Want to hire a moving company to help you transport your belongings to your new address? You're in luck, as many world-class moving companies are available in cities and towns nationwide.

Ultimately, there are various factors to consider as you try to differentiate one moving company from another, including:

1. Experience

A top-notch moving company probably will possess many years of experience. As such, this business should have no trouble helping you identify potential moving hurdles and ensuring you can overcome these problems quickly and effortlessly.

If you're uncertain about a moving company's experience, searching the business' website may prove to be an excellent starting point. By reviewing the business' website, you can learn about the company's services and find out how it supports its customers.

Also, feel free to reach out to a moving company if you ever have concerns or questions. This will enable you to receive first-hand insights into the business' experience so you can make an informed decision.

2. Quality of Service

Although every moving company should be able to provide unparalleled customer support, few businesses may go the extra mile to ensure customers are helped at each stage of the moving process.

Try to find a moving company that is dedicated to its clientele – you'll be glad you did. This company should be able to respond to any concerns or questions leading up to moving day. In addition, the company will be able to offer affordable pricing and set realistic expectations about what to expect when moving day arrives.

Keep in mind that a first-rate moving company should be able to provide customer referrals that you can use to determine whether this business is the right choice for your upcoming move.

Ask a moving company for client referrals before you make your final decision. That way, you can reach out to past clients to learn more about the quality of service that a moving company provides.

3. Licensure and Insurance

Find out whether a moving company is licensed and insured. This may require you to allocate substantial time and resources to perform an in-depth search of licensed and insured moving companies in your area, but the benefits of doing so will pay off in the long run.

A licensed and insured moving company will possess the necessary credentials to provide support for an intrastate or interstate move. As a result, this business can safely handle all of your possessions and ensure your items are fully protected from the time they are picked up until the time they arrive at your new address.

Lastly, if you recently sold or bought a house, your real estate agent may be able to provide extra help. He or she likely can provide moving company recommendations and put you in touch with a moving company that can fulfill your moving day requests.

Get ready for your upcoming move – consider the aforementioned factors, and you can find the ideal moving company to help you take your belongings to any location, at any time.

Photo by Gino Crescoli via Pixabay

If a stranger were to knock on your door and ask to come in, you’d likely say no. Yet when you’re showing your house, this is exactly what you’re doing. You’ll let stranger after stranger come in to tour the home and see if it’s a good fit for their needs. So how can you ensure your home is safe? These home security steps will ensure you can safely show your home with minimal risk.

1. Always Use an Agent

Always use an agent to help sell the home. This will ensure someone is in the home when it is being shown. While some buyers try to sell on their own, this opens you up to showing the home without anyone else around, which is potentially dangerous. Using an agent ensures someone is always with the buyer when they tour the home.

2. Keep It About Business

If you are in the home when potential buyers come through, don’t fear small talk, but be careful. Keep the talk simple and related to the home and its features. Do not divulge too much personal information about yourself or your family. Remember, this person is a stranger.

3. Confirm the Identity of Buyer’s Agents

If someone calls you or your agent claiming to be a real estate agent who wants to see the house, do some research. Your agent would be able to verify that the person is, in fact, an agent. If you cannot find a record of them, do not open your home to them.

4. Hide Your Valuables

Hide your valuables before any showings or open houses. You don’t want potential buyers to grab your favorite pearl earrings as they go through your bedroom to tour the home. As you’re hiding valuables, consider hiding your prescription medications. Unfortunately, some prescriptions are high theft items, and you need your medications for your own health. Consider investing in a small safe to stash these items before you start showing your house.

5. Stash Your Remotes

Do you have a garage door remote? Don’t leave it out! A potential buyer could pocket it and return later to rob your home or your garage. Keep all keys, remotes, and fobs with you when you leave for the showing, or store them out of sight if you are staying in the home for the showing.

Opening your door to strangers is part of the process when you’re showing your home, but you do have to be smart about it. Take these ideas into consideration, and do what you can to protect your home and your family while you’re in the selling process.