Let’s Get Moving! Expert Tips To Smooth the Journey Home

THE Team from Town & Country Movers joins us this week for tips on a smooth move.

Moving can be the most stressful part of buying or selling a home, but it doesn’t have to be.

The spring market is one of the busiest times for everyone associated with real estate, with Realtors® and their clients managing many different aspects of a sale or rental and interacting with many different vendors along the way. And given that the typical homeowner stays in their property for about 12 years, it’s not unusual to have questions about how to prepare for a major but infrequent life event: moving.

At Town & Country Movers, we understand the stress that comes with relocating and we believe that a smooth and stress-free move starts with a plan and the right team to help you get things moving. We’re a local, family-owned business that has been providing clients concierge-level service throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1977 and we’ve learned a lot over the years about the best strategies to get folks settled into their new homes.

If you’re planning a move to a new home either locally or out of the region, here’s what to think about as you vet and choose the professional moving company that’s right for you.

Local Moving: How to Select a Mover

From a couple of local college kids with a truck to nationally-recognized brands, you have many options for who will handle your move so it’s important to know what to look for as you’re researching moving companies. Start first with their experience and expertise:

Are the crews full-time, professional movers? You’ll want to know that they have dedicated personnel who have had background checks, and who will arrive on time and fully staffed so not a minute is wasted in getting your household packed up. Find out if there is a point-person on site that you can communicate with to ensure all logistics are covered.
Are they experienced in moving specialty items? If you have an impressive art collection, uniquely-sized furniture, or large items like a piano, make sure you choose a mover who has the right equipment to deliver these items safely.
Do they offer packing assistance? This is time-consuming work and requires extraordinary care to ensure your goods are delivered safely to their destination. Save yourself time by choosing a mover who includes packing assistance in their services, at the very least for your breakable items. It will be money well spent!

Speaking of money well-spent, ask how your mover about their fees and how they are paid:

Is a deposit required? Clarify upfront whether the company requires a deposit before the move, and if so, what their payment terms are. Legitimate movers will provide you with a clear, written estimate, which includes the total cost and any upfront deposit required.

What is the pricing structure? Do they charge by weight, distance, time, materials, or is it a flat fee? Get a breakdown of all potential charges so that you aren’t surprised by additional fees like disassembling/assembling furniture, using stairs, or specialized handling.
What forms of payment do they take? Reputable movers will be set up for credit card payments, but some may offer discounts for cash. Remember that some moving expenses are tax-deductible so you’ll want to get receipts for all payments.

And while experienced movers will take every precaution to ensure the careful handling of goods, accidents happen. Find out early what the company will do to compensate you if the worst-case scenario happens:

What happens if there’s damage? Ensure that the moving company has liability coverage and clear policies for handling any potential damages to your belongings during transit. Movers may also provide you with worksheets to help you value your items for insurance purposes. This guide from the Department of Transportation offers statistics and other tips to keep in mind.

Long-Distance Moving: What You Need to Know

In addition to all the questions listed above, a long-distance move requires a bit more investigation and logistics. Here’s what to consider:

Does the company manage your move from start to finish? Ask if the company provides end-to-end service, or if your belongings will be transferred to a different company or a different truck during the move.
What are the delivery terms? Understand when and how your belongings will be delivered. Will your items arrive in one trip, or will they be stored temporarily at a facility?
Who assists on delivery? Ensure that the company uses trained, professional movers at the delivery location. It’s also important that any movers assisting with the unloading have had background checks for your safety and peace of mind.
How is the long-distance move priced? Long-distance movers may charge based on weight, distance, and packing requirements so get a clear estimate based on the specifics of your move.
Will you have a single point of contact throughout the move? A moving company with a dedicated point of contact makes communication easier and ensures you’re always in the loop.

Why Choose THE Team, Town & Country Movers?

At Town & Country Movers, we believe in providing concierge-level service that makes your move as easy and stress-free as possible. Our team is composed of three women with nearly 35 years of combined experience in the moving industry. We pride ourselves on offering one point of contact from the very first call to the final unloading of your belongings.