How to Choose the Best Moving Company

How to Choose the Best Moving Company in Houston

When getting ready to move, one of the first things on your to-do list can be to find a mover and reserve a moving date, which makes knowing how to choose the best moving company a necessity. Because there can be a sense of urgency to secure the date needed, it can be tempting to skip the due diligence that should be exercised when looking for a moving company. The result can be having a less than respectable fly-by-night moving company in charge of all your personal possessions, a situation no one wants to find themselves in.

Protect yourself and your belongings by enlisting the help of an industry-respected Houston moving company that has a proven record of serving customers well in years past and that operates with that same standard of excellence still today.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

The question then becomes how to navigate the literally hundreds of listings for moving companies to find one that is reputable, professional, and trustworthy. Some tips on how to choose the best moving company can be to find a provider that is:

  • Industry-respected. If a moving company is rated well by professional organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau, and has received achievement awards, it speaks to the level of respect they have earned within the industry among their peers and previous clients.
  • Family owned. Family owned and operated moving companies tend to take great pride in their work because everything they do reflects on the family’s name and reputation. These companies are usually willing to go the extra mile to do their jobs with integrity and excellence that both their employer and customer can be proud of.
  • Local. Going with a local moving company ensures that they have an intimate understanding of the area. This can be particularly helpful in large cities in which navigating a complex web of interstates and highways may be required. Local employees and drivers should have a better understanding of what roadways to avoid at peak rush hour and alternative routes for construction detours.

While this is a great starting place, it is recommended to verify that the companies making the cut on your list also hire hand-picked employees rather than contract movers. Hiring on employees typically means that the company does thorough background checks and drug screenings. Those companies who hire contract workers may not require these individuals to submit to these processes, which means they may not know everything they need to before sending the worker into your home.

Once you have narrowed the list down to companies that exemplify these traits, the next step is to look for what services they provide.

What Services to Look for in the Best Moving Company

Not all moving companies offer the same scope of services, so while it may sound obvious to verify the services an entity provides, it is highly encouraged. If you are wondering how to choose the best moving company, the top 6 considerations include:

  1. Versatility. The more types of moves a company has successfully completed, the more prepared they generally are for future moving jobs. Make sure a company has the capacity to do both residential moves and commercial moves that are in-state, across state lines, and even internationally.
  2. Excellent customer service. When it comes to how to find the best moving company, one of the top considerations should be the quality of customer service they provide. This can range from the number of services they offer, to the types and frequency of communication they employ, to the occurrence of updates a customer receives during the move itself.
  3. In-person quotes. While it may seem like a time saver to get a moving quote online or over the phone, both require an accurate estimate of the number of boxes and pieces of furniture to be moved from the customer. If the customer is not packed yet, it can be easy to underestimate the number of boxes that will need to be moved. This means the quote could go up on moving day, and there could potentially be issues with having the right size moving van. To avoid this type of situation, look for a company that will send an employee to the home or business to provide an accurate in-person quote after surveying the rooms and spaces that need to be moved.
  4. Packing and Unpacking Services. Packing services can be particularly attractive for those who are aging, those who require an expedited move, or even those moving overseas. Choose a mover who, if needed, will be willing to show up at your location with packing supplies in hand and that will expertly pack up the necessary items. Unpacking services are frequently used when there is a need to settle into the new destination quickly and avoid living among boxes for weeks at a time. Selecting a mover that offers this service as well may help people acclimate to their new surroundings faster.
  5. Low damage rate. The goal is to have boxed and wrapped items moved to their destination without a change in their condition, such as a break, crack, or other type of damage. However, this may happen from time to time due to a number of reasons, ranging from a box that is not packed with proper balance to many other situations. Still, the damage rate number should be low, so look for one of close to one percent.
  6. Truck maintenance. When moving, the focus tends to be on the items being moved but the success of the endeavor depends in large part on the condition of the moving trucks. A vehicle that is not regularly maintained and does not abide by DOT standards could be at risk of breaking down, which would cause a move to be unnecessarily delayed. Find a professional company that regularly performs maintenance to their vehicles.

Now that you know how to choose the best moving company, make that knowledge work for you by doing some homework before signing on the dotted line. This process can provide confidence and peace of mind that is practically priceless.

How To Move While Maintaining Social Distancing

Maintaining Social Distancing With A Moving Company

As America faces the second year of the coronavirus pandemic, many find that safety protocols are still making some aspects of life more complicated than they used to be. Despite COVID-19, many areas continue to experience a solid real estate market, leaving many to wonder how to move while maintaining social distancing. By choosing a moving company that is committed to the safety of their employees and customers, especially amidst a pandemic, moving can still be a safe and manageable experience for all.

Social Distancing Recommendations

Currently, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is recommending that Americans practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. The premise of social distancing, sometimes referred to as physical distancing, is keeping a safe distance between one person and other individuals who are not a part of their regular household.

The suggested amount of social distancing is considered to be a minimum of six feet. This means that people observing social distancing should have roughly two arm lengths of space between themselves and others that are not from the same household.

As more states open back up amidst the coronavirus pandemic, many health professionals are still urging the public to observe social distancing in both indoor and outdoor environments since it is believed to slow the spread of coronavirus.

How to Move While Maintaining Social Distancing

Due to the nature of moving, keeping that six feet of recommended social distancing can be challenging at times, but there are some things you can do to stay safe during the moving process, including:

Keep doors and some windows open while the movers are present for good air flow.

Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces in the home.

Ensure that you are wearing a proper mask when movers are in the home.

Aim to keep six feet away from the movers if possible.

Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.

Have one or more bottles of hand sanitizer that are easily accessible.

