10 Tips to Help You Choose the Best Moving Company in Gauteng

All moving companies in Gauteng are pretty much the same, right? The short answer: No, they are not.

Too many people make the mistake thinking that it really doesn’t matter which moving company you choose for your big day, as long as they are reliable enough to show up. After all, the argument goes, they simply need to be able to load the furniture and boxes, and get it to the destination.

The truth is that there is much more skill and effort that goes into a smooth, hassle-free relocation. Moving is not known to be one of the most stressful things a person can undertake for no reason. That said, carefully selecting your choice from the available moving companies in Gauteng can go a very long way in taking the stress and frustration out of moving.

What exactly is it then that sets moving companies in Gauteng apart, and how do you know you are choosing the right one for your move? Here are some great tips to help you eliminate the average and identify the ideal candidate to partner with when it comes to your move:

Start your search early

Most people relocate at the end or start of the month. With a limited number of moving companies available in Gauteng, these time slots get booked up well in advance. If you wait too late, you will either not be able to secure the services of a professional moving agent, or you will be forced to take whatever is available, instead of choosing a service that is tailored to your needs.

Choose a service provider with experience

Nowadays, anyone who owns a truck and has a friend who is willing to help them can sell their services as a moving company. Don’t fall for ultra-low prices, simply because it is available. After all, you are trusting someone with your entire household – the majority, if not all, of your possessions. Find a service provider that has a demonstrable history of successful relocations, so that you can benefit from their experience. This will definitely show in both the preparation phase and the execution phase, and you will be glad you chose someone who knows what they are doing.

Avoid “one-size-fits-all” quotes

No two moves are the same. If a moving company provides you with a standard quote without first doing an extensive deep dive into what the details of the move are, be wary. This could mean that you are in for some hidden costs at a point where it is too late to back out, or you may encounter other hiccups on moving day where they do not provide all the services you were hoping for. A professional mover should delve into the details and provide you with a custom quote based on your unique requirements.

Ask if the moving company have their own fleet of vehicles

A moving company without vehicles? It does happen. Some service providers do not own their own fleet, but rather hire the vehicles for specific relocation projects as they are needed. So far possible, this is something you want to avoid. Why? Because it opens you up to potential delays if something goes wrong with the rental agreement, it adds a third party with which you don’t have a direct relationship and that might be more difficult to hold accountable if anything were to go wrong, and it could also add to the associated costs. Where possible, make use of a moving company that has their own fleet of specialised vehicles that are suited specifically for moving.

Take a closer look at their insurance cover

The whole point of selecting a professional, experienced moving company is to ensure that your possessions are looked after properly and with care, and that everything arrives at the destination in the same condition as it left your house in the first place. However, even with the utmost precautions, accidents do happen. Does the service provider offer insurance cover (they really should), and is the cover provided sufficient? Furthermore, what is their claims history? Are these settled within a reasonable time? If something were to go wrong, you don’t want to spend months on end fighting for the compensation that is rightfully yours.

International relocations require additional skills

Aside from the stress associated with uprooting your entire life and settling in a new country, there is also a lot more organisation and admin required to pull off such a move. If you’re relocating across borders, choose a moving company that deals with such moves on a regular basis. They will have the necessary connections and experience to execute this move smoothly and in a timely manner.

Choose a moving company that goes the extra mile

If you want value for your money, make sure you choose a moving company that offers more than a truck and a couple of hands to lift boxes. After all, you are engaging their services because they are the experts at what they do. A moving company worth their salt will assign a project manager, provide checklists to guide you through the process and help you prepare, provide packing material and services, and even help you integrate into the community at your destination by identifying suitable schools and other services, where necessary. You deserve this type of treatment and consideration.

Don’t forget your pets

Your beloved pets are part of your family, and they deserve only the best care and attention during this stressful time. If you need assistance with the relocation of your pets, it might be worth choosing a moving company that offers this very specialised service. The further your move is, the more important this becomes. And, if you’re moving across borders, you definitely want to partner with a professional you trust, for the sake of your pets.

How will your vehicle(s) get to their destination?

Do you know how your vehicle will reach its destination?

 If you own more than one vehicle, or perhaps some investment vehicles, driving them to your end destination might not be an option. Will you be procuring the services of yet another company, or would you prefer to take advantage of the trust you are building and the potential beneficial rates of working through one service provider that can arrange this as well on your behalf?

Start by requesting a free quote from Elliott

Elliott Mobility has been in the industry for more than 65 years and is one of the most trusted moving companies in Gauteng. Our range of services is extensive and we’ll gladly discuss the details of your move with you and draw up a detailed and comprehensive quote for your next relocation.