Choosing the right moving company for your needs in Victoria, BC, can be a daunting task. With so many of them out there, all of their promises of excellent service for a reasonable price, some arriving at least on time and in one piece, how can you tell who’s good and who is not? Whom do you trust with something so personal? Here are 10 key stages to take you through a step-by-step process of finding that perfect moving company that you would need to make your moving process smooth and without stress.
Understanding Your Moving Needs/ Things to Consider:
However, long before you stride down into the search for that moving company, it’s of great importance that you get to know pretty well what your moving needs are.
Some aspects of moving to consider before settling with a moving company are:
Distance: Are you moving locally within Victoria, BC, or is it a long-distance move to another city or province?
Volume of Your Belongings: This gives an idea of how much stuff needs to be moved. This may help to know whether the sizable moving truck is needed, or a smaller one will just do fine.
Special Items: Do you have items that require special handling, such as instruments, antiques, or artwork?
Services Required: Besides transportation, do you need packing, storage, or unpacking services?
Researching Moving Companies
The first step is knowing your needs, whereby you should proceed to know the exact steps guiding you on how to start your search for the moving companies in Victoria, BC. The following are the steps that shall lead you to your research.
Here are the (First) Key Steps For Your Move:
1. Gather Recommendations
The first step could be personal recommendations, those from friends, family, colleagues and people you trust. Personal experience could give some valuable information as to the reliability and efficiency involved in a moving company.
2. Online Research
Check online ratings and reviews through search platforms such as Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau, pointing out companies that have very high ratings and good reviews. Remember to read through some negative reviews to see how the company deals with complaints and customer service.
3. Verify Credentials
Be sure the mover is licensed and insured. For moves within the province of British Columbia, ensure that the company is registered with the appropriate provincial authority. For moves to, from, and through other provinces, ensure it is registered with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM).
Evaluating Moving Companies
After narrowing down your list of companies once you have considered the first key steps,, it’s time to evaluate each company based on the following criteria:
Experience
Consider the experience of the company. Especially relocation of homes and personal belongings. If the movers are experienced in this, they are likely to have your property and belongings well taken care of and to devise ways of maneuvering all problems associated with relocations.
Estimate Process
Seek out more detailed estimates from the movers you are considering. However, it must be stated: the real moving company is bound to conduct an in-home estimate to give a quote close to accuracy. Red flags include moving companies that give you very low quotes over the phone without seeing what’s in your home and mention of any ‘hidden fees’ or scams. Keep an eye out for false advertisements.
Services Offered
Compare what each of the companies offers in their service. One may include packaging and unpacking of your staff, while the other may just offer transportation. Choose the company that will be fit for you in all your needs.
Communication
Note how they communicate in every possible way, more so in the estimation and evaluation of price. The company whose communication is timely, clear, and professional will most probably relay the same in service delivery.
Insurance and Liability
Understand the insurance options that the company provides and their liability with regard to items that may be damaged or lost. Make sure that the protection level of your belongings leaves you comfortable, in case of any accidents.
Making the Final Decision
With all the facts mentioned above in hand, it is high time to make the final choice. Just keep everything in mind: the cost, the service provided, and most of all, the general feeling you receive in regard to the reliability and professionalism from one company to another. Notice that the cheapest option may not be the best option in terms of quality or reliability of the services provided.
Preparing for Moving Day
When you are certain of the choice you have made, one may be able to prepare for the moving day by confirming all the moving details from the moving company. This may include your moving date, time of day for your move, and the scope of work required. Also, to ensure you make an inventory of all items that are to be move and relocated. Start to collect things for your move that are personal and valuable that can be easily misplaced, such as documents with personal information.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many things that guide in making the right selection of moving companies in Victoria, BC, but on top of your list, your needs. Research and comparison is needed to evaluate your potential movers. Adhering to these guidelines and key points will be sure to assist you in getting a moving company to offer service at the right charge, with the kind of professionalism and the reliability that you feel you deserve. Remember, the peace of mind that your belongings are taken care of by good hands is essential to your overall experience when moving.
