Whether moving across the country or just a zip code away, a clean slate in a new home can be energizing and motivating. Unfortunately, lugging all your belongings from one space to the next can also be daunting. This is where having an extra pair of hands (or a few) makes all the difference.
And the simple fact of life is that eventually your friends will no longer be swayed by pizza and beer to come help you move your belongings. Therefore, hiring full-service movers can help you alleviate some of this stress, preserve those friendships, and start your next chapter in your new home on the right foot.
This article outlines the key benefits of hiring a moving company, including reduced stress, time savings, and less physical strain on your body. Keep reading to discover why hiring movers is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make.
How Does Hiring Movers Work?
Most professional movers will offer services that handle everything associated with your move. These services include:
- Supply packing materials: Movers typically provide high-quality packing materials, such as boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and packing paper. Some movers offer specialized materials for fragile items like electronics, artwork, or antiques.
- Packing your belongings: You can hire professional movers to pack your entire home or just particular rooms and items, depending on your needs. Trained professionals will carefully pack your belongings using the proper techniques and materials to protect everything during transit.
- Truck loading and unloading: Once you or the movers pack everything, they will load your items into their truck using methods to minimize the risk of damage. They will then drive to your new home and unload everything carefully, placing your belongings in designated areas.
- Unpacking your belongings: Some moving companies also offer unpacking services. If you purchase this service, movers will help you take things out of boxes and arrange them in your new home. Unpacking services can be a massive relief after the stress of the move itself and help you settle in faster.
- Special services: Many moving companies offer additional services, such as furniture disassembly and assembly (think beds, dining tables, and other large items). Movers may also provide material disposal services to help you dispose of unwanted packing materials.
Each additional service you request is likely to increase the cost of the move, so if you are comparison shopping different movers, be sure to get a full list of services included in the base cost.
5 Primary Reasons Why You Should Hire Professional Movers
There are many reasons why you should hire professional movers to help you transition to your new place. Here are the five most important reasons:
- Personal safety
- Professional experience
- Planned efficiency
- Peace of mind
- Practicality and convenience
Let’s explore these five crucial reasons in more detail.
1. Personal Safety
Moving can be dangerous, especially when lifting heavy and bulky items alone or without the right equipment. How will you be able to enjoy living in your new home if you hurt yourself in the process of moving there? Professional movers and all their specialized equipment can make your life easier and safer.
From dollies for carrying large boxes to ramps and well-designed moving trucks, professional movers have all the necessary equipment to safely move all your belongings from point A to point B.
2. Professional Experience
Professional movers don’t only have the proper equipment and tools needed to handle a full-service move; they also have the expertise. All reputable moving companies will have licenses and paperwork to certify their experience and ability to operate moving equipment and care for your belongings. When you find a moving company you like, check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Protect Your Move1 feature to ensure their registration status.
3. Planned Efficiency
When a homeowner calls a moving company, the movers first ask how large their space is and whether they have any heavy furniture or other bulky items that need to be moved. Based on these two questions, the company determines what size moving truck and how many movers are required to complete the job. Most moving companies have this entire process down to a science. The movers will plan your move from start to finish to ensure things run smoothly on the big day.
Compare this to you and your friends struggling to find a way to fit your king-size mattress on top of their mid-sized SUV, and you can instantly see why hiring movers is the best option.
4. Peace of Mind
While you may overlook its importance, peace of mind is worth a lot, especially when moving to a new city and neighborhood. Moving is stressful enough without worrying about the physical strain heavy lifting can place on your body or the risk of damaging your valuable items. Moving companies typically offer insurance coverage and worry-free guarantees to ease customers' concerns. With liability coverage, you’ll most likely be covered if something gets broken during your move.
5. Practicality and Convenience
Whether you have a few heavy items or a whole house full, hiring movers can make everything easier. Professional movers typically provide packing, loading, and unloading services. You won’t have to worry about coordinating friends, buying lunch, or renting equipment. Movers can use their advanced experience to efficiently navigate unforeseen challenges, saving you time, money, and hassle.
How to Maximize the Benefits of Working With a Moving Company
Hiring a moving company is an excellent choice if you want to make moving into a new home as easy as possible. Take advantage of these tips to maximize the benefits:
- Choose the right moving company for your needs: Will you pack your items yourself and just need loading and unloading services? Or will you need the moving company to pack your items for you? Different moving companies will offer various services, so make sure the company you choose offers the services you need.
- Double-check the company’s rules: Do you need to pack your belongings a certain way? Do you need to pay a booking deposit? Make sure to read all the company’s rules ahead of time and follow them on moving day.
- Accurately describe your items: The more accurate you are with the items you have, the smoother loading and unloading will be. Try not to surprise the movers with large, bulky items, and have everything packed and ready to go when they get there (if you’re not using packing services).
- Fill out all forms: If the moving company offers any insurance options, you’ll likely need to fill out a few forms beforehand.
How Much Does Hiring Movers Cost?
The exact cost of professional moving services will depend on various factors, including the number of items you need to move, the distance between your old and new house, and the number of hours and movers the job requires.
Don't forget to consider things like insurance and a possible tip if you're happy with the service.
A Quick Recap on How to Prepare For Your Move
You may have already read our article on how to prepare for a move, but everyone needs a refresher once in a while. Here’s a few things you can do to make moving easier on you, your mind, and your body:
- Print out a moving checklist
- Consider putting together a moving essentials box
- Host a garage sale to eliminate clutter
- Prepare your pets for the move
- Spend time with loved ones
- Transfer utilities
Getting Your Move On
Overall, there are numerous benefits to hiring a full-service moving company. From ensuring the safety of your belongings to easing your stress and hassle, professional movers are trained to make your move as enjoyable as possible.
If you're still in the process of finding your dream home and narrowing down where you want to move to, Century Communities can help. Use our Find Your Home feature to explore thoughtfully designed new construction properties nationwide.
Benefits of Hiring Movers FAQ
Should I hire movers?
Hiring a professional moving company is an excellent decision if you want to make your move as effortless as possible. It’s also a great idea if you have several bulky items and don’t have the equipment needed to move them safely.
Do you tip movers?
Yes, it is customary to tip movers. As for how much you should tip, that’s up to you and your preferred calculations. Most experts, including those at CNET, recommend tipping 10% to 20% of the total move cost. You can split this up between each mover or give each a flat tip.
How far in advance should I book movers?
You should book movers about two months before your moving day. While some movers may accept reservations as late as two weeks in advance, two months' notice is customary and best so the moving company can accommodate your specific needs.
