Tag: removals

Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Tips for shortlisting a moving company in 9 steps

Many circumstances can force people to leave their homes and move to another location – unaffordable rent, job-related migration or wanting to be closer to a loved one. That’s why moving is one of the most stress-inducing events in a person’s life. However, you can overcome much of the stress of moving by hiring professional movers.

Reliable movers will transport your belongings to your new home in another city, state or country and make relocation a stress-free experience. But finding the right movers can be difficult. In America, the moving services industry has grown by 0.4% in the last five years, so people have many options from which to choose. This post will help you shortlist a moving company in nine easy, simple stages, right here:

  1. Watch out for common moving scams

Moving scams aren’t that common, and only a handful of Americans fall victim to this type of fraud. However, it’s still smart to know how to recognise these cons and keep your belongings safe from fraudulent moving companies. Here’s how you can steer clear of being swindled:

  • Don’t work with movers who ask for a large deposit up front
  • Ensure your moving professional has a valid, physical address
  • Ask for their U.S. DOT number and then confirm it with the FMCSA
  • It’s better if they’re a part of organisations such as the Moving & Storage Conference
  • If the moving company offers an extremely low estimate, it’s likely they’ll scam you later
  1. Get recommendations from different sources

Most homeowners think it’s enough to search online for local movers. In reality, Google may not give you the best names in the moving services industry with just one click. Search engines will mostly show some of the best SEO-friendly sites on the first page, which is not a bad thing per se. But you should ask your family and friends for recommendations.

Many Americans will suggest Coleman Movers as your ideal moving partner. Serving customers since 1914, the company is known to handle residential, commercial and international relocations. Their skilled workers will pack, load and safely transport your belongings to your destination.

  1. Check for reviews, testimonials and work history

Check online reviews for all moving companies you are considering. These reviews will help you find the most trusted moving partners in your area. However, there are tricks to evaluate a mover’s trustworthiness from its online ratings. For instance, 4.9/5 isn’t a very impressive rating when it’s only based on a few dozen reviews. However, when it is based on 800+ reviews, you know the company’s worth considering.

Similarly, you should check external sites such as Quora, Reddit and Facebook to find testimonials, as a moving company can very easily post fake testimonials on their websites. Check their track record, work history and overall experience.

  1. Make sure they serve the area to which you’re moving

Not all movers facilitate commercial or long-distance moves. Similarly, not all moving companies provide their services nationwide. You should ensure the service provider you’re considering covers the state/s you live in and are to which you’re moving.

Professional movers cover more than twenty states and different cities to give customers a seamless relocation experience without any stress-inducing events.

  1. Interview different movers and get free quotes

After collecting the names of different local movers, it’s time to narrow down the list. Contact these movers, get free estimates from each, and compare their quotes to determine which company seems ideal for your situation.

Many companies will give you a number to call or ask you to fill out a form. Their agents will reach out to you and give you an estimate. Don’t sign up for the first name you find on the internet. Do sufficient research.

  1. Investigate hidden and additional charges

Some dishonest movers love to slip some hidden charges without your consent. Watch out for the following ‘fees’ when finding the ideal moving company:

  • Complexity fees: Movers may charge you more based on the complexity of your movers, such as your new home not having an elevator
  • Administrative fees: Getting you a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to cover liability issues
  • Additional mileage fees: When your relocation plans accommodate more distance
  1. Only work with licensed moving professionals

Working with a random moving company might not be safe. You must ensure a moving company is fully licensed, listed on BBB and employs professionals. Never hire movers who aren’t licensed to work in the moving services industry, or don’t have sufficient accreditations. Just work with well-known names in the local relocation industry.

  1. Carefully read the fine print of the moving contract

After finalising your deal with the moving company, don’t forget to read the fine print of your contract. It may contain some hidden, additional details you might not like. Even though trusted movers aren’t guilty of hitting customers with extra fuel expenses or insurance charges, it’s better to read the contract before signing it. Make sure the fine print of the finalised version of your moving contract is exactly what you’ve agreed on with the moving company. If you spot something that’s unclear or wasn’t discussed before, have them edit the contract.

  1. Rent storage units and carry all essentials in person

Here are some additional tips to make your mover-hunting journey easier. You can reduce your burden by renting a self-storage unit. These temperature-controlled storage facilities can hold your clutter for months or even years. You can dump all the junk, bulky and useless objects in these storage units and transport fewer items to your new home. This trick will make movers charge you less for fewer objects, and then you can transport your excess at your convenience in the future.

Also, carry your essentials on your person when travelling to your new home. Don’t trust movers with items such as jewellery and important documents.

