Moving can be one of life s most uncertain and nerve-wracking events and it s no mystery that Fairfield County is a vast and diversified area which boasts a robust selection of residential and commercial real estate. However, how do people manage to find the right property, community and if they should rent or buy and so on. With so many questions to be answered one may seem overwhelmed and unable to ask them all at once.
Research Moving Companies
To start, choosing the right moving company to trust with your life s valuables can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn t have to be if you do your homework. Just like any other industry, there are imitators, frauds and scam artists out there looking to prey upon the uninformed. Without solid reviews, Better Business Bureau and American Moving Association accreditation, the company is not worth your time or money.
In the 21st century it s hard to run and hide if you are an unaccredited business because the world no longer just relies on word of mouth. The best way to find a moving company is to go online and compare them. It is imperative that you review their credentials such as their standing with the Better Business Bureau, whether or not they are members of the American Moving and Storage Association and also their reviews on sites such as Yelp, Angie s list and Google reviews. Taking the time to scan through these reviews can give you a good idea as to what companies are trust worthy and dependable. Word of mouth is still a handy way to get recommendations, as people and companies move on a daily basis. Here at Seamen s we know this to be true, as over 87% of our customers are referred by the toughest of critics: property managers and building superintendents. So by opening up your mouth, there is a good chance you might get some advice that way as well.
Putting your mind at ease
After finding the company you feel most comfortable with your next step would be to inquire about the history of that company. Visiting the company s website helps in discovering how long they have been in business and who some of the key employees are at the moving company. For instance, on our website we introduce you to our sales manager Michael Romano. Websites can also be valuable for finding out if they offer specialty services, for instance moving large, fragile objects like a piano. It s also a good idea to inquire about a whether not a company is licensed and insured. Depending on where you move to, it may be imperative that liability insurance is required. At Seamen s Moving and Storage, we pride ourselves in having the highest level of general liability insurance, so of course we want customers to know this, as would most companies.
Websites are also commonly used to secure testimonials from other customers. Sure, some may say that on the company website the testimonials will be biased but again, if you do your homework first and research a company, you won t waste your time with an incompetent business.
Booking the company
After narrowing down your choices of companies, it is best to book early to ensure flexibility and also the closer you book to the day of the job, the more it could potentially cost. You should immediately contact them to inquire about their availability or any specials/deals they may currently have going on and to schedule an estimate.
There are two types of estimates that moving companies will offer the first of which is a binding estimate. These type of quotes are normally a fixed price and are based off of the mover assessing your goods. Binding estimates are good because it is a concrete price and you know what you are paying before the day of the move. Because of the nature of these quotes, if it is less than the original quote the price will be nonnegotiable. Thus, the name binding estimate. This can work in your favor and against you. Although the shipment might weigh less than the estimate. The price is concrete and the same goes if the weight were to be higher than the estimate.
The other type of quote is a nonbinding estimate. As the name sates, nonbinding means that if the move ends up greater or less than the original quote, the price will get adjusted accordingly. Essentially, a non-binding estimate is a ballpark estimation.
Regardless of the type of estimate you receive, always be sure to obtain a copy of the estimate on the spot and a copy on the day of the move, in order to make sure the prices and fees match up. Always be sure to gather many quotes and compare them in order to get the best deal there is. Seamen s is always here for any questions you may have.