When people think of movers, they typically picture muscular men hauling furniture and boxes through narrow hallways and out into the back of an 18-wheeler. But movers do much more than just load and unload items—they can also pack, move and store. If you’re planning a move and don’t know where to begin, start by hiring a full-service moving company. They can save you time, money and most importantly — stress.
A top-quality mover has a team San Antonio movers of experts who are specially trained to handle heavy loads. They’ll be able to quickly and efficiently transport your belongings from your house or apartment to the truck and then from the truck to your new home, saving you hours of work and potential injury. They’ll also be able to load your belongings more efficiently into the truck, maximizing space and protecting fragile items.
Most movers offer multiple levels of service, from basic loading and unloading to packing and storage. It’s important to find a mover that offers the services you need, especially if you have a tight deadline or complicated items like antiques and expensive electronics. Make sure your movers comply with licensing requirements, which include both state-level registration and federally mandated motor carrier operating authority (MC) numbers.
Moving companies can pack most of your belongings, including clothing, books and kitchen items. However, there are certain things movers won’t pack, including hazardous materials such as gasoline, fireworks, pesticides, paint thinner and some cleaning products. They also won’t move open food containers or anything frozen or refrigerated, unless it’s a same-day move across town.
The best movers will wrap and protect your valuables and heirlooms for the move. They’ll use padding, bubble wrap and furniture blankets to minimize damage during transit. They can even custom-crate your most fragile or specialty items if necessary.
Professional movers are expert at loading and stacking boxes to optimize space on the truck and ensure that your belongings arrive safely at their destination. They’ll also know how to handle difficult situations, such as tight spaces, stairs and elevators.
A good mover will also provide insurance for your belongings in case they’re lost or damaged during the move. While renters and homeowners insurance may cover some of your belongings during a move, it’s generally best to purchase a separate policy to protect yourself from the cost of replacing or repairing items.
Some movers offer additional services, such as junk removal and appliance installation. And some offer storage solutions, such as portable storage containers that movers will help you load and transport to your new home. These are particularly helpful for long distance moves and those who need to get out of their current home before their new one is ready. This service is often offered for an extra charge, but it’s worth the peace of mind knowing your possessions are safe and secure until you’re ready to reclaim them. Be sure to ask your movers for details on these extras before signing a contract.