It is important that you have enough time to choose the moving company you feel is the right fit for you. Make sure you have the time needed for adequate due diligence – at least 30 days – preferably 6 weeks. Once you have found 2-3 movers that that look like a good fit for you, it is time to request a Free Moving Quote have the movers come to your home to see your space and belongings, choose the right one for you and schedule your move date. If you need to move on a specific day, the sooner you start the process of finding your mover, the better.
Remember, moving season varies across the country. In general, if you are moving during the Spring, Summer and early Autumn, book your mover ASAP.
Ask About Specialty Items When Moving
When getting your moving quote, make sure to point out items of significant size, weight, value or age. Items of special personal importance or ones that are particularly fragile should also be discussed. Most movers are especially careful of pieces like this. In some cases, your mover may want to pack specialty pieces in a wooden crate or make other arrangements in order to keep it safe in transit. Listen to the professionals. They have likely moved more than you have and are your best ally.
Know the Details of Your Estimate
Ask potential movers how they calculate their estimate so you can compare apples to apples. Consider how much time you would save if your movers packed you home and request a quote for that as well. Sometime the money spent is worth the time and sanity saved. If moving across country or internationally, make certain that the movers in consideration are licensed agents for a world-wide moving company. Why does that matter? More here.
Know your move-in date and make sure it is iron-clad. Not having an accurate date can be a costly mistake. Fortunately Cummings has a state of the art storage facility that can easily accommodate you in the event of a timing issue. If a mover, including Cummings, needs to hold your items overnight or for a few days, there is a cost involved. You want to understand these details ahead of time. If your mover does not have their own storage facility, you may need to make arrangements to take delivery at a temporary storage facility and then move your belongings from there when the new space is ready. Logistics like this can become the real stressor on move-day. Think it through ahead of time and set yourself up for success!
Logistics of Your Move
Speaking of logistics, keep in mind that some streets and locations can only accommodate certain types of moving trucks. Depending on the streets and the buildings involved at both ends of your move, your mover may need to make specific arrangements to make sure things work. Make sure you choose a mover with the experience and flexibility to handle this. Ask them how they plan to handle stairs if they are narrow, steep or have tight turns and multiple flights. This can impact the time and cost of your move. Better to know now than be surprised later.
While a moving crew may be happy to arrange and rearrange furniture, please remember that your crew may have another move scheduled later that day and the meter will likely be ticking as long as they are on the job. If you think you will want extra help with furniture placement in your new home, it is best to let your moving company know ahead of time so they can factor that into the crew’s schedule and into your quote.
More than a Great Review
Go with your gut AND see what others have to say. Online review sites can be very helpful. The key is to consider the big picture: Does the company maintain a good rating over time and across a significant number of reviews. Does the company have an excessive number of complaints? Are the complaints reasonable? Were they resolved? What is YOUR experience like when you call or email for a quote? What does your gut say? Do you trust the mover? Are they licensed and insured?
Cummings Moving Company | Residential & Small Business Moving & Storage | San Francisco Movers
Cummings Moving Company is a family owned and operated moving & storage company proud of its well-established reputation in San Francisco and throughout the region – reflected in their extended residential, small business and Realtor referrals. The company is a female, minority, and veteran-owned and operated moving company with over 45 years of exceptional client service – spanning the entire country and beyond. For more information about quality, stress-free moving, in San Francisco please call 415-387-4000 or from the Peninsula call 650-629-3000. Request a Free Moving Quote HERE or continue to explore our website and San Francisco Blog.
The advice on our website and blog is provided as a courtesy and is intended for informational purposes only. It is offered as-is with no warranty expressed or implied. We hope it provides you with helpful information that you can use.
