Are you super stressed about your upcoming move in Manhattan? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to research conducted by the energy company E.ON, moving is more stressful for people than a relationship breakup, divorce, and starting a new job. But luckily, there are ways to significantly reduce the stress of moving and make your move-in day go as seamlessly as possible.
One such way is to hire professional movers. But things can get complicated fast if you don’t choose the right movers. Hire the wrong movers, and you may find yourself in a nightmarish situation that involves your movers holding your items hostage after tacking on a bunch of additional fees that they “forgot” to mention when you hired them. Hire the right movers, and the moving day process will seem like a breeze. In this article, we’ll discuss how to hire professional movers in Manhattan.
1. Gather Recommendations
The best way to start your search for professional movers in Manhattan is by gathering recommendations from trusted family members, friends, and coworkers. Not only can these people give you advice on which companies to choose, they can also help you gather estimates for how much your move is going to cost. And, they can also warn you about any issues they experienced with movers they’ve hired in the past. But, don’t just gather recommendations from those you know personally. Use online reviews to discern which companies offer the best and most consistent experience to its customers. Google and Yelp are both great places to scour for reviews of the best moving companies in Manhattan. Also, make sure to cross-check all of your recommendations for moving companies with the Better Business Bureau. If the moving company has a number of complaints filed against them, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.
2. Get Several Price Quotes
After you’ve gathered a list of recommendations and cross-checked them with online reviews, you’ll want to make sure you gather price quotes from each moving company on your list. Make sure to ask for these quotes well ahead of your actual move-in date and to get them in writing. Never accept an estimate over the phone. And also, make sure to ask your professional movers whether their price quotes are binding or non-binding. If a mover gives a binding price quote without knowing what you really have, that’s a sign of trouble. Reputable professional movers will want to know the quality of furniture, the approximate number of boxes, and the amount of things that need to get taken apart before offering a binding price quote.
3. Make Sure Your Inventory is Accurate
Most moving companies will either send an estimator to your apartment or office in advance of the move date or ask you to fill out an inventory online. This will make it easy for the mover to learn about all of your items, as well as remind you of any items to mention that need special handling. Also, make sure the professional movers are aware of any special circumstances that might make the move difficult. For example, if the mover might have a hard time finding parking at your place, they may charge an extra fee for having to park far away. Being upfront about any potential issues will help prevent surprise additional fees at the end.
4. Get the Details on Your Flat Rate Quote
While the estimator is sizing up your stuff, you’ll want to get a full picture of their moving company. Some things you’ll want to find out include:
- The company’s full name, address, and phone number
- Contact information and names for the moving company’s references
- Company’s website information
- Ask for the booklet, “Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” created by the U.S. Department of Transportation. It’s the official rule book for interstate movers and movers are required to provide it to you by law.
- How long the moving company has been in business
5. Review the Estimate
Once the professional movers hand over their estimates, there are a few things you’ll want to look for besides the price. It should also have the mover’s signature and the date at the bottom of the page. And, if it’s an interstate move, the estimate should thoroughly detail the number of the goods your shipping as well as the type, the distance of the move, and any additional services the movers are providing (such as packing). For moves within the state in which you can’t get a binding estimate, make sure the document includes hourly rates as well as additional costs for supplies, tolls, and driving time.
6. Check for Licenses and Insurance
Yes, unfortunately, there are movers out there who offer their services without the license to do so. Make sure the moving companies you get quotes from are properly licensed and fully insured. You can also get the status of the company by calling the FMCSA.
7. Select a Mover
Once you’ve gathered all of this information, it’s time to select your top choice. Just remember, while it can be tempting to pick a company based on price alone, reputation is a huge factor worth considering. Your moving day will already be stressful enough, and the last thing you need is a difficult company adding to the stress of the day.
Hiring Professional Movers: Wrap Up
We hope this article has given you a thorough understanding of what you need to do when hiring professional movers in Manhattan. Of course, we’re aware that the right movers aren’t the only thing you’ll have on your mind on the big day. A lot of people have pets they’re worried about as well. For tips on dealing with pets on moving day, click here. If you’re convinced, ask us for a quote using our quote request form. It’s three easy steps, and most people make it through in less than 10 minutes.
