One of the most important aspects of any move is choosing the right company to help safely and securely move your goods. We recently spoke with Moving Prague, an agency which has been helping satisfied customers tackle large and small moves with ease since 2004, to get the lowdown on how to choose the best movers.
Do your research well in advance
One of the most important things with any move is making sure you have enough time to get things done; moving is stressful enough without having to struggle to look for a mover just weeks or even days in advance.
If you need to move on an exact date, be sure to book your service as early as possible: most moving companies will have a tight schedule that fills up quickly.
Get a thorough in-home estimate
If a moving quote sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Be sure to get a quote that incorporates all aspects of the move, and make sure the mover is aware of everything that you need along the way.
Be wary of quotes that seem too low, or from companies that deliver a quick quote over the phone or online without sending a representative to scope out the job.
TIP:Moving Prague sends out a technician to give an accurate quote at no extra cost, even if you decide not to use their services.
Avoid paying large deposits
While putting money down can be a normal part of the moving process, a large deposit can raise red flags, or imply that the initial quote may be too low.
A normal deposit for moving shouldn't be higher than 20-30% of the initial quote.
Make sure the company can deliver your goods safely and securely
One of the most common complaints of any move is damaged goods. If you pack your own boxes, make sure to wrap any fragile items securely with the knowledge that boxes are likely to be jostled during the moving process.
If you have any large or unusual items, like over-sized furniture or a grand piano, make sure the company has the right packing material to ensure its safe journey, and the right equipment to be able to deliver it into your new home.
Know exactly what you're paying for
There's a lot that goes into each move, from the distance that needs to be covered, the amount of goods that need to be delivered, the costs of labor and any additional requirements.
Ask for a detailed quote that breaks down each of these so you know exactly what you're paying for, and you know how much more you might need to pay if additional work is needed.
TIP:Moving Prague's quotes include detailed price breakdowns that include a per-hour cost of labor, the size of the truck required, and additional surcharges for heavy goods and even the number of floors that items need to be carried. (Many Prague apartments don't have elevators, placing extra burden on the movers.)
Find the right fit to suit your needs
While the moving company will do most of the heavy lifting, every move will require some work from your side, too -- especially the post-move unpacking.
Make sure you find a company that is easy to communicate with and knows what you'll need after the items are dropped off. Little things like color-coding boxes and making sure they're left in the right rooms will go a long way to help you settle in as quickly as possible.
Choose a reliable partner
Changing homes is stressful enough without adding in unknowns on the side of your moving provider. A company with a proven track record will go a long way toward easing your mind and making the process as stress-free as possible.
When looking for a reliable company, ask members of the local community for references or dig through online reviews before settling on a moving company. One person's moving nightmare could save you a future headache.
Moving Prague, for example, boasts testimonials from clients like Prague Police, Charles University, even Prague Airport and on Google has a 4.9 rating with nearly 300 reviews.
If you're moving to, from, or within the Czech Republic, contact Moving Prague today to get a free quote and start your journey on the right foot.
This article was written in association with Moving Prague. Read more about our partner content policy here.