Pros And Cons Of Hiring Professional Movers

Some points to look for are:

• How long have they been in business and do they have a storefront or only a website? If they only have a website, they should give the contact information of previous customers. If they have been in business for less than 10 years, it may be better to find another one.

• Will they give an estimate in writing? They must visit the house before giving an estimate. If they try to give an estimate without seeing the house, they may not be reputable.

• The estimate should include services. Some services cost extra. The person should ask questions and get answers about exactly what the estimate covers.

• The individual should get the Department of Transportation (DOT) and MC license numbers for each company from which they got an estimate. 

Then, they should look online at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website, which is safersys.org to make sure the company is legitimate, has the proper insurance and is allowed to go to the state requested.

The Pros of Hiring a Mover

• A professional mover will save time. They know how to pack quickly, efficiently and safely and leave the homeowner free to do the other tasks that need to be done.

• A professional mover will have insurance. This is extremely important as protection in the event there is an accident or other incident during transit. 

Many moving companies in the U.S. also have liability insurance or a bond to ensure that there is the financial resources available to compensate the homeowner.

• There will be much less work for the person moving. They will still need to supervise the movers, but the stress involved is greatly reduced, and there will be no heavy lifting.

• A professional mover knows how to pack properly. Whatever the item, a professional will know the safest and best way to wrap it and the right materials to use to avoid damage. 

They have been trained in the best methods to wrap and pack glassware, art, china, furniture including taking it apart and putting it back together, sculptures, mirrors and other fragile or oddly-shaped items.

• There is a much better chance that all the items moved will arrive safely and undamaged. Movers are not liable for boxes that they didn’t pack.

• For a long-distance move, a professional company may actually be cheaper than renting a truck.

The Cons of Hiring a Mover

It costs more to hire a professional mover than for the person to do it him or herself. The cost will depend on the type of service, the amount of belongings and the distance of the move. 

Some companies charge by the hour and some give an estimate for a flat fee for the whole job. Packing materials may also cost extra. If the possessions are few and can fit in the back of a pick-up truck, it will definitely be cheaper for the person to do his or her own moving.

The person loses control of the move if they turn it over to a professional. For some people, this may be seen as a con, but if the company is trustworthy, they will look after the belongings and make sure they arrive safely. 

For example, they may make a mess of the family photos that had been so carefully organized. As mentioned before, the person will need to supervise professional movers and can give special instructions to avoid this type of mix-up.

A professional mover may not be careful enough with family heirlooms. Their insurance will replace a refrigerator or TV, but it cannot replace items of sentimental value. These items should be moved by the individual and not left for the movers even if they have a very good reputation.

With a little advanced planning, the pros outweigh the cons for hiring a professional moving company. There are ways the costs can be reduced, but if the individual wants to do the job him or herself, there is no way to reduce the work.