in question. Search for relevant reviews that relate to your specific relocation.

You want to be in safe hands in order to have relocation stress-free, you need to hire someone who is licensed. If you know the name of the moving company of its USDOT number, you can check the reviews. Complaints and any other company contact information are being displayed.

The bottom line is, credentials are a top priority to pay attention to when hiring long-distance movers.

Check their services

Along with the prices, check what the offers are. Different moving companies offer different services, and not all of them are necessary for a cross-country move. Besides affecting the final cost, this is also important because you need to find a company that meets your needs. For example, some movers offer full-service, meaning they provide packing, transportation, and unpacking. Others provide fine-art moving, and you might have a large collection of art. Understanding specific services will help you narrow down the choice.

Get several moving quotes

Once you have a few movers on your list, go ahead and contact them. See what the prices they are offering are. Usually, for early birds, there are special promotions or discounts. This comes in handy if you want to move on a budget or you have some special request for relocation. You will definitely get different quotes, but that is just fine. The reason for asking for several prices is because, at this starting point, you only need to get a general idea about moving costs and know the average price. It will help you later in the process to decide which company to choose.

Step 2: Compare

So, you have surfed the internet, you wrote down some interesting offers, now what? Compare the offers. Check what the advantages are of each company and how it fits in your plan. There’s certainly going to be a lot of doubts. Yet, that is normal. You shouldn’t stress while planning a relocation. Just remember why you are doing it. You are starting a new page in your life and, normally, your commercial moving requires some more time. All the good things do. So, see it from the other point of view and forget stress. A new state means new opportunities, new employment opportunities, and a new lifestyle. Continue with focusing your attention on important tasks to have a smooth relocation. Now, that list already contains several names and offers. After you set your priorities, it’s easier to reach your goals.

Step 3: Schedule an appointment

Discuss the details with the manager

A Handshake
You need to hire a professional moving company

Names and offers are on the paper, now it’s time to call them to set up a meeting. Make an appointment to assess your belongings and to provide a more detailed quote and services. You can also ask to visit their office. If the moving company refuses or requests to do it online, that is a red flag. The moving company should have a physical address and that should be clearly put on the website. If the problem appears at the very beginning−just cross that company off of your list. They should also provide an onsite-estimate to view your home and know exactly what to expect when the moving day comes. What would be next? Payment method is possible only with the cash? They don’t have their own moving trucks? Forget about it. Moving companies are there to make your relocation easier, not to make things worse. You need a professional company which is in business long enough to know the small tips and tricks.

Ask away

Ask all the questions that you have related to hiring long distance movers. That is why you need to have a clear vision of what you would like to do beforehand. Any doubts and remarks should be mentioned and answers provided by the company. If you do not know the difference between the Full Value Protection and Released Protection plan, the company’s representative should explain it to you. Which plan understands the safety of the whole shipment? Is insurance your number 1 priority when hiring a moving company? These are just some of the things you need to pay attention to when choosing a moving company. Don’t be shy to ask away and ask all the details of the move to make sure you are hiring the right long distance movers.

Pay attention to their customer service

Now that you’ve had some fair share of research, quotes, and overall movers’ operations, take a moment and replay how they responded to you. Was one representative snappy and didn’t have the patience to answer your questions, but another was polite and had all the patience of this world? Have they gone above and beyond to assist with your concerns and provide the best customer service? This is an important factor to consider, especially when moving to a whole new country.

Additional advice on hiring long distance movers

We would like to draw your attention to some more special things. For example, if you want to save some money, plan your relocation in the low season period, but not only that. Never choose the beginning, nor the end of the month for the relocation. Avoid weekends and plan the relocation during the week, if possible. Take enough time in advance to plan every detail to the bits. Always hire observant professionals who have a lot of experience in the business. Talk to your friends and family about choosing the best moving company for your antique moving. This is not a simple decision and you need to be fully prepared.

A Cup
What do you need to do now?

