Moving to Jupiter, North Palm Beach or the Treasure Coast? Here’s How to Find the Right Moving Company.

You’ve found the perfect Jupiter home, now all you have to do is call the movers, right? While most moves go relatively smoothly, unfortunately, there can be some bumps in the road. That’s why it’s so important to hire the right moving company.

Avoiding the Wrong Moving Company

Hiring a moving company can save you time, hassle and worry. Ultimately, you want your belongings to arrive to your new home on time and in the same condition that they left your previous home. Some of the biggest concerns, when it comes to hiring a mover are that valuables will be damaged or boxes lost. These are valid fears, but there are also other issues to keep in mind.

If you don’t choose a reputable, licensed moving company, you might be putting yourself at risk for scams. Two of the most common are requiring high deposits and then not showing up on moving day and quoting a low price and then holding your belongings hostage until high fees are paid. With a little diligence, you can avoid scams and mishaps.

Doing Your Homework

Before hiring a moving company, check out their website and ensure that they have a local address and licensing information available. It’s also a good idea to look for any reviews, so that you can ensure that you’re working with reputable movers.

Different moving companies specialize in different services. Some are strictly local, while others focus mainly on state to state moves. Some companies even offer services just for those moving to and from apartments and condos. Scope out movers who are experienced with the type of move you’ll be making.

Legitimate moving companies will take an inventory of your belongings before providing an estimate. Generally, they’ll complete an on-site inspection and the estimate will be based on projected weight. If you have any questions, be sure to ask during the walk through. Reputable moving companies will not require a large cash deposit before moving. When you do pay, use a credit card, if possible, to protect you from fraudulent activity.

If you are seriously considering a certain moving company, check them out with the Better Business Bureau. Though membership is voluntary, many moving companies are members of the American Moving and Storage Association who can provide more information on moving best-practices. Local movers may also be members of the Florida Pro Movers Association. Moving companies should also readily supply their U.S. Department of Transportation and Motor Carriers license numbers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a database of licensed and insured moving companies.

Deciding on the Right Moving Company

Before you make your final decision, inquire about any additional fees. For example, if you are moving to or from a condo on the upper floor or on a dirt road, you may incur additional costs. All fees should be provided in writing, as should pick up and delivery dates. When you review your contract, make sure that all services and belongings are listed. The words “written binding estimate” should be included in the document, which should also be signed and dated by a representative of the moving company. If you receive a non-binding estimate, you could end up paying much more that you expected, so diligent when reviewing all terms.

If you’ve received multiple bids, it’s completely acceptable to negotiate, in order to get the best possible rate for the service that you’re after. Most movers will be willing to work with you to make sure that you are happy with them.

You have some options when it comes to the way you’d like your move to be handled. When you opt for a full-service move, the moving company will pack your belongings for you. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative, or would rather do your own packing, make sure that everything is packed and ready to go before the movers arrive, so that you aren’t paying for wasted time. All boxes should be clearly marked. Furniture items with drawers, like dressers and desks, should be emptied, and contents packed, unless you’ve been instructed to do otherwise by the moving company. Keeping items in drawers could lead to damage and will make it harder for movers to efficiently mover your belongings. Certain items like cash, jewelry or medications should be packed in advance and transported with you, if at all possible.

Keep in mind that you’ll expected to be available on moving day, so plan to stay put or tell the movers if you’ll be leaving. There is usually no need to watch over their shoulders, but you should be around in case a question arises. It is also customary to tip movers at a rate of 10-15% of the move total. While not mandatory, many people keep snacks and water available to help movers do their job quickly and efficiently.

Hopefully like most, your move will be a smooth one, but if it’s not, you have 9 months to report any problems and file an insurance claim. Since this timeframe is firm, it’s advisable to open all of your boxes as soon as you can and be on the lookout for any damage. Open whatever boxes that you can on moving day so that you can document any issues on the final bill before it’s signed. A moving company has 30 days to acknowledge the receipt of your claim or offer to pay.

Still Looking for Your Dream Home?

If you’re planning a move to the Jupiter area, the team at Lillian Realty Group can help you find the perfect home. We help people buy, sell and rent homes in Jupiter Farms, Juno Beach, North Palm Beach, Stuart and along the Treasure Coast. We’d be glad to answer any questions that you may have about Jupiter real estate, how to hire a moving service and the moving process. Contact us today to get started!