Did you know that the average person will move 11.4 times? That’s a whole lot of packing and unpacking!

No matter how many times you have relocated in the past, getting ready for your new adventure can be tough to do alone. By hiring a moving company, you can take some of the pressure off and focus on other things.

When it comes to how to choose a moving company, what should you look for? Should the price come first? How much stock should you put in a company’s online reviews?

We’re detailing the answers to these questions and more below, so keep reading to find out how you can hire the perfect movers!

Identify Your Needs

While there are plenty of moving companies to choose from, it doesn’t mean they all offer the same service or quality of service. Before contacting moving companies, consider what type of move you’re preparing for.

An international move? A move down the block? Are you moving a studio apartment or whole house?

Some moving companies specialize in certain types of moves; others offer a variety of services.

Read Reviews

Online reviews are an excellent way to learn more about a company before giving them a call. They’re easy to find and don’t take long to read.

Likewise, take note of the company’s responses to any reviews.

If the review was negative, did the company address the problem? If the review was positive, did they seem to value the customer’s business?

How a company responds online can tell you a lot about their business practices.

Verify Credentials

It is essential to check a professional moving company’s history and credentials before hiring them.

If a relocation includes crossing state lines, the mover must be certified by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and follow its rules and regulations. These rules include the required registration of a USDOT Number. 

Always work with a certified moving company. Confirm the credentials of your potential movers here. 

Ask Questions

Reading reviews should help you narrow down your list of potential moving partners. Once you’ve found at least three that you trust, it’s time to reach out and learn about their offerings firsthand.

When you call, you’ll need to give a few important details:

• The date of your move
• Where you’re moving from and to
• What services you’ll need

The more specific you can be during your correspondence, the better your moving company can help you.

Also ask about storage options, moving insurance, and any special rates they currently offer. 

Collect Quotes

Your initial conversations should help you whittle down your list even further. Now it’s time to get serious.

Moving can come with some hidden costs that sneak up on you if you’re not careful. One way to avoid these hidden fees is by directly asking for a quote.

Again, the more details you can give, the better. The size of your current/new home and how much you’re taking with you will affect the price.

Don’t Choose on Price Alone

You want to save money during your move, but you shouldn’t have to do so at the cost of quality and care.

You get what you pay for, so it isn’t always a good idea to choose the company with the lowest quote.

Instead, find a company that offers reliable service as well as a competitive rate.

How to Choose a Moving Company

Moving is stressful enough without having to worry about how to choose a moving company. Start early to give yourself plenty of time to find the most reputable moving service.

Speaking of reputable service, we’d love to help you move. Reach out today for a free quote.

Moving is stressful, but the anxiety of it shouldn’t ruin the exciting adventure ahead of you. Here are three tips on how to move out of state as smooth as possible.

1. Start Early to Give Yourself Breathing Room

To say that moving is a time-consuming endeavor is underselling the experience. Getting ready for a move can take months in some cases.

To keep your upcoming move as stress-free as possible, start early. In fact, start earlier than you think is necessary.

Start by creating a moving schedule. What needs to be packed first? What can wait?

You’ll need to give yourself about six to eight weeks. More if you’re working full-time.

The more breathing room you have, the better. Packing in a panic guarantees that you’ll forget or damage something in the move.

2. Don’t Forget to File the Necessary Paperwork

The previous section might have sent your head spinning. There’s so much to do!

Well, buckle up, because that’s not even the half of it.

Aside from packing and hiring a moving company, you’ll need to make sure you’ve filled out and submitted a few critical pieces of paperwork. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you’ll need to do:

• Submit a change of address to the post office
• Notify companies and people about your new address
• Update medical records
• Submit school information for your children
• Register your new address with your insurance company
• Apply for new tags for your car

It’s a whole lot of paperwork. Don’t let it add to your stress. Chip away at these forms a little at a time.

3. Take This Opportunity to Downsize

People love to say that you can’t take it with you. And while they have a point, we like to think of it differently.

You don’t have to take it with you.

As difficult as preparing for an out of state move can be, it’s an excellent opportunity to sell or donate some of the old belongings that you never use.

When you begin to pack, set aside three boxes: one box for things you want to sell, one for stuff you want to donate, and one for things you can discard.

Downsizing can be hard, especially if you’re sentimental. It can also be a cathartic and freeing experience. Plus, getting rid of your old stuff means less stuff to haul!

Get a Move On: How to Move out of State

Figuring out how to move out of state can be a chore. But these tips should help you prepare for your move in no time!

And don’t forget, we’re here to help.

We’d love to take some of the burden off your shoulders. Get in touch today for a free quote and see how we can make moving out of state easy and affordable.

The first day of school can be hard enough as it is. But the first day of school in a brand new environment? Well, that’s a recipe for a stressed-out, anxious child.

Yes, studies show that you’re not the only one nervous about the upcoming move. Moving schools can be tough on kids, too.

Make the process easier for yourself and your kids by following our quick, easy to read guide on changing schools!

Listen to Your Child’s Feelings

Moving is never easy, but it’s especially difficult for children.

In some cases, your current home may be the only home your child has ever known. It’s where their entire life is, and now that comfort and security is about to get upended by a move as they say goodbye.

While you can’t take away all of your kids’ frustrations and anguishes, you can help them work through their feelings by opening a dialogue.

As you pack together and get ready for the move, ask your little ones how they’re feeling. Here are a few conversation starters to help:

• What are you most nervous about?
• Are you excited to explore a whole new area?
• What are you most looking forward to?
• How can I make this move easier for you?

These ice breakers not only serve as a great jumping-off point but help paint the move in a positive light while still acknowledging your child’s feelings.

Research the School Together

Treating the transition to a new school as an adventure may not make the adjustment painless, but it can take away some of the sting all the same.

Before their first day, spend an afternoon learning about the school. You can research it online, or if you are close to the school, have a picnic at the school’s playground.

Encourage Social Activities

School is a great place to learn — but not all of that learning comes from books or classwork. Socialization plays a significant role in childhood development.

Making friends gives kids an increased sense of self-confidence, helps them feel safe, and serves as an excellent way for them to learn about the world around them.

Talk to your children about how exciting it is that they’ll get to make all sorts of new friends and encourage playdates and extracurricular activities.

Be Patient

Finally, don’t expect an overnight change in behavior. The frustration and nervousness that comes with a move won’t necessarily disappear quickly.

It’s going to take time for your children to adjust to their new environment.

Be patient with them and let them know that you’re there for them through thick and thin. Your love is the most essential part of the adjustment process.

How to Help Your Child Adjust When Moving Schools

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re already stressed about an upcoming move. That stress is likely even greater if you’re worried about your child moving schools and adjusting.

The best thing you can do is to give your child time, attention, and love.

Are you moving sometime soon? Get in touch today for a quote and let us, one of the top Florida moving companies, do the heavy lifting so you can spend more time with your kids.