In the end, all that is left to say is that you shouldn’t forget about Consumer Rights and Responsibilities. If there’s something that you are not sure of, check your moving rights. In case of damage, you need to know that you have 9 months to file a claim. Much more information can be found here. So, take your time, prepare in advance as already mentioned several times, and do not worry. You have all the information you need. Make your decision in peace when hiring long distance movers. Dorothy and Martha are here to help with your move, and you can contact us today to get a moving quote. Enjoy the ride and be happy about the relocation itself. Happy moving!

P.S. Don’t forget to take some pictures!

 

How to Pack Plants for Moving

Plants lovers don`t relocate without their leafy friends and that is a fact. Nurturing a plant is sometimes hard, but the love you give and receive is wonderful. Plants turn your place into a home as soon as you bring them in, so we completely understand your need to relocate them with you. That is why we have created this simple, yet very useful guide on how to pack plants for moving. We normally advise you to seek the help of reliable moving companies Brooklyn if you are having any troubles whatsoever, but the truth is the plants are all yours for relocation, and we will now see why.

Packing Plants for Moving

Decide which plants you will relocate first

If you have plenty of plants, note that you will be transporting all of them in a car with you. So, there is a chance some of the plants will get left behind. Make a list of plants that you will relocate to your new home. If you are moving to a place with a different climate, research whether your plants can withstand different conditions. If they cannot be relocated, it is best that you simply give them to someone. Choose a person who is a plant lover, and who will take good care of your plants.

Check the regulations of the state you are moving into

Another reason why you may not be able to relocate your plants is the law. Check out the laws prohibiting certain plants as relocating plants is the easiest way to spread plant diseases. Many states have strict policies about what plants you should never relocate, so do this first. Once again, a friend or a family member who will be happy to take your plants is the best solution.

Prepare your plants for relocation several weeks in advance

The process of packing and relocating plants is not that simple. You need to start with the preparation three weeks in advance, in order to give your plants, the best shot at surviving the trip. Plants are extremely sensitive and any change in temperature can affect them. However, with the right preparation, you will be able to relocate them safely.

Three weeks before the relocation

In this period, you should repot all the plants you plant to relocate. Carefully take them out from the ceramic or any other pots, and repot them into the plastic ones. Plastic pots are perfect for moving, as they will hardly ever break.

Two weeks before the relocation

Prune all the dead leave off of your plants. The less excess leaves they have, the better are the chances that they will survive the trip. Although it may not seem like it, plants really do need a lot of energy to remain alive during the relocation. So, the less unnecessary leaves and branches they have, the better.

One week before the relocation

Check your plants for any insects or pests. If necessary, or if in doubt call your florist and see whether the plants need medication of some sort. Also, a florist will give you the best advice for relocating a certain type of plant as well.

Two days before the relocation

Water the plants. Make sure not to use too much water, but enough that they do not dry out before the relocation. Also, if you overwater them this can leave you stains in your car. But, the most important thing is that your plants are hydrated during the entire relocation.

The moving day

Packing Plants in the Moving Boxes

The moving day has come and also the time for you to pack plants for moving. Plants are fairly easy to pack, you will just need several moving boxes Brooklyn and old newspapers. Place the plants inside the moving boxes, making sure that the size is appropriate. You will not close the top of the box, or seal the boxes as you would normally do. Plants need air to breathe so you will leave the top open.

If there is any space left inside the moving box, just fill it with crumpled newspaper. This will prevent the plants from shifting too much in your car. You can also use newspaper or any light piece of linen to cover the plants if the sun is too strong. This will provide another level of protection, and increase your chances of successful plant relocation.

In the car

Long distance movers Brooklyn rarely ever accept to relocate plants because they cannot guarantee that the conditions will be good for the plants. So, you need to relocate them on your own, and usually in your car. You should take your plants and place them in the back seat of your car. Adjust the temperature so that the plants can breathe, and it is not too cold or hot. During the trip, don`t forget about the plants. Readjust the moving boxes if necessary, make sure that the sun is not shining directly at them. Do whatever you think will make the trip easier for them

Will you be making night stops?