Conclusion

If you’re planning to relocate but don’t know how to hire local, reliable movers, this blog explains how to find the right moving company. Follow the above-mentioned guidelines, and you’ll find the best people for the job. Ask for recommendations, check online reviews and work with licensed movers. That’s how you can ensure a smooth move to a new location.

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From chaos to calm: How junk removal services can transform your home

From chaos to calm: How junk removal services can transform your home

A cluttered home can be overwhelming, not just physically but mentally. Living in a chaotic space can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. It’s easy to accumulate items over time but not always easy to eliminate. This is where junk removal services come into their own. They can transform your home from chaos to calm and provide a fresh start.

What are junk removal services?

Junk removal services are companies that specialise in the removal of unwanted items from homes, businesses and other locations. They can help you eliminate many items; including furniture, appliances, electronics etc. These companies can also provide services like demolition, cleaning and haulage.

Benefits of junk removal services

1. Saves time and energy

Junk removal services can save you a lot of time and energy. Removing unwanted items can be time-consuming and exhausting, especially if you have a lot of stuff to clear. Contractors can take care of everything for you, from hauling away large items to cleaning up the space afterwards.

2. Reduces stress

Cluttered spaces can cause stress and anxiety. Waste removal firms can reduce that worry by providing a clean and organised space. A clear area can also help you feel more in control and productive, reducing your stress levels.

3. Improves safety

Junk removal services can improve the safety of your home or business. Cluttered spaces can be hazardous, especially if sharp or heavy items are lying around. Junk removal services can safely eliminate those items and reduce the risk of injury.

4. Supports sustainability

Junk removal services can also support sustainability. Many removed items can be recycled or donated, reducing waste and supporting the environment. Reputable companies can also safely dispose of hazardous materials, preventing environmental harm.

Transforming your home

Junk removal services can transform your home from chaos to calm. Here are some ways they can help.

1. Getting rid of unwanted items

Junk removal services can eliminate unwanted items, creating more space in your home. This can be especially helpful if you are downsizing or moving to a new location. Removing unwanted items can also help you better organise your space, making finding the things you need easier.

2. Hauling away large items

Large items like furniture, appliances and electronics can be challenging to dispose of and move. Junk removal services can haul away those items, saving time and energy. Professionals have the equipment and manpower to safely remove large items without damaging your home.

3. Cleaning up the space

A removal firm can also clean up the space after taking away any unwanted items. This can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with a hoarding situation or a space that hasn’t been cleared in a long time. They can provide deep cleaning services, leaving your home looking and smelling fresh.

4. Donating or recycling items

Junk removal services can also donate or recycle items in good condition. This can be a sustainable way to dispose of unwanted items and support the environment. Donating items can also help those in need, providing them with free or affordable clothing, furniture and other necessities.

Choosing a junk removal service

When choosing a junk removal service, it’s essential to do your research. Here are some things to consider.

1. Reputation

Check the company’s reputation by reading reviews and testimonials from previous customers. A reputable company will have positive feedback from satisfied customers.

2. Services offered

Make sure the company offers the services you need. Some companies may specialise in specific types of junk removal, such as construction debris or hazardous materials.

3. Pricing

Get a quote from the company before hiring them. Make sure the pricing is transparent and includes a list of all fees. Ask about any discounts or promotions that may be available. Remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Look for a company that offers fair pricing and good value for their services.

4. Licenses and insurance

Make sure the company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in case of any damage or injuries that may occur during the junk removal process. A licensed and insured company will also ensure the job is done safely and professionally.

5. Availability

Check the company’s availability and scheduling options. Ensure they can work within your schedule and provide a range of services as needed. Some companies may offer same-day or next-day service, which can be helpful if you need the items removed in a hurry.

When choosing a junk removal service like We Love Junk, consider its reputation, services offered, pricing, licenses and insurance and availability. Click here to learn about We Love Junk’s services and how they can help transform your home.

Conclusion

Junk removal services can transform your home from chaos to calm. They can save you time and energy, reduce stress, improve safety and support sustainability. By removing unwanted items, hauling away large items, cleaning up the space and donating or recycling items, junk removal services can provide a fresh start for your home. When choosing a contractor, consider their reputation, services offered, pricing, licenses and insurance and availability. With the right company, you can transform your home and enjoy a clutter-free and organised space.

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Emigrating to Australia? What to look for in an international removal company

Emigrating to Australia? What to look for in an international removal company

Relocating overseas is one of the most exciting yet trying experiences an individual can have in life. At your fingertips, you have a whole new world to explore while you get used to the different social norms and values of your new home.

