Moving to a new home is always exciting. You get to make new friends and look forward to interesting experiences. But moving your belongings to your new home can become overwhelming if you do it yourself. At such times, hiring a removal company to help you with the move can be beneficial. Below are some useful tips provided by ABC Removalists Sydney for finding a reliable removal company:
Hire Local Companies
Hiring a local removal company allows you to visit their business and check their equipment. You can ensure the moving company is legitimate and reliable. Moreover, having a local moving company will also allow you to reach them easily, in case you have any questions or concerns.
Get Recommendations from Family and Friends
Talk to your family and friends and see if they have hired any removal company in the recent past. If yes, ask them about their experience. Some questions to ask include:
- Did the removal company arrive and finish the task on time?
- Did they damage any property in transit?
- If the property was damaged, how did they handle the situation?
- Did the original estimate change during the transfer?
Check Reviews and Testimonials
Research moving companies online and go through their testimonials and reviews. Read reviews on Google and Yelp to get a fair idea of what previous clients say about a particular company’s services. Try to look for patterns of praise or complaints in the reviews. These will give you an idea of how the company works.
Ask the Company for Credentials, Insurance Information, and Safety Records
The moving company you hire should have all the essential permits and licenses. They should also be insured so that the liability of any damage or injury doesn’t fall on you. Ask the company to show you their licenses and insurance certificates when you speak to them. A company like ABC Removalists Sydney will have all the required licenses and insurance. They are one of the top-rated removal companies that offer various services, including interstate removals, local moves, office relocation, storage, packing and unpacking, and box and crate hire.
Compare Estimates of Multiple Companies
When looking for a moving company, you should try and get estimates from at least three companies. You can then compare the services and costs provided by them. Common components included in a quote include:
- Packing services, supplies, and fees
- Removals and transportation cost
- Date of service and expected transit time
- Storage fees and options
- Pet relocation and vehicle transportation
- Applicable taxes
- Deposit requirements
Check with the companies if they can visit your house and make an inventory of your things. This will help the company generate an estimate and share it with you. You can then compare the costs provided by the companies and choose the one that fits your budget and requirements.
Ask for a Contract
Ensure the company you choose provides a detailed legal contract that lists all its services. Ask for the contract before the move and go through it in detail. Read the fine print to ensure no hidden costs like extra fuel charges or insurance payments.
Be Careful of Moving Scams
As much as we try to contact genuine removal companies, we may come across some who may not be reliable or genuine. Below are a few tips on spotting red flags and avoiding hiring a fraud removal company:
Company Asks for a Large Deposit
While most companies may ask for a deposit before your moving project, reputable companies will not demand cash or a large deposit. Be wary of companies that insist on taking hefty deposits, lest you never see your belongings again.
Company Provides a Blank Moving Contract to Sign
This is a major red flag when shortlisting a removal company. Never hire a company that sends you a blank contract. Ensure everything is noted down clearly before signing any contract. Ask to keep a copy of the contract to protect yourself and your belongings.
Company Rarely Reports Problems
Mishaps and damage during moving homes are common. Most reliable companies will honestly report any damages to your belongings or property and agree to handle the cost. However, fraud companies will always hesitate to talk about the damage and may sometimes even refuse to accept any damages caused by their teams.
Hiring a removal company can feel like a stressful and overwhelming task. But it doesn’t have to be. A little diligence and background checks can help you find a reliable removal company to help you move your home without any hassles.