Sometimes the relocation in your car can last for several days. If you need to spend a night at a hotel, make sure that you do not leave your plants in the night in your car. When the temperature is too hot, or cold, this can negatively affect your plants.

After the relocation

When the relocation is finally over, make sure to take out the plants first. After all, they are living organisms and deserve all the attention they can have. So, take them out and enter them in your new home. After you unpack all the other moving boxes, you can find them a perfect place where they will be positioned permanently, but for now, it is important that they are in the environment that suits them.

Packing plants for relocation is not complicated, but it demands time and attention and all the love you can give them. This will all pay off when you take just one look at your plants in your new home. Good luck!

How to Negotiate with Local Moving Companies?

Moving can turn out to be quite an expensive undertaking. There are plenty of things you need to do, and plenty of them you need to pay for. While you cannot avoid paying the deposit or rent for your new apartment, there is a way to lower the costs of your relocation. With the right techniques, you will be able to negotiate with local moving companies like an expert, don`t worry. And you should not stop here, there are plenty of ways in which you can lower down the relocation costs. All it takes is a bit of time and goodwill.

Ask directly for a discount

One of the best and most straightforward options is to ask directly for a discount. And, don`t be shy, moving companies are well aware that they will attract more customers if they give you a discount. They are specifically more inclined to provide you with a solid discount if you have already used their moving services Brooklyn. So, if you have moved in the past with a specific moving company, ask them if they have a discount for returning customers. In most cases, they will be happy to lower the price.

Asking for Discounts

Use a referral

Another option is to have a discount on referral. If your friends or family members have moved with a certain moving company, just tell them that you contacted them due to a referral. Once again, most moving companies Brooklyn will be glad to give you a discount in this way.

Check out their website as well

Sometimes you don`t even have to negotiate with local moving companies for a discount as the moving company will offer it on their own. So, if you take a good look at the companies` websites, contact the ones which offer a discount as a promotion.

Compare several moving companies and ask them to beat the price

Choosing the right moving company requires a bit of research. You need to compare local movers (three to five moving companies) and get moving quotes Brooklyn from at least three of them. If you want to get the best results, it is best to include the same details in your quest. The same number of items, the same location, requests, dates of relocation, etc. Once you get your moving estimates, you will be able to negotiate with local moving companies.

Before Your Negotiate With Movers, Compare Few of Them

If you prefer a moving company that costs more than the others, ask them to beat the price. Tell them that a different moving company offered you a lower price, and see if they can match it. Every moving company wants to keep you as a client, so don`t be reluctant to do this. It is worth a shot.

Let them know if you have a flexible schedule

It is no secret that relocation can cost you more if you are moving during the peak season. The busiest months of the year are May to September. So, if you are moving in a different period you will be able to get a discount more easily. Also, weekends tend to be busy as well, so if you are able to move during the working days, it would be excellent. And the third option is to move in the middle of the month. Most people move at the beginning or at the end of the month. This leaves little space for negotiation, as movers simply have too much work at their hands. Instead, show them that you are flexible and ask for a discount.

Don`t get discouraged if they turn you down

Perhaps the first reaction from your movers will be negative. And this is something you need to be prepared for. If possible, movers will not give you a discount, but this does not mean that you should get discouraged. Just wait for a few days, and ask them again. Maybe this time they will be in a better mood or you will talk to a different assistant. But they will definitely see that you want to hire them as a moving company and that you are really serious about it. So, they will be inclined to give you a discount on their services.

What are other ways in which you can lower the final moving cost?

As we already mentioned, there are plenty of ways in which you can lower the moving costs as well. Next to negotiation with local movers, you can also make some changes in your relocation plan.

Call Friends to Help You Lower Your Moving Cost

Call friends to help you

Hiring local movers means that you will pay for all the services that you need during the relocation. In order to reduce the number of services, and the final cost, it is time that you call some reliable friends to help you. Your friends or family members can help you with packing, assembling, and disassembling furniture, and other things. You can agree that this will significantly lower the cost of relocation.

