The Frozen Mammoth

Category: Movers

  • Hiring Movers? Avoid These Common Mistakes!

    Finding a reputable moving service to handle a residential move can be challenging.

    Moving company services are expensive, so it is understandable that people want to spend as little as possible on their movers; however, there is much more to finding a trustable moving service than just their price.

    Use these tips to find hardworking, professional movers who can be trusted to relocate personal belongings without the issues that can come when hiring the wrong ones!

    • Don’t Choose Based On Who Gives the Lowest Estimate – Moving company services are one instance where lower prices can sometimes mean poor service from movers who are not professionals. Avoid those seeking only to undercut other movers just to get a job by reviewing these other points below first, then judging whether the company seems reliable. 
    • Research with the BBB – Look forr moving services with many complaints and a bad reputation on the Better Business Bureau website. See what other customers are saying there, as well as on the company’s online business directory listings like Yelp! and Google My Business. 
    • Discuss Moving Large, Heavy, or Fragile Items – When getting estimates, be sure to mention items that could be difficult to move, as moving companies services must plan ahead on how to move them and additional fees might also be involved. Know ahead of time that a mover is capable of moving difficult or fragile items and what the options are if they can’t or if something gets broken. 
    • Ask About Extra Charges – Speaking of extra charges, be sure to get a written moving estimate, then confirm how they charge for mover help, fuel, mileage, packing, and all other expenses that are rolled into their services. Ask them to identify any added or hidden charges that may show up on the bill and how weight or time overages are charged so there are no surprises at the end. 
    • Fully Understanding How Breakage is Covered – Discuss moving insurance with the company and how theirs works. Confirm what is covered and for how much and if necessary, take out additional moving insurance. Many companies insure based on weight and that can leave customers with great losses if small but expensive items end up damaged.

    The main problems that customers have with moving services usually revolve around assumptions made and them not asking movers enough questions.

    Avoid these mistakes when hiring a moving service and learn which ones are the most suited for the job, regardless of their prices.

    Once professionalism, capability, and good business practices are established, price considerations can come afterward.

  • 5 Tips for Preparing Pets for Moving Day!

    the heavy work.

    It can be even more challenging when there are family pets involved, as all the movement and the strange people working in the house can be exceptionally stressful to them.

    To accomplish moves with pets without the drama, these are 5 ideas suggested by home moving services to keep pets safe throughout the process so they can enjoy their new home once the move is complete.

    1. Make A Plan Ahead of Time – Regardless of which of the following tips are used, always start off with a plan of what to do with pets so there is no confusion once home moving services arrive. Avoid excitement, accidental bites, and other problems by having a plan for containing pets and limiting their exposure to the noise and activity that could cause them a great deal of stress.
    2. Contain Small Pets To Pet Carriers – One way to keep pets out of the way when movers are packing or unpacking the house and moving boxes in and out is to contain them in a pet carrier or animal crate. Purchase a large enough one ahead of time if one is not already available and put the pet in before the movers arrive with a blanket and some water plus a litter box for cats.
    3. Remove Pets While Movers Are There – Depending on the animal and how skittish it is, a better option while moving might be to remove it from the house by putting it in a safely enclosed yard or pen or bringing it to the home of a family member, friend, or neighbor who can keep an eye on it while home moving services work.
    4. Board Pets For A few Days – Another option when removing the pet from the home is most ideal is to simply board the animal(s) out for a day or two while all the moving activity of packing/unpacking and loading/unloading are happening.
    5. Restrict Pets To One Room – If all else fails and there are no other options, clear out one small room first or empty a bathroom, then contain pets exclusively in that room during the move.

    Keeping pets under control and out of the way during moves is critical to the safety of the pets, the movers, and everyone else present.

    Make a plan for moving day as to how family pets should be handled before the movers actually get there so there are no unfortunate accidents or heartbreaking pet escapes and the move goes well!