So you’re moving? Right on! And as you begin the process of frantically packing up all your worldly possessions, it’s only natural to start thinking about hiring a mover. In that case, ABC Removalists come highly recommended, especially if you’re googling Sydney removalists Northern Beaches area. Their professionalism and 15 years of experience in the field put them heads and shoulders above their competitors.
But even if you’re not in the market for Sydney moving companies, it helps to know how to find a great service provider. Well, with countless firms offering similar services, how can you tell the good apples from the rotten ones? Not to worry, intrepid mover – for I am available to help. Just keep in mind the following guidelines when scoping out potential candidates for the job:
1. Upfront Pricing
Have you ever sought a service only for the provider to give you a quote three times the amount you expected? Yeah, that’s not cool, and you’ll be surprised how frequently it happens. Your removalist should be upfront about their pricing from the get-go, so there are no nasty surprises later on.
That implies they’ll always give you a fair quote without hidden fees. Be wary of service providers who try to lowball you at first and then tack on additional charges later – a clear example of being caught off guard.
2. Flexibility
A good removalist will understand that your time is precious and will work around your schedule – not the other way around. They should also be willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s helping you carry that pesky piece of furniture down a flight of stairs or lending you a hand with packing. After all, you’re paying them for their services, and they should be more than happy to accommodate you.
3. Experience
Sure, the new mover in town can be eager to please, but do you want to entrust your valuable possessions to someone who’s still learning the ropes? In short, they should have plenty of relevant experience – there’s no substitute for this, especially when it comes to something as important (and stressful) as moving house.
Experience also comes in handy when an unexpected situation arises. You don’t want a purported service provider getting fazed when confronted with a tricky situation – they should handle anything that pops up without sweating it out.
4. Accreditation
Industry accreditation implies your service provider has been vetted and approved by professional bodies, so you can rest assured they know their stuff. Any mover worth their salt will usually be a member of at least one association. For instance, if they’re accredited by the Australian Furniture Removers Association (AFRA), you can bet they’re adhering to a high standard.
5. Reputation
Want to know if a particular moving firm is as good as they claim to be? Read online reviews. Sites like Google and Yelp offer a great starting point, as you can get an idea of the impression they’ve created among previous customers.
Remember, a few bad reviews here and there are to be expected – after all, you can’t please everyone. That said, look for a trend. If the vast majority of reviewers had a positive experience, then it’s likely you will too.
You could also dial things up a notch by asking for references – if you have a particular mover in mind. Professional service providers should have no qualms about sharing the contact details of some of their past clients. Then, talk to these individuals and get a first-hand account of what it was like working with the mover. While at it, ask questions such as:
- Did they arrive on time?
- Were they polite and accommodating?
- How did they handle your belongings?
- Would you hire them again?
- Were they reliable?
Their responses will paint a clear picture of the mover in question and whether they’re worth your time (and money). If their customers are happy, then chances are, you’ll have a similar experience.
6. Insurance
A reputable mover should have comprehensive insurance policies to protect your belongings. After all, accidents happen; if they do, it helps to know your service provider won’t leave you high and dry. How would you feel if you were left out of pocket because your treasured possessions were damaged beyond repair? Not so good, right?
But don’t base your faith on what they say – ask for proof of insurance. If they’re unwilling or hesitant to share this information, that should set off alarm bells in your head. Also, ensure you’re familiar with the terms and conditions of their insurance policy before signing on the dotted line.
Nobody wants to be stuck with a less-than-stellar service provider, especially not when dealing with a stressful move. By heeding the pointers above, you can avoid the common pitfalls and choose a reputable removalist in the Northern Beaches locale. That way, you can look forward to a smooth transition.