Most people would never risk their health just to move a crate of boxes or lift a several-hundred-pound curio, right? Wrong. Injuries happen all the time while relocating, which is why you should hire a moving company.
Can you mitigate the serious health risks associated with a day — or several — of transporting items back and forth from a structure to a truck? Sure, but not all of them. At the end of the day, you owe it to yourself to consider leaving the tough job to professionals.
We get it that you want to feel useful on moving day, but you’ll stay business without playing the role of expert moving employee. Not quite convinced that this job should go to a pro?
Check out the reasons why you should hire a moving company.
1. You Are Not a Spring Chicken
You might already know that you’re statistically likely to move 11 times in your lifetime. Unless this move represents numero uno, your body might not appreciate a day’s worth of wear and tear.
As people age, they naturally have to be concerned with muscle, tendon, and ligament strains. Not only do we require more rest, but we require more caution. Plus, if you have not kept a full-blown workout regimen, you could seriously hurt yourself. (Do yourself a favor if the latter is the case: Snag an appointment with a trained nutritionist.)
2. You Have a House Filled With Stuff.
Boxes. Furniture. Mementos. You name it. Your house could double as a museum for your family’s heritage.
Instead of taking it upon yourself to not only box but also move everything in sight, talk to a professional moving company. Their goal is always to protect your assets, and they understand the most efficient ways to empty one place and fill another.
3. You Want to Move a Vehicle But Do Not Want to Drive It
You have two vehicles but can only drive one. What happens? Do you have to sell the car you love?
Many specialty places like Texas-based Freedom Auto Transport, act as expert movers not for household supplies but for vehicles. You might be surprised when you discover how little it costs to simply ship your second or extra car rather than sell it and buy another when you get to your destination.
4. Your Move Will Take You Long-Distance
Forget about moving to the adjoining neighborhood or community. Your move will land you hundreds, maybe thousands, of miles from your current location.
With so many considerations in mind, why add the burden of having to plot out how you will successfully transport everything? Leave that responsibility up to a business with a great reputation that can take a big “to do” item off your list.
5. Your Employer Is Paying for Your Relocation
Lucky enough to have your employer pay for your relocation bills? Stop worrying about scrimping on pennies and go with the best moving business that you can find.
Of course, talk to your new or existing boss about the allowance for your move. Typically, companies offering relocation packages will have a ceiling limit on how much you can spend. The high end hovers around $90,000 per employee in the United States but varies widely depending upon position and corporation.
(As a side note, this might be the most no-brainer answer to the question of why you should hire a moving company!)
6. You Want to Cover Yourself Legally
If you move by yourself with your family or friends, you will have very limited or no recourse if an item breaks. At the same time, your moving helpers could wind up suing if they incur physical problems as a direct result of moving boxes and furnishings. Maybe your homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance will offset a lawsuit — but maybe it will not.
Professional moving companies must by law have insurance. The insurance they carry not only protects them, but it protects you and your belongings.
Let’s say that your brother-in-law drops your priceless heirloom on the floor, shattering it into a million pieces. You pretty much have nothing to do except seethe and grab a broom.
On the other hand, if the employee of a moving company damages your property, you can probably at least get money back through the company’s insurance carrier.
Word to the wise: Before signing on the dotted line, ask to know about any moving company’s insurance.
7. You Will Not Be There for the Move
In the past, you may have always moved your things. This time, for whatever reason, you cannot play a role during the big move.
Rather than trying to lay all the duties on a friend or family member, make a plan with a professional mover that works in these types of situations. The mover can keep you updated on how the day is going, and you can stay in touch via smartphone for any questions.
This option streamlines the process, especially if you need to start a new job in a far-away location before your actual moving day arrives.
8. You Have Allergies or Similar Physical Problems
People with sensitivities to dust, mold, mites, insects, and pollen can forget that moving causes a great deal of particulate to rise from belongings, carpets, etc. In turn, this creates an atmosphere that can make breathing problematic.
If you or a loved one in your household has a serious respiratory illness, always opt for a professional mover in lieu of doing it on your own. Sure, your loved one might worry and ask why you should hire a moving company, but you can explain it is for the wellness (and in the best interests) of everyone.
You Know Why You Should Hire a Moving Company… Here Is How
Convinced that a professional moving operation fits your upcoming move? Take the following measures to find the right partner:
- Conduct online and offline research on movers in your area. Ask friends, family, and your social network for suggestions. Be sure to read reviews in detail.
- Gather quotes from your top three choices. The quotes should include similar details, such as how many hours the moving company anticipates putting into the job, how many people will be onsite, and the final cost estimate.
- Based on your findings, arrange a final interview with your preferred company. Get everything in writing and settle on a date. That way, you have the paperwork documentation to protect both parties.
In addition to learning why you should hire a moving company, you should also understand the benefits of getting a contractor to fix up your property for resale! Here are some ways to find a responsible handyman.