It doesn’t matter if you have moved a lot or not, hiring long distance movers in the Los Angeles area can be quite daunting. Moving household or your business is stressful and putting everything you own into someone else’s hands might seem like an impossible thing to do. But it shouldn’t be. You might think that you don’t need any help when relocating, but you are most likely wrong. When it comes to relocating, you will need a lot of time just to prepare yourself and your loved ones for the transition. Adjusting to the new circumstances isn’t easy, and dealing with the hard work that moving process brings can become unbearable.
Hire a professional moving company
Yes. This is the right way to deal with the transition. Professional movers will save you a lot of time and money. You will need to make a plan, create a budget, prepare your belongings, transfer documents, etc. And where are you in this process? No one needs that kind of pressure in their lives, believe us. If you are already feeling anxious – bare yourself – it is just the beginning. That is the main reason why hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles is the way to go.
What to look for
You will need a reliable mover to take care of your relocation. That’s where we come in. Hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles might seem like a nightmare, but if you follow our simple guide – you will do it with ease!
- Ask for references. When you are hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles, ask your friends, colleagues and family members for advice. There is no easier way to hire a mover than if you already know that the company of your choice is a reliable one.
- Look for online reviews. But, be careful. Fake reviews can be easily generated these days. Pay attention to other sites, not only official ones.
- The legal check comes first. If you are looking for a reliable mover, the best way to avoid scams and con artists is to check their licenses. If they don’t have one – go in the other direction.
- Look for the red flags. If anything seems funny or weird, it probably is. Believe your inner self, and continue your search in the other direction.
- Check out the company’s offices and vehicles. Again, if something doesn’t fit your image of a reliable mover – don’t look away.
What are the makings of a good moving company
Experience
Just like at the job interview, hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles should be based on the company’s experience. If the company has many years of experience, it is most likely they will handle your relocation with ease. 10+ years in the field? Great! It doesn’t matter how complex your relocation seems, an experienced mover has the knowledge to deal with it.
Professionalism
You want your belongings to be safe at all times. This requires a certain level of professionalism. When you are hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles, look for ones that fully satisfy your criteria. You are searching for a highly trained team of movers that will handle your possessions with care. But don’t worry – this feature can be determined easily. Just by talking to your potential hiree, you will decide if they fit your picture of a reliable mover.
Safety
When you are letting someone else take care of your personal belongings, you must make sure that they are safe at all times. And when you are hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles, search for ones that will handle your possessions with care. Ask for insurance options and policies. This can be a bit pricey, but it will pay out in the long run. If you have an insurance policy that covers your relocation, even if anything goes wrong, you will be compensated.
Your security should come first
What to do when hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles
Do your research. Don’t hire the first mover that comes to your mind. Make a comparison between a few moving companies, before making your final decision. Keep in mind that the price isn’t the only parameter when choosing the right mover for the job. Everything should fall into a consideration: trucks, hygiene, staff, customers service, logistics team, price, services, accessibility, etc.
When you finish your initial screening, you should end up with at least 3 to 5 moving companies to choose from. This task shouldn’t be taken for granted. Make a list of benefits and downsides of every company that you are reviewing. Look for the red flags. Hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles can last longer than you initially expected – but it’s better safe than sorry!
Look for the red flags
Ask for an estimate
As you narrow down your search, and the relocation day comes closer, you should get an in-home estimate from at least 2 different moving companies. This way you will know if somebody is overcharging, or if the offer you get is real. If you’re planning a long distance move, ask movers for a written binding estimate or, even better, a binding not-to-exceed estimate. This way, you will know exactly how much are you expected to pay for their services. And the good news is – most moving companies will offer a free estimate.
The cost of your relocation should be based on the weight of the items you’re moving, the distance of the move, and the amount of time the move will take. Negotiating the price is possible, but not always and not with every mover. The main concern when negotiating the price is to make sure there are no hidden fees and costs.
