How much does moving cost on average?
If you’re looking to relocate for the first time, there are plenty of things that you should know. The moving industry can be a complicate one without proper guidance. We’ve compiled a proven list of things that you need to know regardless of whether you’re moving locally or embarking on a long distance move.
Declutter Your Space
We know that you have a lot of things that you love. However, you likely also have a lot of things that you rarely use and can get rid of. As you move into your new space, you don’t want to take anything with you that you don’t really need. Do yourself a favor and plan to throw away or donate some of those items at the back of your closet. It will make you feel better, lessen your load on moving day and make it easier for you to keep your new space organized and clean.
Get Started Early
Even though your moving day may seem far away, it is always best to get started as early as you can. Collect things such as moving boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, cargo straps, moving labels, markers and other essentials and start packing up things right away. It is also wise to go over your finances and make sure you have all of your important documents in order. This includes everything from signing your new lease to making sure your utilities are set to be transferred to your new address on time. The sooner you jump into these things, the less stressful moving will be.
Choose Moving Help Wisely
When it comes to conducting your first move, moving help is a beautiful thing. There is a stigma surrounding moving companies. Many people see them as expensive and unnecessary. However, when you choose an experienced, reliable moving company, you can rest assured that you’ll have the best professional movers on your side at an affordable rate. As you begin your search for the moving company that’s right for you, there are certain things that you should look for.
- 1. Credibility: Make sure the company is accredited by both the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These two agencies set the standard for governing the moving industry and provide proof that the company you’re interested in is legit and trustworthy.
- 2. Value experience: While experience isn’t everything, it does matter and serves as the perfect component to give you peace of mind during your move. There’s nothing more reassuring than knowing the moving company you hired has successfully moved hundreds of families before yours and that your household goods are in the right hands.
- 3. Compare Prices: Don’t just settle for the first movers located near your home. Instead, really do some research and compare moving companies so that you get the best possible moving cost deal. While moving doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be if you don’t shop around.
Understand How Insurance Works
This is one of the biggest lessons that first time movers need to learn. In the moving industry, having moving insurance isn’t always the same as having it in other industries. For instance, basic coverage, also known as released value protection, provides only 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items. So, if your items are damaged during the move, you will only be reimbursed a small fraction of the price based on weight. This is the standard moving industry coverage that usually won’t cost you extra. If you’re looking for more protection, ask about Full Coverage or Third Party Insurance options.
Expect Things to Go Wrong
No matter how experienced or qualified a moving company is, there’s always room for things to go wrong. Relocating involves a lot of moving parts and it’s important that you stay calm and resist the urge to panic if there’s a setback. Things such as inclement weather costing a delay are common placed. This is why it is essential that you work with the best moving company that has the expertise and know-how to adapt to changes on the go, while keeping you and your family updated.