How to Find the Best Movers

The right movers in Hampton can make your relocation easy. They’re trained in efficient packing, moving and transporting your belongings and have the tools to handle even the most delicate items. They also know how to safely maneuver heavy furniture down a flight of stairs or through narrow doorways, and they can efficiently load a truck to make the most of available space. The movers you choose will have the skills to help you move into your new home with ease, and you can avoid headaches by researching companies to find the best ones for your needs.

How long your move takes depends on the size of your home and what kind of items you have to move. A large four-bedroom house will take longer to clear out than a studio apartment, for example, and you may need more movers if you have bulky or fragile items like a grand piano or antiques. Your movers will give you a time frame when they provide you with a free quote, and it helps to prepare ahead of time by getting rid of anything you don’t want or need, cleaning up, and making sure that items not being moved are out of the way or otherwise secured. If you have pets, make sure they’re crated or otherwise safe during the move.

Some movers only offer transportation services, while others provide full-service moves that include packing and unpacking as well. For an additional charge, some movers will disassemble larger furniture pieces for easier transportation and then reassemble them at your new home. Many movers will also supply you with boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, and tape to pack your belongings yourself. Some will provide storage solutions as well if you need to hold onto some items between your move-out and move-in dates.

The best movers will have years of experience behind them and have extensive training in efficient packing, loading, and transporting your belongings. You can check their credentials by looking for their U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, which you can find in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database. You should also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if a company has any complaints.

Whether you choose to pack your belongings yourself or have movers do it for you, be sure to label all of your boxes and keep a list of what’s in each box. This will help them keep track of your belongings and prevent misplacement or damage during transit, and it’ll save you time and money in the long run. You should also consider tipping your movers; this is hard work, and they’ll appreciate any extra help they receive. The average tip is about 10% of the service cost.

If you’re planning a long-distance move, be sure to check that the movers you hire have the right licensing for interstate moves. This means they have a USDOT number and MC number, or that they’re part of an approved Interstate Moving Alliance. They’ll also have a state moving license and be insured.