Try to calculate the costs of your relocation by yourself
You want everything taken into consideration
Show your estimator everything! If you want something to be moved― make sure your movers know it! This will give your hirees a much better picture of the complexity of the move, and you will get an accurate price. If you are planning on moving everything from your current address to a new one make sure you don’t forget anything. Let your estimator check your drawers, closet, kitchen counters, attic, basement, backyard, etc. In one word – everything.
When you are hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles, you should pick a moving company that you can trust. You will need to let them into your home, and show them everything. And before you do so, make sure they are trustworthy. Also, if you want your movers to respect the deal you make, you must do the same. If you significantly change the number of items, you plan on relocating – the same can happen with the price.
Make a list of your requests, and try to validate at least 3 different movers
Don’t sign a blank document
Over the time con artists have perfected their scams, and most people make the same mistake. Make sure you aren’t one of them. If a mover suggests you sign a blank paper or a shady deal – run the other way. Signing any document should be something serious, and obligating, so make sure you have thought it through. This will save you a lot of money and stress when hiring long distance movers Los Angeles.
If someone asks you to sign a blank paper, something is wrong
Order of service
After the first estimator visit and once you’ve agreed to the deal you’ve got, you should receive an order for service. This is an official contract between you and the moving company. It will provide you with information about the relocation itself and the terms of the contract.
This document represents your agreement that the mover can move your things. So make sure you read this document carefully. If you disagree with something the mover has entered, tell them. This is your time to negotiate and to ensure that you’re getting optimal service.
Compare the offers you have got
If the price you are offered is too low – something is probably not right. And if the bid is too high, don’t be shy to ask where the extra costs are coming from. Ask questions, negotiate and try to get a better deal. Most moving companies will lower the rates they’ve given you to prevent losing you to their competitors. Also, try to be flexible. If you are ready to be flexible with the relocation date, there is a much greater chance you will get yourself a better deal. Use every trick you have up your sleeve when hiring long distance movers Los Angeles. Everybody negotiates – so why shouldn’t you?
Compare offers from at least 2 different moving companies before hiring long distance movers
Red flags
- If the company’s name, address, or telephone numbers aren’t the same ones the movers gave you – something isn’t right.
- If the company isn’t registered with the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, you should look for another one.
- It isn’t a good idea to hire a moving company that has been in business less than 5 years.
- Ask if they hire their workers or do they employ temporary labor. If they hire temporary labor – they are probably not experienced enough.
- The people you are trusting to handle all of your belongings should be reliable. Ask if a company does a background check and drug screen their employees.
- If your mover is not insured then your personal belongings are also not insured. If anything gets broken or missing – what can you do in this situation?
Bill of Lading and Inventory Sheet
These are the most important documents that you’ll receive after hiring long distance movers Los Angeles. You will receive them on a moving day, and it will outline your agreement of the move. An inventory sheet should list everything that the movers are going to relocate. They will be filled out by the movers as they remove things from your house. Every reliable mover will present you with this documents – they are obligated by law. You will need to sign them, stating that you agree to the terms of the relocation. Make sure you read this document carefully and then do it once more. The terms and conditions of your relocation should be the same ones you previously agreed upon, and you should be careful not to sign something else. Make sure that the fees match your previous deal. The mover should also sign this legal document and give you a copy. The bill of lading is your official record of the relocation and your receipt.
Inspect the paperwork, before signing anything
Summary
Many people encounter anxiety when hiring long distance movers Los Angeles, but if you follow our guide you should end up with a positive experience. If you don’t know who to hire yet – don’t panic! We are well aware that long distance moving isn’t an easy job to take on – and most importantly – Moving Beverly Hills is at your service! If you need some advice when moving, we can deliver. Our main goal is to fully inform our readers when moving, and our expertise and knowledge in this field allow us to do just that! We are happy to provide you with all the information needed.
Hiring long distance movers in Los Angeles is a daunting task, but you can do it
You will have to focus on many tasks when moving long distance, but hiring long distance movers Los Angeles shouldn’t be one of your worries. Relax, take a deep breath. Stop for a second. Think about everything once more. No problem is as big as it seems at first sight. Believe in yourself, and after a while, the solution will present itself. We hope this article has helped you avoid some mistakes that occur when moving.
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