Moving is difficult for most people due to all of the moving parts involved. But for seniors who are moving into senior living or another home, the prospect of leaving home is even more daunting. This is why it is important to find movers who are familiar with helping seniors transition to their next home. Their knowledge and experience make this complex and emotional process much easier. This article outlines how to find help for seniors who need to move.
Why Choose Movers Who Specialize in Seniors?
One of the main issues for seniors is retaining control of the moving process. Moving can be an overwhelming process, even more, if you live alone. It’s difficult to figure out how to move and manage those helping you at the same time. Working with a company who has helped other people in the same situation is an advantage. Tell those working with you what you need help with to maintain control of the move. And unlike asking family or friends for help, a moving company does not have an emotional interest.
What to Ask
- Do you have liability and worker’s compensation insurance?
- Are you professionally licensed or have credentials?
- How much do you charge for your services?
These questions are important to ask because any time people work in a home, accidents can happen. So you want to ensure that movers have insurance so that you are not liable for anything that happens during the move. Professional licenses and credentials require movers to abide by specific rules and procedures.
Understanding what a company charges up front for their services is good to know as well. Not only does it allow you to compare prices but their pricing also says something about the quality of the service provided too.
Tips for Choosing a Mover and Moving
The adage, “You get what you pay for” applies to movers just as it does anything else. Never choose the cheapest offer just because it is the lowest in cost. The same is true for the most expensive one. Choose the company that fits your needs the best.
Have a general idea of how many items need to be moved. Some companies charge by the weight of the items and others charge by the number of boxes and amount of furniture being moved. This helps with getting a quote. Make sure that the moving contract is in writing too and read through it. It should have a breakdown of all the costs and any extra fees. If you don’t agree with the contract, discuss it before the move. If you can’t agree, go to the next company on your list.
Go with a company who has an established presence. This means having a website, a business license, reviews, and referrals from other people and organizations. Scams do exist, so always do your research beforehand. Consider hiring a move manager from the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM). They have a directory of members that include movers but also people that specialize in downsizing and relocation too.
Deciding to move isn’t easy. Moving should be a smooth experience, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are many resources out there for seniors who are moving. Understand what you need and use the services that are right for your move.
If you’re needing help finding reliable movers in Atlanta, use the form on our homepage (www.cheapmoversatlanta.com) to get started.