You can also ask your reliable people to babysit your kids on a moving day, as you will definitely have to hire a sitter. The only difference is that you know that reliable local movers will show up and help you, whereas with friends it is not always the case. So, make sure to rely only on really good friends.

Declutter, declutter, declutter

Lightening the load that you will relocate will significantly lower your relocation bill. Think twice before packing your items, especially when packing fragile items. Go through every item you own and ask yourself whether you actually need it. Although it is a local move, there is no need to relocate items that will not fit in the style of your new place. Not to mention the items that broken, or useless, and the ones that you are not using anymore. You can donate, sell on a garage sale, or throw away everything you don`t need. Think of this relocation as spring cleaning. You will only take what you need and start your new life without the excess items that no one really ever uses.

What Not to Pack When Moving?

While you need to pack everything you own when moving, there are some things that you need to be careful about. Especially if you are hiring full-service movers for your relocation. There is a list of forbidden items that movers will not move. It is not that they do not want to, it is that they cannot guarantee that the items will not get damaged during the relocation. And, of course, if you are moving internationally, you need to abide by the laws of the country you are moving to. We will now see what items it is better not to pack when moving.

What not to pack when moving?

Plants and animals

Cat in the Moving Box

Plants and animals are the first `items` that you should not pack when moving. Moving companies Brooklyn do not allow moving and storing of these living organisms, as they cannot survive the conditions of the relocation. If you want to move your pets and plants, you need to do it on your own. Plants are quite ungrateful for moving internationally because they are usually forbidden in other states. The reason for this is that various pests and diseases can be transported in this way. Instead of moving them, we advise that you give them as a present to a plant or pet lover among your friends and family members.

Perishable items

Remember Not To Pack Perishables

By perishable items we mostly mean food. No mover is going to accept transporting frozen, or fresh food. Sometimes they may accept canned food, though. Make sure to ask them about the food moving policy before the moving day comes. The reason why food is not desirable when moving is that it can quickly spoil and develop odors that attract insects. So, in order to avoid damaging adjacent items and any other problem, don`t pack food when moving. Instead, try to use up all of your food supplies before the moving day. This will save you tons of money, as well, as many people start ordering food in the days before relocation.

Highly valuable items

Jewelry

While you may hire the most reputable movers on Earth, the most valuable items you own are the safest with you. Items such as jewelry, expensive electronics, not to mention money and credit cards, must always be within your hand reach. You can add family heirlooms to the list as they have a sentimental value that must be respected. If you want to transport the items worth more than $100 per pound, you need to inform your movers about it. There is a special form that needs to be filled out in this case, and you will need to pay a premium for insurance. However, we highly advise you to keep the most valuable items next to you at all times.

Hazardous materials, or simply Hazmat items

There are some items that we use on an everyday basis in our households which are considered Hazmat. You would never guess that a tiny thing such as nail polish is forbidden from transporting. Hazardous items are items that can explode, corrode, or are flammable under certain conditions. That is why you should definitely not pack them when moving. Here is a brief list of Hazardous items that you should not pack:

  • Corrosives
  • Ammonia 
  • Nail polish remover
  • Bleach
  • Aerosols
  • Gasoline
  • Paint
  • Charcoal
  • Lighters

Ammunition and firework, etc.

For a complete list of items that your movers will not move, we recommend that you speak to your movers. They will give you exact information on which items they do not accept.

You should not pack items that you no longer use when moving

The total weight of your items directly impacts the final bill of relocation. In other words, the more items you have, the pricier the relocation will be. So, if you declutter your items a few weeks before the relocation, you will save a lot of money, and get rid of the items you don`t need. It is a win-win situation, so don`t be too sentimental when deciding what to leave behind.

If you have duplicate items such as toasters, hairdryers, and other appliances, just leave the ones in better condition. Don`t bother relocating broken and useless items that cannot be fixed. Furthermore, you should think at least twice before relocating your furniture. If the price of the item surpasses the price of the relocation, then it is better to leave the item behind.