Keep your own pen available for signing receipts and moving documents.

Consider rescheduling if you are not feeling well.

How Moving Companies Are Operating Amidst Social Distancing

Many moving companies are adopting special protocols to ensure the safety of their clients and employees. When hiring a moving company, be sure to find one that observes most of the below procedures for added peace of mind:

Offer safe, in-home moving quotes.

In-home quotes should be offered for the most accurate estimate, and the company should follow all safety protocols.

Wear gloves at all times.

This can help movers keep from getting germs on their hands or transferring germs to an object.

Wear proper masks unless eating or drinking.

This should be done while movers are riding in the van together as well as when working with a customer.

Maintain approximately six feet of distance between themselves and customers.

This must be done as much as possible in an effort to observe the CDC’s social distancing recommendations to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Provide each moving truck with paper towels, trash bags, and hand sanitizer.

Movers can immediately and properly dispose of trash and have easy access to hand sanitizer to minimize the spread of germs.

In addition to the above, a reputable moving company will also:

  • Practice good hygiene regularly
  • Require employees to alert management if they are having any symptoms that could be associated with coronavirus
  • Review coronavirus symptoms and safety protocol with employees
  • Ask employees to let management know if they have been exposed to someone who recently tested positive for coronavirus
  • Ask employees to stay home if they are not feeling well
  • Perform temperature checks on active employees before they report for a job

Don’t let the coronavirus pandemic hold you back from moving into a new home. By working together with a highly regarded moving company who is dedicated to the health and safety of their own employees and clients, moving while maintaining social distancing does not have to be an issue.

Enjoy the Freedom of a Springtime Relocation

Springtime brings showers and flowers—and quite possibly the best season to hire interstate movers.

You’ve got plans to move across the country and have the following questions:

  • “Is there such a thing as an ideal time to relocate?”
  • “Is there a moving company near me that can tackle the job?”

springtime move moving movers spring

It’s hard to describe a certain time of the year as a “perfect” time to move, but the spring season is a great time for several reasons.

‘Thaw-some’ time

Preparing for moving during “the thaw” enables you to conduct a spring clean. You can catch up on those home-value-boosting jobs you’ve been putting off during the colder months, such as touching up the paint, repairing rickety fences or resurfacing kitchen countertops. These efforts will put your house in top selling condition.

The most hectic time for cross-country moves is summer. Why is May through August traditionally the year’s busiest moving period? Simple. Reliable weather + no school = great combo. But the moving industry’s busy season isn’t perfect. In fact, scheduling an off-season cross-country move possibly offers more benefits, such as cheaper prices and more available supplies.

Trying to shoehorn into the packed summer season can prove problematic. Because movers’ schedules often are more open during the off-season, you’ll likely benefit from a lot more flexibility.

Stress reduction

Just like other cross country moving companies, JT Melia Moving & Storage rides this seasonal teeter-totter. That puts us in the driver’s seat when it comes to recommending the season that’s likely to work best for you.

Having national movers relocate you during spring means you’re already enjoying your new home in time for the warm-and-sunny season—without any of that summertime moving stress. JT Melia Moving & Storage is a moving agent for the company 1 million+ families have relied on to move them for more than 90 years: National Van Lines. That means we can help you relocate during spring (and year-round, of course).

Calculating the cost of moving cross-country is multifold, with financial considerations only part of the overall picture. Convenience, minimal stress and increased options all hold value, too. Whichever season you pick, JT Melia Moving & Storage will be ready to “spring” into action.

Plus, you should know about the various options for a truly touch-free moving estimate.

Trusted for 50+ Years

JT Melia Moving & Storage is the top trusted Houston moving company for over 50 years. Being a family-owned and -operated moving company means pride in all we do. We’re Houston strong and treat every client like family. We handle and load your household items with great care—just like we would our own. We only use hand-picked employees (never contractors) so you can rest assured about the people you’re allowing in your home.  Contact us today for a FREE honest and accurate moving quote: 713.683.8585.

How Local Moving Companies Can Help the Government in a Time of Crisis

Particularly in times of national and global crisis as demand for certain products sharply increases, companies are reliant on the trucking industry to move products quickly to prevent a wide scale shortage. But what happens when the time constraints are so great that there simply aren’t enough trucks to meet the demand? Local moving companies can help the government during times of crisis. Continue reading “How Local Moving Companies Can Help the Government in a Time of Crisis”

Why Should Homeowners Avoid Hiring A Nonprofessional Mover?

Experienced moving professionals are trained, certified and insured, and these are valuable traits to have in a moving service. Choosing a moving helper that doesn’t have this degree of reliability means homeowners put themselves at risk during their move. Risks like lost or damaged items, getting scammed or even liability if someone gets hurt. The cost of hiring a nonprofessional, then, isn’t just represented in the cheap rate they offer. Continue reading “Why Should Homeowners Avoid Hiring A Nonprofessional Mover?”

What Factors Determine Movers In Houston Prices

Movers in Houston have prices that are close to the national average, though average isn’t a metric that will work for every household. There are additional costs involved in moving certain items or in navigating certain obstacles. As such, property owners should seek out a more accurate estimate from a reputable moving company. This will ensure there are no surprises when moving day comes around. Continue reading “What Factors Determine Movers In Houston Prices”

Why You Should Hire Professional Moving Companies Rather Than Moving Yourself

Moving is a hassle, whether it’s across state lines or just down the block, and hiring residential moving services rather than attempting a ‘do-it-yourself’ approach is well-worth the effort. Relying on professionals alleviates much of the pressure that people put on themselves as they plan their transition to a neighborhood. Continue reading “Why You Should Hire Professional Moving Companies Rather Than Moving Yourself”