Moving furniture is a daunting task, especially when you have valuable or heavy items that require special handling. Whether you’re relocating to a new home or office, hiring professional furniture movers can make the process significantly easier and stress-free; you might be surprised at how much money, and back pain, you can save.
However, finding the right movers is crucial to ensuring your furniture arrives safely and on time. The best idea is to cast a wide net and get multiple quotes.
Here are some top tips to help you hire the best furniture movers for your needs.
Research and Compare Quotes from Multiple Furniture Movers
One of the first steps in hiring furniture movers is to gather quotes from multiple companies. This allows you to compare prices and services, ensuring you get the best deal for your budget. When you receive quotes, make sure they are detailed and include all potential costs, such as packing materials, labor, transportation, and any additional fees. Beware of quotes that seem unusually low, as they might not include all necessary services or insurance, or they could indicate a less reputable company.
The best way to get these quotes is by posting your move on uShip. There, you’ll receive numerous quotes from professionals who do this every day. You can compare those quotes side by side and find the one that fits your budget and needs all in one place.
What’s more, carriers on uShip expertly blanket wrap your furniture so it arrives in the same shape it left — it’s part of why our damage rates are so low (1.3%).
Check Reviews and Past Moves
In addition to comparing quotes, it’s essential to look at reviews and past moves of the movers you are considering. uShip provides a platform where you can read customer reviews and ratings for various furniture movers all in one place. Look for movers with consistently high ratings and positive feedback. This transparency allows you to gauge the reliability and professionalism of the movers based on other customers’ experiences.
You’re also able to ask carriers questions right on uShip. This makes it easy to fully understand exactly what you need to know to make your furniture shipping experience as stress-free as possible.
Understand the Movers’ Insurance Coverage
When hiring furniture movers, it’s crucial to understand the kind of insurance coverage they offer. While most reputable movers provide basic coverage, it might not be sufficient for all your needs. Basic coverage often pays a basic amount per pound, which may not cover the full value of your items in case of damage or loss. Therefore, it’s important to know the specifics of their coverage.
When you use uShip, you have the option to cover everything well beyond what your carrier offers at an affordable price. It’s called the uShip Protection Plan — let’s talk a bit about that.
The Importance of the uShip Protection Plan
Unlike standard carrier insurance, the uShip Protection Plan offers all-risk protection, giving you peace of mind that your furniture is covered comprehensively.
This plan goes beyond the basic coverage provided by the movers, protecting you against a wide range of potential issues that might arise during the move. It’s an affordable way to mitigate risk when it comes to moving your treasures.
Why All-Risk Protection Matters
All-risk protection means that your furniture is covered against all types of damage, except for specific exclusions listed in the terms of service. This includes protection against accidents, handling damage, and other unforeseen events that might occur during the moving process. It’s like a vehicle extended warranty that is managed in-house. They get a bad rap because of how incessant the salespeople are, but I’ve used warranties on three different vehicles now — I’ll always buy a plan on my vehicles.
By opting for the uShip Protection Plan, you ensure that you are not left out-of-pocket in case of any mishaps, as the plan covers the full value of your items up to a specified limit, and because we house the plan ourselves, you never have to deal with a third party should you need to start a claim.
Top Qualities to Look for in Furniture Movers
When searching for the right furniture movers, there are several key qualities to consider:
Experience and Expertise — Ensure the movers have experience in handling and transporting furniture, regardless if you have valuable or antique items. Experienced movers know how to pack and handle furniture to prevent damage.
Professionalism and Reliability — Choose movers who are known for their professionalism and reliability. This includes punctuality, communication, and a professional appearance. Reliable movers will provide you with a clear timeline and keep you updated throughout the moving process.
Proper Equipment and Vehicles — Check if the movers have the necessary equipment and vehicles to handle your move. This includes dollies, straps, and padding to protect your furniture during transit. The right equipment ensures your furniture is handled safely and efficiently.
Transparent Pricing and Policies — Look for movers who provide transparent pricing and clear policies. There should be no hidden fees, and the terms of service should be straightforward. Transparency helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for. This is table stakes for uShip users.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring
To ensure you hire the best furniture movers, here are some questions to ask:
What is included in your quote? — Make sure the quote covers all aspects of the move, including packing, labor, transportation, and any additional fees. uShip is rooted in transparency. What you see is what you get.
What kind of insurance coverage do you provide? — Ensure they carry basic insurance and ask what is covered under their plan. When in doubt, consider purchasing a uShip Protection Plan at checkout.
Can you provide references or reviews from past customers? — Checking references or reading reviews gives you insight into the mover’s reliability and quality of service. Again, on uShip, this is as simple as it gets and is foundational to our success. Multiple quotes from multiple carriers with transparent reviews; it makes for the best possible situation for you and your furniture.
How do you handle awkward items or extremely heavy furniture? — Ensure the movers have experience and proper equipment to handle any special items or overtly heavy furniture you have. Moving a couch is a far cry from moving a unique wood and glass antique cabinet.
Doing it the Right Way
Hiring the right furniture movers on uShip can make your move significantly easier. By researching and comparing quotes, checking reviews, understanding insurance coverage, and asking the right questions, you can ensure you find movers who are reliable, professional, and capable of handling your furniture with care.
With the added benefit of the uShip Protection Plan’s all-risk protection, you can have peace of mind knowing your furniture is fully covered. Use these tips to make your next move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
