The best way to stay on budget is to schedule an in-home moving estimate. While we understand you have a million things to do before moving day, it’s important that a representative from your local moving company get a look inside your home. During the in-home survey, you’ll be able to point out what furniture you want moved so the representative can determine how much labor you’ll need. Keep reading to learn the benefits of getting an in-home moving estimate.
Get an Accurate Estimate
If you live in a two-bedroom (or smaller) apartment, you may be able to get away with an over-the-phone estimate by listing what furniture needs to be moved room-by-room. However, be wary of moving companies that only give estimates over the phone. To get an accurate moving estimate, a representative from the company will need to visit your home. The more rooms you have in your home, the more difficult it’ll be to create an accurate inventory.
To give accurate moving quotes, companies need to know:
- What boxes and furniture need to be moved?
- Are there any challenges for moving items out of your home?
- Are there any challenges for moving items into your new home?
- How far are you moving away?
During your estimate, you’ll be able to walk the representative through each room of your house to point out what needs to go. Since you’ll need moving help for heavy furniture, it’s important that the house movers know where these items are located in your home. For example, your moving company will need to make sure they have enough workers to move furniture out of the basement.
For an accurate estimate, you’ll need to let your apartment movers know if they’ll need to go up two flights of stairs. Moving furniture upstairs and around tight corners can affect the cost of moving services because it adds difficulty to the job. Depending on your apartment building, you may be able to use the service elevator on moving day. However, you’ll need to check with management to see if this is possible.
Ask Questions
An in-home survey is a great opportunity to ask your company representative about what to expect on moving day. The representative has worked with countless people just like you and is familiar with the moving process. They’ll also be able to explain factors that affect cost, like how many furniture movers you’ll need to get the job done by your deadline.
Reputable long distance movers will be licensed and insured. If you are moving out of state, you’ll want to ask your cross country movers what route they plan on taking to reach your destination. A long distance moving company should also be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Avoid Dishonest Moving Companies
Be wary of companies that quote you a price without even asking what furniture you want moved. It’s a red flag when a company doesn’t offer in-home moving estimates. For an accurate moving quote, a representative of the company will need to take a detailed inventory of everything you plan on taking with you to your new home. If your home is bigger than a two-bedroom apartment, you’ll benefit most by showing a company representative what needs to be moved room by room.
Our professional movers work hard so you can start unpacking boxes in your new house as soon as possible. To schedule an in-home moving estimate, call Big Lake Movers in Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo.
