9 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers In Florida

Did you know that more people are moving to Florida than any other state? Whether you're relocating there or leaving, you'll need a trusted team of movers to tackle the heavy lifting. After all, you want your belongings to make the trip to your new destination safely.

Read on to learn the nine questions you should ask before hiring movers in Florida!

1. What Are Your Services?

Before hiring professional movers, confirm that they offer the services you need. You don't want to pay too much for unnecessary extras or get partial help when you want someone to manage the entire job. Make a list of the tasks you need help with first

For instance, you might only want help with loading and transporting your items. But some services may make you also commit to paying for packing.

Some companies only work within a certain geographic radius, too. If you're doing a long-distance move, you want to be sure the company will cover the miles. Check to see what moving packages are available, too, to save money.

2. What Is Your Background?

You may be able to save a little money by going with an unproven moving service. But you could pay the price in broken valuables or scratched furniture. An inexperienced moving company may not know how to wrap furniture or package breakables correctly

That's why you'll need to ask a potential moving company about its experience. Aim to choose a company that has a proven track record of several years in business. Look online for positive reviews and don't be afraid to ask for referrals.

3. How Do You Pack Belongings?

Hiring a moving company means you're placing your trust in them to treat your belongings well. Fragile objects and furniture pieces are always at risk when loaded into a truck for a cross-town or cross-country move. Consequently, you should ask about a moving company's packing process

They should be able to explain how they wrap and brace furniture. They should talk about how they pack boxes and what they avoid doing. You want to see evidence of confidence and competence so you can feel confident your belongings will make it to your destination unscathed.

4. Do You Have Insurance?

The last thing you want to have happen is someone getting injured on your property. But one wrong step with an armoire or sofa can lead to a debilitating injury. And if you hire a moving company without insurance coverage, you could be stuck with medical bills

Be sure to confirm that the moving services you are hiring have insurance coverage. They should have workers' compensation and general liability coverage. Don't be afraid to ask to see proof, either.

5. Can You Provide an Estimate?

Moving can be a very expensive process. And you don't want to hire professional movers without knowing what they'll charge you. Especially if a company uses the weight of its loaded truck to determine cost, you might be hit with an unexpectedly big bill

Ask for estimates first. And ask for estimates from a few different moving companies to compare prices and options. You may be able to leverage one estimate to score a better deal with another company.

6. How Does Payment Work?

Once your move is over, you'll need to pay for the services. Depending on the scope of the job, this can be thousands of dollars. You'll want to know how the moving company expects its payment

Some companies may allow credit card payments. Others may prefer checks. And some may give you a better price if you pay for everything upfront.

If you're running on a tight budget, you may want to ask about payment plans. Some movers may be willing to work with you to pay the bill over six months, for instance. Just be clear on whether you'll need to start paying upon delivery or ahead of time.

7. Who Are Your Workers?

It's easy to assume that all moving companies have a roster of trained employees ready to jump into action. That's not always the case, however

Some moving companies use temporary workers during the peak season to keep pace with demand. This isn't always a bad thing. But it should make you wonder if those temporary workers are as qualified for the job.

It's fair to ask a moving company if they use temp workers. Even more importantly, ask what kind of training those workers receive. The company should be able to detail what training looks like and how frequently employees go through a refresher.

8. How Does a Cancellation Work?

Ideally, your move will go off without a hitch. But you could have a change of heart or a job could fall through. Or perhaps the home you wanted didn't pass its inspection

Whatever the case may be, sometimes a cancellation becomes necessary if you're not going forward with the move. Canceling a move can be expensive, though, so it's smart to know a company's policy before signing a contract with them.

Many companies offer a period where you can cancel without a penalty. However, others will not return your deposit or they may charge additional cancellation fees.

9. Are There Discounts Available?

When you're planning to move, see if you can score some discounts. If you're a senior, veteran, or student, you may be eligible for discounts. Some companies offer discounts if you're referred by another customer, too

And sometimes seasonal discounts can sweeten the deal. Moving in Florida can be a popular activity in the spring and summer months. But because of higher demand, you could face higher moving prices.

If you have the flexibility to wait until the moving offseason, do it. You could save hundreds of dollars since demand will be lower!