What to do with items that you cannot pack for relocation?

Organize a Sale for Items You Should Not Pack When Moving

There are several ways in which you can deal with the items that you will not relocate. Whichever way you choose, it is perfectly fine.

  • Donate the items – There are so many people in need and a lot of charities that you can donate to. Most of them will organize a pick up of the items, so you really do not have to lift a finger. It is a noble way to say goodbye to your items.
  • Give them to your friends and families – Plants, and family heirlooms are perfect for this occasion. If you know that some members of your family would be delighted to have something of yours, feel free to give it to them as a gift.
  • Sell the itemsOrganize a yard sale, or sell the items online. Whatever you choose, make sure to be positive, and ready to bargain. This is a great way to earn a few bucks before relocating.
  • Throw the items away – Sometimes the only solution is to throw the items into the garbage bin. If you cannot fix something, or the items cannot be transported, just throw it away and don`t think about it anymore.

What items should you pack when moving?

We have seen what items are forbidden, and what items you should not pack when moving. On the other hand, you should pack all the items that you love and use on an everyday basis. You are relocating your entire life, so this is a perfect opportunity to only take what you love with you. Good luck!

 

How to compare local movers?

So, you’re thinking about moving. When it comes to moving, selecting a good moving company is one of the most important things you could do. You don’t want to stumble across a moving scam in Brooklyn, right? It’s very important to be very careful when it comes to selecting the right moving company for you. Of course, you have to compare local movers before you decide on which one you’ll use to move. Various moving companies have various things to offer you! And of course, a good moving company will help you no matter what, but if you can tailor it to your needs, why not?

Comparing Local Movers
You’ll have to spend a lot of time comparing and contrasting your local movers.

Of course, you want nothing but the best local movers in Brooklyn. Feel free to take as much time to go over your moving companies as you need. That’s basically to be expected, especially if you want to have the best moving experience.

Compare local movers by price

Sale Symbols
Don’t be fooled by ‘one day only’ offers! That’s a good tactic to get you to agree impulsively.

There’s no shame when it comes to shopping around for the best local movers. You can totally ask several moving companies for their moving quote! Of course, an in-house moving quote is far more accurate than a moving quote via the phone. Because when the movers see exactly what they’re going to be moving, they can give you a better estimate. Many movers will give you a moving estimate for free! Not to mention, if you book it early enough you might have excellent new deals to help your move go right! There’s no shame in looking around for the perfect kind of discount.

Don`t forget to ask everything you want to know

Of course, once the moving company sends experts to your home to assess everything you need to be moved, you can take a moment to ask them any questions you might have. What better time to ask any questions than when you’re faced with the experts? Of course, just asking a moving company for an estimate doesn’t mean you have to hire their services! You would need to get everything in writing anyway – that’s extremely important. Don’t agree on anything that isn’t in writing!

Know the types of moving estimates

It is important to know that not every moving estimate is the same. Become acquainted with the differences so that you can express exactly what you want.

Calculate Your Moving Costs
The best local moving company in Brooklyn will not hesitate to give you an accurate estimate

Binding moving estimate

A binding moving estimate is the type of estimate where you get the final price based on the weight of your items, hours of work, etc. This is great, as you will avoid unpleasant surprises, however, there is a flow to it. If your items weigh less on a moving day, you will still have to pay for the estimated price.

Non-binding moving estimate

If your movers offer only this type of estimate, we recommend you to find a different moving company. It is an estimated price, which can change on a moving day. So, if they did not calculate the final price well, you may end up paying more than what you expected.

Binding not-to-exceed estimate

This is a combination of the previous two options, and it is very suitable. If your items weigh less than the original price you will pay less. But, on the other hand, if they weigh more, you will not pay extra money.

Think about how logical the price sounds

If the price sounds too good to be true….maybe it is. Of course, everyone wants to look for the best deals they can get, but you have to be reasonable.

