By Steve Fox, Principle Broker/Owner, Pinot Noir Properties
Congratulations! You’ve just sold your home and signed all the paperwork.
Now comes the fun – figuring out how to pack up and move.
Back in the day, moving meant calling a couple of friends and physically schlepping everything from your tiny apartment, to your new and less tiny apartment. A couple of cases of beer would typically pay for your move.
Now that we’re adults – with all of the accumulated things adults gather over time – moving is much more complicated. So whether you’re relocating across town, or across the country, it’s important to understand why hiring a reputable mover makes sense.
Here are some tips I’ve learned along the way:
The Pros Know What They’re Doing – You Don’t
Unlike a homeowner, moving is a daily occurrence for the pros. Professional movers are efficient, well-trained and prepared to handle just about any situation. And if a challenge comes up during the move, movers are equipped to move their clients as swiftly and smoothly as possible – and you don’t have to worry about it.
Your Stuff Will Arrive in One Piece
When you’re moving a ton of items in a short period, there’s a risk that some items will get damaged. You could drop a box of breakable items, run into a door frame and splinter a chair leg, or rip an irreplaceable lampshade.
Experienced movers know the best ways to move large amounts of belongings without breaking anything. They treat items marked “fragile” with special care, and they also have materials to wrap up larger items like furniture and televisions to protect them from damage. Professional movers also have the equipment needed to move large items properly, such as dollies, ramps, and lifts. If you move by yourself, you’ll have to rent those tools on your own.
You Won’t Hurt Yourself
Moving presents the risk of serious injury to non-professional movers. There are plenty of stories of people throwing out their backs or twisting knees and ankles while lifting heavy moving boxes or furniture.
Professional movers have the experience and equipment needed to complete a move safely. Most come prepared with moving straps and other tools to avoid injury while they tackle your move. Don’t overestimate your body’s limits only to find out too late that you weren’t strong enough to lift that table.
It’ll Get Done Faster
Trust me – if you try to move on your own, it’ll take longer than you were expecting. On the other hand, professional movers know how to move quickly and efficiently, and they’re focused entirely on your move.
The best moving services will work with you to schedule how and when each part of the moving process will get done. Depending on the amount of stuff you need to move, pro movers could get it all done in a single Saturday without you lifting a finger.
So How Do You Choose?
According to Move.Org, these are the top five national moving van lines in 2022. If you’re looking to stay local, here are the highly rated movers in the Willamette Valley. The best company depends on your requirements, and you’ll want to consider pricing, scheduling availability and whether or not the company will work within your moving area. It’s important to read online reviews and investigate each company’s customer service experience.
Most moving companies will also offer value-add services and insurance, so shop around and ask lots of questions before you make your move.
Cheers!