Before you can look forward to this, you have to deal with the practicalities of moving abroad. This includes everything from filling out the required paperwork to finding a company that handles international removals to Australia. But how do you find such individuals? And how can you work out whether they’re reputable or not? Below we help to answer these questions.

Shop around

Whether you’re looking for international removals to Australia or Spain, it’s essential that you shop around for companies and compare quotes once you receive them. Doing so will ensure that you get the most competitive price and don’t end up paying over the odds during an already expensive time.

Ensure that you don’t just look at the final price; consider what services are included, what shipping method will be used, the time-frame and who’ll be handling your possessions once they arrive in the destination country.

Fortunately, companies like Doree Bonner have a quote calculator on their website, providing potential customers with a free quote in two minutes, making shopping around for quotations much less laborious.

Consider visiting their website to use their quote calculator, learn more about their services, read customer testimonials, locations they serve and much more. Or contact a team member for any specific inquiries and see how their services could make your move to Australia easier today.

Start your search early

It’s never a good idea to leave something until the last minute; the earlier you start looking for an international removal company, the better. Approaching companies before anyone else does is the only way to guarantee the date you want, and the sooner you can tick sorting the removal task off your to-do list, the sooner you can focus on other aspects of the move.

Failure to do this can result in your custom being turned down as someone else has filled the slot that you wanted, which means that you’ll have to approach another company that may not be as reputable or affordable as the one you initially wanted to handle your move.

Look for reviews

Before you purchase any service, it’s vital that you look at the reviews provided by previous customers so that you can determine whether the company is reliable or not. Refrain from simply looking at the ones listed on their own site, and use well-known review sites like Trustpilot, Yelp and Google reviews, as they’ll give you a better picture of what to expect.

Providing that you have friends or family members that have used international removals to Australia, it may be beneficial to ask them for recommendations on the companies they’ve used or heard good things about. In additions, utilise online blogs and forums to gain insight into some of the best international removal companies.

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Critical mistakes you must avoid when moving house

Critical mistakes you must avoid when moving house

Moving home, whether it be to another country or just down the road, isn’t an easy thing to do. Though the process might seem straightforward, there are many more details to consider than just packing and transportation. There are so many decisions to be made and things to do that mistakes are bound to happen. The trouble is, when certain things go wrong, they can cause a lot of stress. With that in mind, here are six critical mistakes you must avoid when relocating.

Illustration of a cardboard moving box

1. Taking everything with you

The more you take with you to your new home, the more stressful the move is going to be. You’ll also make the process more costly, as you’ll have to hire a larger moving van. Because of this, you should take moving house as an opportunity to de-clutter. Before you start packing, go through each room and set aside things you don’t want. You can then donate those belongings.

Illustration of a delivery man

2. Failing to change addresses

Banks, utility providers, employers and the Post Office don’t automatically know when you move house or where you move to; this is something that you’ll have to tell them. If you forget to do this, you could miss important mail or receive a higher energy bill than you should. Make sure that you contact those establishments to inform them of your move at least two weeks prior.

Illustration of two removal men holding a cardboard packing box in front of a removals van

3. Moving without professional help

Some things in life you can do easily by yourself. Moving house, however, isn’t one of them. Even if you’re only moving down the road, you should call up a moving company to help. Removalists are experts in disassembling and fitting together furniture, as well as lifting heavy and awkward items. This can save you a lot of trouble, as well as the risk of injuring yourself.

Illustration of a woman packing a cardboard box

4. Leaving packing too late

Packing up your home is a task you can never leave until the last minute. You always have more stuff than you think you do, so it’s best that you give yourself at least a few weeks to get everything into boxes. Start by packing up rooms that you use the least, like the attic and spare bedroom, and then move to another one. You can utilise the empty rooms to store all the boxes.

Illustration of a blue elephant holding a 'Don't forget' plackard in its trunk

5. Forgetting the survival box

Although you’ll unpack a few boxes the night you move in, most of your belongings will be left packed up until at least the following day. This can cause problems if you don’t know where your toothbrush, pyjamas, or plates are. There are a few things that you’re guaranteed to need on moving day. For easy access to those essentials, you should pack them all together in a moving day survival box.

Illustration of a man with empty pockets

6. Overlooking the hidden costs

Moving house isn’t a simple or cheap process. Just the moving company alone can cost you hundreds, especially if you choose to move on a weekend or public holiday. Although it’s not possible to plan for every cost involved in moving, there are many hidden ones that you can’t afford to overlook – such as unforeseen repairs. You should also plan for unexpected costs by saving up a cash cushion.

Moving house can be a stressful process, but avoiding the mistakes above will make it a lot easier for you.

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