If every single company offers around 150$ for a move, but this specific company offers 50$, something might be wrong. Use critical thinking! You don’t want to be scammed, right? You need to look in detail to see what costs what. Is it a reasonable price for what you’re getting? If you’re unsure, then look at independent reviews just in case! Don’t be afraid to analyze exactly what costs what, and ask as many questions as you could possibly think of. You’re spending your money, after all. There really are no stupid questions when it comes to something as important as moving.

Check for additional fees

Often, when you receive a moving quote, it does not include the price of additional fees. These fees are charged if you live in a building without an elevator, or you forgot to reserve a parking space near your home. Make sure that you ask each mover what are the additional services and how much do they cost.

Compare local movers by their reviews

Moving Planner
You might have to start writing things down.

Looking at moving reviews from independent review sites is crucial. You should read up on them, and see what kind of common things they share. Does everyone have a common complaint? That complaint will probably happen to you. Just look at common things, and see what’s important to you. You might have to spend more time than you intended on doing this, but you shouldn’t feel discouraged.

Nobody is perfect

Do most people have a lot to say about their professionalism? Does everyone say they’re incredibly honest? Odds are they are. Of course, one or two bad reviews could be a fluke or people with a grudge. Most reviews being bad, however, is quite a bad sign. You should trust your gut, though. Of course, if you have any kind of suspicions, it’s totally okay to refuse the offer no matter how good it might seem.

Beware of fake reviews though

Pro tip: Beware of fake moving reviews. You can come across positive but also negative fake moving reviews. Luckily, they are easy to spot as they are usually written in an unnatural way a normal person would never use. Too much praise or critics is a sign of fake moving reviews.

Recommendations are a perfect way to compare local movers

If you have friends or families who have recently moved, you will hear the first-hand experience and decide on the perfect mover easier. Since we are talking about a local move, chances are that several of your acquaintances have used the services of moving companies.

Compare local movers by their customer service

Compare Local Movers by Customer Service
The customers reviews can tell you most about the service quality of your movers

Your movers should be more than happy to answer all of your questions. They should also have a license, which they should be more than willing to share. A good, solid professional will have a presence on the internet with independent reviews on a site like Yelp, as well as a solid, professional website. You should feel safe to ask anything you want – there are no stupid questions!
You might want to ask them for their license, and any questions about their crew and equipment you might have.

  • What about their crew? You might want to know if their crew are sub-contracted or not.
  • What kind of people are you letting into your house? It’s easy to compare long distance Brooklyn movers once you have a few companies to work with.
  • What is their return policy like?
  • What about their evaluation policy? Depending on what you’re moving, you might want to spring for higher value coverage. Look at how much their standard insurance package pays out, and if it would be worth it to buy higher insurance.

Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification on anything.

  • Why is that the price? What is included in the price? Will that be the final price? Will you have to pay extra? For what?
  • Ask about their services. So, do you want their storage services? What about something more specific?
  • Do you need any special services like moving fine art in Brooklyn?

You need to do a lot of research if you require any special services. You can’t compare local movers without taking into account all that you need from a move! Maybe the one with the better deals doesn’t have all the services you want.

Experience matters

When choosing a perfect mover, you want to have someone with tons of experience. Ask the moving company, or read on their site how many years of experience do they have. It is ideal that a local mover that you choose has at least 5 years of experience. In order to verify this, you can ask your potential movers to provide you with letters of recommendations of people with similar relocation needs as you have.

Equipment and staff

A reputable local mover should have high-quality equipment on site. Ask your movers how many moving trucks and other moving equipment they have. Also, ask them whether they perform regular checkups of all of the equipment. The same thing applies to people working for the moving company. Do they go through a thorough training? Or they are just part-time workers with no experience?

We have seen that there are plenty of ways in which you can compare your local movers. At the end of the day, however, all that matters is that your mover can provide you with the best possible service. After finding the right movers you will be able to finally enjoy your relocation and focus on your new life. Good luck!

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