Over my 40+ years in this world, I’ve moved a lot – 8 times, to be exact. Moving to a new place is NOT easy. Even if you’re moving somewhere local, packing everything you own and getting out of dodge takes time, money, and resources.
After five moves, the last three have been with a moving company—and I’m thrilled I haven’t had to run the show myself. The key is finding a great moving company; that was Fox Moving. The Fox moving company operates in Charlotte, Chatanooga, Atlanta, Nashville, and Knoxville.
I wanted to give them a shout-out because the moving team was excellent. It was the easiest move of my life, and this last move involved the most items I’ve ever had to move. Plus, we had a close friend that just moved, felt it was a good time to share this.
5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Moving Company
Whether or not hiring a moving company is worth it depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Here are a few considerations to help you make the decision:
- Distance: Hiring a moving company is likely most practical for those of you going on long-distance or cross-country moves; the movers can handle the complexities of interstate transport. For a local move, you might feel comfortable managing the move yourself with a rental truck.
- Volume of Items: If you have a lot of heavy furniture, delicate items, or a large household, my advice would be to hire a professional mover. If you have a small load, a DIY move might be more accessible and less costly if you move a minimal amount.
- Budget: Budget always plays a role. If cost is a primary concern, carefully evaluate your budget to determine what you can afford. As a cost-saving compromise, consider a partial service, where movers handle the loading and unloading while you do the packing.
- Time and Energy: This one was my bottleneck. Moving takes a lot of time. I didn’t realize how much stuff I had; you’ll likely discover the same. Moving requires a lot of physical labor and time. If you have limited time or don’t want the hassle, movers can streamline the process, especially if you have a demanding job, family obligations, or other priorities.
- Special Items: Certain items, like pianos, artwork, or heavy appliances, require specialized handling that movers can provide. If you own valuable or delicate items, hiring a company with experience in moving such belongings can help protect your investments.
Review The Services The Moving Company Provides
As a truck driver, I review everything. Every mover is different, so you want to review all their other services. Understanding what’s included in your move ensures a smoother, more transparent experience and helps you avoid unexpected costs or frustrations.
Avoid Unexpected Costs
Different companies have different pricing structures, and understanding what is included in your quote can help you avoid unexpected fees. Some companies may charge extra for services that are not included in their base rate, such as:
- Moving up or down stairs
- Navigating tight or difficult access points
- Packing and unpacking items
- Moving heavy or specialty items like pianos
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture
Reviewing each line item in the service list gives you a better idea of the final cost and avoids any surprise charges on a moving day. If something isn’t clear, don’t hesitate to ask the company for clarification or an updated quote to ensure all services you need are covered.
Match Services to Your Needs
Not every move is the same, and you may not need every service a moving company offers. Some companies provide flexible packages that let you choose specific services based on your requirements. For example:
- Full-Service Moves: If you want movers to handle everything, look for a full-service option that includes packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking at the new location. This move was to Charlotte, but Fox clearly explains everything they offer on their website.
- Partial Services: If you prefer to pack your belongings but need help with loading and transportation, look for companies offering partial services.
- Specialty Item Moving: For items like antiques, musical instruments, or heavy appliances, ensure the company has experience and proper equipment.
Selecting the right combination of services allows you to get the help you need without paying for unnecessary extras.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a moving company can make your transition more accessible, but reviewing their services is essential to ensure a smooth experience. By understanding what’s included in your quote, verifying safety practices, checking insurance coverage, and clarifying timelines, you can make a well-informed decision and avoid last-minute surprises.
Ultimately, a transparent, well-reviewed moving company will prioritize your needs, helping you feel confident that your move is in reliable hands. We have the internet at our hands, make sure you take the time to do your due diligence and review moving companies in your area.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you have questions or don’t understand a service. A reputable mover is going to take the time to ensure you understand everything. If they don’t, that may be a sign to look elsewhere.