Posted on by Patrick

The Complete Guide to Using a Tacoma Moving Company

Moving is one of the bittersweet joys of life, one that comes with the excitement of new opportunities, but can carry a whole lot of stress. 

At first glance, DIY moves seem appealing. But here’s what you don’t see: Stress, broken and lost belongings, lost wages from time off — the list of hidden costs goes on and on. Hiring professional movers takes the heavy responsibility of moving your entire life into the hands of a trusted team. Between the time and energy saved on packing, transportation, labor, and scheduling, it’s easy to see the return on investment.

Not convinced? Just curious? Already booked your mover? As moving experts in Tacoma for over 25 years, we’ve brought you some helpful guidance on how to prepare and what to expect when using a moving company in Tacoma, Washington.

Choosing the Right Tacoma Moving Company

The first step to using a moving company in Tacoma is — surprise —  to find one. Keep in mind, though, not all moving companies provide the same quality or level of service. This is your home we’re talking about. It’s key to make sure that whoever you hire is licensed and qualified for the job. When choosing movers in Tacoma, here are some things to consider:

  • A company that meets industry standards for safety and quality should be properly licensed according to the law.
    • For moves in Washington – WUTC number from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and a state motor carrier license (MC)
    • For moves out of state – USDOT number provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
  • Responsible movers should be fully insured and provide customers with comprehensive valuation coverage options, including: Released Value Protection and Full Value Protection.
  • Ask for references from jobs similar to yours (in terms of distance, size, access, etc.) and check their reviews. “Find out whether the company has a report with the Better Business Bureau, which has reviews of more than 20,000 moving-related companies,” adds Consumer Reports.
  • Look out for red flags that may signal scams or bad business practices, such as unusually low estimates, refusal to disclose licensing or insurance information, ignoring questions, or asking you to sign a blank or non-itemized contract.
  • Knowledge of the local area can make a huge difference, from knowing how to navigate traffic patterns and climate challenges to keeping up with local regulations.

Understanding Moving Costs

Exact pricing can vary drastically depending on the size of your move, where you’re moving to/from, when you book, and any add-on services you might opt for, such as packing or storage. To get an idea of what to expect, it helps to understand how moving companies typically calculate their prices:

  • Local moves (within 50-100 miles): Hourly rate
  • Long-distance moves (over 50-100 miles): Distance and weight

According to MoveBuddha, “The typical cost for hiring movers in Tacoma, WA is $133 per hour with a total move cost ranging from $490 to $4,399, on average. The best way to get an accurate and dependable moving cost is to request an estimate. These are often provided at no charge and list service prices tailored to your specific situation. Once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your choices, we recommend getting and comparing estimates from at least 3 moving companies. 

Selecting Your Moving Services

Not one move is the same. Don’t let a mover try to box you into a one-size-fits-all approach; know your options. The services you book typically depend on the amount of help you’re looking for. Moving companies often offer two levels of service: Full and partial. 

“Full-service movers,” explains Moving.com, “will do everything associated with your move, including furniture disassembly, truck loading and unloading, transporting your belongings, furniture reassembly, and placing your items where you want them in your new home.” Meanwhile, partial service lets you customize by choosing the services that best fit your needs.

Generally, moving service options will include the following:

  • Loading and unloading with final placement 
  • Transportation
  • Furniture assembly/disassembly
  • Packing – All of your belongings (full) or a select few (partial)
  • Storage solutions – Check if they have a warehouse, self-storage, or storage containers
  • Specialty services for large, fragile, or valuable items like pianos, gun safes, hot tubs, antiques, and more

Preparing for Your Move

One of the biggest factors in how smoothly your move pans out is preparation. “Start the search for a moving company as soon as possible[,] preferably two months before your move,” advises the New York Times. It’s important to set yourself up for success by staying organized and informed throughout the process. 

Before packing, this means decluttering and knowing what items your movers can and cannot move (such as hazardous materials and perishables), as well as labeling each box with its contents and intended destination. 

On moving day, make sure walkways are easily accessible for your moving crew, belongings are all packed and ready, and pets are safely secured on or off the premises to avoid accidents or extra stress. 

Moving Day: What to Expect

On the day of your move, expect your moving crew to show up at your prearranged time. When they arrive, they will load your packed belongings into a truck or storage pod to be taken to their next destination. At this point, you will receive a document called a Bill of Lading, which lists all your service details, including delivery dates and locations. You should also receive an inventory sheet listing every item and its pre-move condition. Keep both of these items on hand for the completion of your move.

After Your Move

The moment has come that you’ve been waiting for. Your items have arrived at your new location, and you’re ready to get settled. As exciting as it is, there are a few important things to cover first. 

Remember that Bill of Lading and inventory sheet? This is when those will come in handy. Once you’ve checked and confirmed the condition of the items on your inventory sheet, you’ll sign your Bill of Lading and return it to your mover. This confirms the successful completion of your move.

If any items are lost or damaged, inform your mover as soon as possible to start the claims process. You have up to 9 months from the date of delivery to file a claim on your belongings. That’s a lot of time, but the sooner you get the process started, the sooner you’ll be reimbursed. If your claim is approved, your reimbursement will be paid out according to the valuation coverage you chose at the start of your moving process.

 

Moving Forward with Confidence

The key to using a Tacoma moving company is doing your homework. Verify credentials, compare estimates, understand what services you need, and be prepared. When you know what to expect and work with professionals, the process becomes that much less stressful.

Whether you’re moving across Tacoma or across the country, take the time to choose a moving company that aligns with your needs and values. Your peace of mind is worth it.