When it comes time to move, many people find the process daunting and overwhelming. Packing and moving companies help take the load off your shoulders by packing up your belongings and transporting them to your new home. However, not all packing and moving companies are created equal. Some will low-ball the time it will take to pack and move your belongings to get your business, only to surprise you with additional charges later on. Others may give you a realistic quote but then try to upsell you on services you don't need.
It's critical to be aware of the following to avoid getting taken for a ride by an unscrupulous packing and moving company:
Packing and moving companies may low-ball the time it will take to pack and move your belongings to get your business.
The different types of packing and moving companies
There are three different packing and moving companies types: full-service, self-service, and portable storage. Full-service packing and moving companies will pack your belongings and transport them to your new home. They typically charge the most for their services, but they offer the most peace of mind. If you're worried about damaging your belongings in transit, a full-service packing and moving company is best.
Self-service packing and moving companies will provide you with packing materials and help you load your belongings onto their truck. You'll be responsible for packing everything up yourself, but you'll save money on labor costs. If you're on a tight budget, a self-service packing and moving company might be the right choice.
Portable storage companies will drop off a storage container at your home. You'll have a certain amount of time to pack your belongings and load them into the container. Once you're finished, the portable storage company will pick up the container and transport it to your new home. Portable storage is a good option if you're not in a hurry to move or need extra time to pack everything up.
Choosing the proper packing and moving company depends on your budget, timeline, and comfort level. Self-service packing and moving companies are the most affordable option if you're on a tight budget. If you're worried about your belongings in transit, full-service packing and moving companies offer the best protection for your belongings. And if you're not in a hurry to move or need extra time to pack, portable storage companies can provide flexibility.
Avoid being taken advantage of
When packing and moving, it's essential to do your research and choose a packing and moving company that's right for you. Avoid being taken advantage of by getting multiple quotes, reading the fine print, and having a plan B. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your packing and moving experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
When looking for a packing and moving company, it's crucial to ask for referrals from friends and family. They'll be able to recommend a company that has given them a positive experience. If you don't have any referrals, check online review sites like Yelp or Google Reviews to get an idea of what other people are saying about
Get multiple quotes
When you're packing and moving, it's vital to get multiple quotes from different packing and moving companies to help you compare rates and services to find the best deal. Make sure to get quotes from at least three packing and moving companies before making your final decision.
Read the fine print
When you're packing and moving, read the fine print of your packing and moving contract. Being thorough will help you avoid any hidden fees or charges. Ask about packing materials, storage fees, and transportation costs. Ensure that the packing contract is a binding (flat rate by the hour) contract (not to exceed) so that packers and movers don't charge for more hours than agreed.
Have a plan B — this will help you avoid any stressful surprises
When packing and moving, it's always a good idea to have a plan B. Ensure a backup plan for transportation, storage, and packing materials. If something goes wrong with your packing and moving company, you'll have other options.
Packing and moving can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. You can avoid being taken advantage of by doing your research, getting multiple quotes, reading the fine print, and having a plan B. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your packing and moving experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Read the contract carefully — this will help you avoid any hidden fees or charges
When you're packing and moving, read the fine print of your packing and moving contract. Be sure to ask about packing materials, storage fees, and transportation costs. Make sure that the packing contract is binding.
Don't be afraid to negotiate
Don't be afraid to negotiate when hiring a packing and moving company. If you're not happy with the rates or services, speak up. Packing and moving companies are often willing to negotiate rates and services to get your business. So don't be afraid to ask for a better deal
When packing and moving, it's beware of scammers. Many packing and moving scams can take advantage of unsuspecting victims. Some typical packing and moving scams include:
- Fake packing and moving companies
- Packing and moving companies that overcharge for services
- Packing and moving companies that provide inferior services
- Packing and moving companies that damage or lose your belongings
When packing and moving, find a packing and moving company that you can trust. Here are a few things to look for when hiring a packing and moving company:
- References from friends and family
- Online reviews
- A binding packing and moving contract
- Packing materials included in the price
- Licensed and Insured
Unpack after your delivery
This will help you avoid stress down the road
Once your moving and packing team delivers your belongings to your new home, take the time to unpack and put them away. Here is our moving checklist with a few tips for unpacking your belongings: Moving checklist tips for a smooth move!
Packing and moving can be a stressful experience, but it doesn't have to be. By doing your research, getting multiple quotes, reading the fine print, and having a plan B or C for packing and moving services, you can avoid packing and moving services from taking advantage of you with low-ball quotes. With a little bit of planning, you can make sure your packing and moving experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible!
If you're looking for a moving company in Fort Worth that checks all the boxes, please contact us, Secured Moving Company, LLC! We care for your belongings like they are our own, plus our team is trained to pack with utmost care and efficiency.