How to get good movers in August and September. The busiest moving time of the year

Most people agree that summer is the best time to move. The weather is fairly reliable, there are more homes and apartments available to choose from, and there are more daylight hours to work with. For these reasons and more, summer is the busiest time of year to move.

More people moving means more demand for the services of moving companies, trucks, and storage space. What can you do to get good movers in August and September? The following 4 tips can help.

1. Plan Ahead

The worst thing you can do for an August or September move is to wait until the week before your move to start calling around for trucks and help. By that time, all of the trucks will be reserved, and you won’t be able to find help.

Make your plans early. Find a good moving company a month ahead of time. This may require the organization of many different factors on your part such as move in and move out dates, employment or school start dates and other details. You may find it helpful to work on a printed-out calendar to coordinate everything.

The earlier you begin looking for a good moving company, the more options you’ll have. As you search for a good moving company, ask the following questions:

• Are you licensed and credentialed?
• Are you registered with the New York City Department of Transportation?
• Do you have testimonials or a list of references?
• Are you affiliated with any national or worldwide moving business organizations?
• What kinds of services do you offer?
• Do you have your own storage facilities?
• Do you have insurance?
• Do you have staging services?

Starting early gives you the time necessary to ask these questions and find the mover you feel the most comfortable with for your big day.

2. Compare Costs

Moving can be an expensive proposition. Between apartment deposits, utilities hook-up fees, and the cost of movers, it can be difficult to stay within your budget.

Starting early on your search for a moving and storage company can help with keeping your costs down. You’ll have more options when you begin early, and when it gets closer to that busiest time of year, moving companies will be strained and may have to charge more to squeeze you into their schedules.

3. Settle On Services

A good moving company will offer a slew of services, and you’ll need to decide which ones you’ll need. Do you want your movers to handle the entire move from packing to unpacking? Do you just need them to load the truck? Do you need your moving company to supply you with packing materials and storage facilities?

The earlier you begin looking for a mover, the more of these options will be available to you. If you wait, some of these services may be booked up.

4. Communicate Well With Your Movers

Let’s say you followed the above advice to start early, compare costs, and settle on services with a good moving and storage company. You’re good to go. But if your moving plans change a little–maybe your new apartment won’t be ready for a few days–it’s important that you stay in communication with your moving company.

Schedules are tight for moving companies during the busiest time of year, and if your plans change, don’t wait until the last minute to tell the movers. If you do, you might find yourself without a truck available. When you stay in touch, however, your moving company can often switch things around a little to keep everyone’s move on track.

Moving in the summer is great, and you can make the experience smooth and hassle free by planning ahead, comparing costs, settling on services early, and communicating well with your movers.