Hiring professional movers in Houston can be a stressful experience. You’re basically entrusting strangers to pack up your belongings, deliver and unpack them. Meanwhile, they get an insider’s view to your personal life. Unfortunately, the reality is that there do exist some unscrupulous moving companies in Texas (and just about everywhere else for that matter) that are eager to rip you off. However, separating the good from the bad may be easier than you think.
Finding reliable movers in the area simply requires the same type of pre-planning that you might do when looking for a contractor or plumber. It takes a little time, but it’s well worth it. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience.
Do your research
Reliable recommendations provide peace of mind. If you know someone who’s moved recently, ask them about their experience. Another tactic is to read online reviews. Companies take the content of review websites very seriously, so legitimate movers should take extra special care to provide great customer service. Otherwise, they may get trashed online, hurting future business.
Another pro tip is to contact a local real estate agent for references. Real estate professionals have to deal with moving companies on a regular basis. They should be able to tell you who delivers on their promises, and who doesn’t.
Avoid moving brokers
Whether you’re transitioning to a neighborhood near Rice University or The Galleria, you should always avoid moving brokers for one simple reason: they’re not actual movers. Brokers are technically sales people who work out of a call center and act as a bridge between you and the moving company. They’ll give you an estimate based on information that you give them, but this process is flawed for obvious reasons. Only the moving company can determine exactly how much to charge based on their personal determinations. Additionally, laws protecting consumers from brokers are vague at best.
Get estimates from 3 different companies
Like hiring any other service, it’s best to get sample estimates from more than 1 company. 3 is an ideal number, as you get a diversity of quotes without being too overwhelmed. Find out if the company does the actual move themselves or contracts the work out to another company. Make sure you only hire a business that does their own work, as there can be a breakdown in communication between companies; plus you can’t trust movers that you’ve never met.
There are a lot of choices in town, but for professional movers Houston can trust, call H-Town Movers. From West University Place to Eastwood, we provide reliable services, trucks, and storage facilities. Our team of experienced movers will treat your belongings respectfully and always deliver on schedule.
Get a detailed list of services
When you solicit quotes from your potential moving companies, make sure you get a list of services. Otherwise, you might get an unwelcome surprise when the business doesn’t provide something that you had expected. You can also compare services between companies to see who’s offering the best deal. Finally, never hire a mover who quotes based on cubic feet. Weight is the industry standard metric for pricing.