Hire the Best Movers in FloridA

The right movers in Florida will provide the services you need and take good care of your belongings. Look for experienced movers with fair payment terms and cancellation policies. And ask about discounts and insurance coverage before moving forward with them

At Pro Touch Movers, we are ready to make your next move easier. With an A++ Better Business Bureau rating, we have the professionalism you deserve. Contact us today to learn more!

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The Dos and Don'ts of Moving Cross Country

By Devon Dickerson • 12 Mar, 2024

The Dos and Don'ts of Moving Cross Country Sometimes you have to move across the country to grab an opportunity that might never come again. It might be a challenge, a significant undertaking, a scary and stressful situation, but it is also filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you're relocating for a new job, pursuing educational opportunities, or seeking a fresh start, it's essential to approach the process with careful planning and consideration. To help ensure a smooth transition, here are the dos and don'ts of moving cross country. Do: Plan Ahead One of the most critical aspects of moving cross country is planning ahead. Start by creating a detailed timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before your moving day. Even if you are not the planning sort, it's important to start making some lists for the journey ahead. You also need to start taking certain steps like: Sorting through your belongings, packing Scheduling movers or rental trucks Notifying necessary parties, such as utility companies and landlords Don't: Procrastinate Even if you are dreading the move, instead of being excited about it, it's important to avoid procrastination on the important tasks that lie ahead. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling. Start preparing for your move as soon as you know your relocation date. By tackling tasks gradually, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that everything is in order by the time you're ready to hit the road. Do: Declutter Moving cross country provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings. There are probably dozens of items in your care right now that should be thrown out into the garbage dump or given away to someone who's actually going to use it. Before you start packing, go through each room in your home and determine what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This will not only reduce the amount of stuff you have to transport but also lighten your load and simplify the moving process. Don't: Pack Everything Resist the urge to pack everything you own for your cross-country move. Be selective about what you take with you, focusing on items that are essential or hold sentimental value. Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need or use, especially large furniture or bulky possessions that may be costly to transport. You can easily purchase these items in your new city for cheap by going to second-hand websites like Craigslist or Kijiji. Do: Research Your Route If you're driving to your new destination, take the time to research your route beforehand. Plan your itinerary, including rest stops, gas stations, and accommodations along the way. Familiarize yourself with any potential road closures, construction zones, or traffic delays to minimize surprises during your journey. Of course, you can't anticipate all the delays you might encounter, but it's better to plan than to go into it with your eyes closed. Don't: Underestimate Travel Time Cross-country moves often involve long hours on the road, so it's essential to allocate enough time for travel. Factor in breaks for rest, meals, and sightseeing, especially if you're driving through unfamiliar territory. Be realistic about how much ground you can cover in a day and plan accordingly to avoid fatigue and burnout. If you need to take a rest in between, search for cheap motels or Airbnbs where you can sleep for the night. Do: Pack Strategically Efficient packing is key to a successful cross-country move. Invest in high-quality moving boxes, packing materials, and labels to keep your belongings organized and secure during transit. Pack heavy items in small boxes to prevent them from shifting and causing damage, and use padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Don't: Forget the Essentials In the midst of packing, don't forget to set aside essentials that you'll need during your move and upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep these items easily accessible so that you can retrieve them as needed during your journey. Do: Hire Professional Help Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck to assist with your long-distance moving trip. While it may be tempting to handle everything yourself, professional movers have the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely transport your belongings across long distances. Shop around for quotes and book your moving services well in advance to secure your preferred dates. Don't: Overlook Insurance Before your move, review your insurance policies to ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during transit. Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage or verifying that your moving company offers valuation protection options. Having the right insurance in place will provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of any unforeseen accidents or damages. Do: Stay Organized Maintaining organization throughout your move will help minimize stress and confusion. Keep track of important documents, receipts, and contact information related to your relocation, such as moving contracts, rental agreements, and utility setups. Create a moving checklist or use a digital planning tool to stay on top of tasks and deadlines. Don't: Neglect Self-Care A cross country move can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it's essential to prioritize self-care throughout the process. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp. Take breaks as needed to recharge and decompress, and don't hesitate to ask for help or support from friends and family. Sometimes you have to move across the country to grab an opportunity that might never come again. It might be a challenge, a significant undertaking, a scary and stressful situation, but it is also filled with excitement and anticipation. Whether you're relocating for a new job, pursuing educational opportunities, or seeking a fresh start, it's essential to approach the process with careful planning and consideration. To help ensure a smooth transition , here are the dos and don'ts of moving cross country. Do: Plan Ahead One of the most critical aspects of moving cross country is planning ahead. Start by creating a detailed timeline that outlines all the tasks you need to complete before your moving day. Even if you are not the planning sort, it's important to start making some lists for the journey ahead. You also need to start taking certain steps like: Sorting through your belongings, packing Scheduling movers or rental trucks Notifying necessary parties, such as utility companies and landlords Don't: Procrastinate Even if you are dreading the move, instead of being excited about it, it's important to avoid procrastination on the important tasks that lie ahead. Procrastination can lead to unnecessary stress and last-minute scrambling. Start preparing for your move as soon as you know your relocation date. By tackling tasks gradually, you'll avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure that everything is in order by the time you're ready to hit the road. Do: Declutter Moving cross country provides an excellent opportunity to declutter and streamline your belongings . There are probably dozens of items in your care right now that should be thrown out into the garbage dump or given away to someone who's actually going to use it. Before you start packing, go through each room in your home and determine what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This will not only reduce the amount of stuff you have to transport but also lighten your load and simplify the moving process. Don't: Pack Everything Resist the urge to pack everything you own for your cross-country move. Be selective about what you take with you, focusing on items that are essential or hold sentimental value. Consider selling or donating items that you no longer need or use, especially large furniture or bulky possessions that may be costly to transport. You can easily purchase these items in your new city for cheap by going to second-hand websites like Craigslist or Kijiji. Do: Research Your Route If you're driving to your new destination, take the time to research your route beforehand. Plan your itinerary, including rest stops, gas stations, and accommodations along the way. Familiarize yourself with any potential road closures, construction zones, or traffic delays to minimize surprises during your journey. Of course, you can't anticipate all the delays you might encounter, but it's better to plan than to go into it with your eyes closed. Don't: Underestimate Travel Time Cross-country moves often involve long hours on the road, so it's essential to allocate enough time for travel. Factor in breaks for rest, meals, and sightseeing, especially if you're driving through unfamiliar territory. Be realistic about how much ground you can cover in a day and plan accordingly to avoid fatigue and burnout. If you need to take a rest in between, search for cheap motels or Airbnbs where you can sleep for the night. Do: Pack Strategically Efficient packing is key to a successful cross-country move. Invest in high-quality moving boxes, packing materials, and labels to keep your belongings organized and secure during transit. Pack heavy items in small boxes to prevent them from shifting and causing damage, and use padding or bubble wrap to protect fragile items. Don't: Forget the Essentials In the midst of packing, don't forget to set aside essentials that you'll need during your move and upon arrival at your new home. This may include toiletries, medications, important documents, a change of clothes, and basic kitchen supplies. Keep these items easily accessible so that you can retrieve them as needed during your journey. Do: Hire Professional Help Consider hiring professional movers or renting a moving truck to assist with your long-distance moving trip. While it may be tempting to handle everything yourself, professional movers have the experience, expertise, and equipment to safely transport your belongings across long distances. Shop around for quotes and book your moving services well in advance to secure your preferred dates. Don't: Overlook Insurance Before your move, review your insurance policies to ensure that your belongings are adequately protected during transit. Consider purchasing additional insurance coverage or verifying that your moving company offers valuation protection options. Having the right insurance in place will provide peace of mind and financial security in the event of any unforeseen accidents or damages. Do: Stay Organized Maintaining organization throughout your move will help minimize stress and confusion. Keep track of important documents, receipts, and contact information related to your relocation, such as moving contracts, rental agreements, and utility setups. Create a moving checklist or use a digital planning tool to stay on top of tasks and deadlines. Don't: Neglect Self-Care A cross country move can be physically and emotionally taxing, so it's essential to prioritize self-care throughout the process. Get plenty of rest, eat healthily, and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up and your mind sharp. Take breaks as needed to recharge and decompress, and don't hesitate to ask for help or support from friends and family. Moving Cross Country Needs Proper Planning No matter how many times you have moved for work, school, or family, it's always a different experience moving cross country. It requires a lot more planning and avoiding hurdles that might befall you. If you need help with your move, then consider hiring ProTouch Movers in Jacksonville, FL. We are an experienced moving company with over 15 years of experience and can help make it a smoother experience for you. This way you can focus on the good about moving, rather than stressing about it. Contact our team to get a quote or learn more about our services.