How to Locate a Relocation Company in Alabama, US
Relocating to a new residence is not a straightforward endeavor. If you've secured a new home and successfully sold your previous one, you've made significant progress towards your objective. However, the process of physically moving and finding reliable moving companies in Alabama can sometimes be perplexing. There are numerous moving companies available, offering various services at different prices, making it challenging to determine the best option for your needs. Whether you require a local mover or an interstate or long-distance moving company in Alabama, Shiply provides a wide range of companies ready to offer personalized quotes, often up to 75% cheaper than standard rates. To obtain the most accurate and affordable quotes, you'll need to provide them with some details about your move.
Reasons People Frequently Relocate to and from Alabama
Alabama, situated in the southeastern part of the United States, is a sought-after location for those seeking to relocate. Many individuals opt to move to Alabama for its temperate climate, reasonable cost of living, and welcoming communities. The state is renowned for its diverse landscape, spanning from the Gulf Coast beaches to the northern mountains. Alabama also boasts several major cities, such as Birmingham, Montgomery, and Huntsville, which provide a range of employment opportunities and cultural attractions.
Conversely, some people may decide to leave Alabama for various reasons, such as job relocation, family obligations, or a desire for a change of scenery. Regardless of the motivation for moving, it's crucial to find a dependable Alabama moving company to ensure a seamless and stress-free transition.
The Cost of Moving Companies
While it's challenging to provide an accurate estimate of the cost of moving houses, the average price for a small, local move ranges from $300 to $500, while large moves, interstate, or longer distances can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000. However, several factors can influence this, and we have listed the main ones below:
- Moving Company Service Type - The primary factor affecting the price of your move is the type of service you choose. There are three main types of moving company services. The first is a self-service move, which is the most economical option and requires you to handle all packing, loading, and unloading while the moving company provides the vehicle. If you have a large family or friends who can assist you, this can be very cost-effective. A loading service move is the most common type of service offered by moving companies and involves them helping to load, unload, and transport your belongings to your new home. It will generally be more expensive than a self-service move. A white-glove moving service is the most expensive option but significantly reduces stress. This service includes packing and protecting all of your items, loading them, helping you unload, and even assembling furniture at your new residence.
- Distance - Distance will obviously impact the quote provided by a moving company. A local move may not be very costly, but if the move is longer, such as an interstate move, it may require more man-hours and fuel, and you can expect this cost to be passed on to you.
- House Size - The number of possessions you have will also affect the price, as it determines the size of the vehicle needed to move your items and the time required for loading and unloading on both ends.
- Time of Year - The time of year can also influence the cost of moving, as adverse weather conditions such as wind, ice, and snow can block available routes, potentially extending the journey time.
How Shiply Can Assist in Finding Moving Companies
As you can see, several factors come into play when selecting a moving company that suits your needs. With all the available options, it can be an overwhelming task to browse various websites and phone books, collecting quotes and comparing services. This is where Shiply can help you. On Shiply, you simply need to complete a straightforward form indicating where you need to move your belongings, the pickup location, and the quantity of items to be moved. Moving companies will then send you customized quotes for your move, providing you with a single platform to compare prices and services.
Our platform features a rated feedback system that allows you to view previous user reviews of a moving company and assess their overall score. You also have the option to send them messages to inquire about specifics such as timing, insurance, and the level of service you require. Quotes on Shiply can often be up to 75% cheaper than usual, as drivers are typically making similar journeys and looking to fill up their empty space. Not only is this beneficial for your wallet, but it also reduces unnecessary CO2 emissions, helping the environment.
Preparing for the Moving Company
Once you have evaluated your options and selected a moving company you feel comfortable with, it's time to prepare for your move. The level of preparation required will depend on the service you chose, but here are the most important steps when preparing to move house:
- Notify People - Whether it's your friends, work, bank, or utility company, anyone who needs to know your current address will have to be updated with your new residence. While it may not be the most enjoyable step, it is undoubtedly the most crucial. Try creating a list of everyone you can think of who needs to be informed and work your way through it.
- Cleaning - Cleaning before a move is similar to spring cleaning, as it provides an excellent opportunity to get rid of old, unwanted items. Not only does this mean you are decluttering, but it can also potentially make your move cheaper due to the reduced number of items that need to be transported. In addition to discarding old possessions, cleaning allows you to sort your belongings into piles for packing and ensures you aren't handling dirty items when unpacking and setting up your new home.
- Materials - If the moving company you selected is not providing materials, you will need to acquire them yourself. The main items you need are tape, bubble wrap or protective material, and cardboard boxes. You will likely have to purchase the tape, labels, and protective wrap, but a great tip for cardboard boxes is to inquire at local shops and supermarkets. They often have plenty of spare boxes, which is also environmentally friendly.
- Packing - One essential tip when packing for a move is to have an overnight bag ready with all the necessary items you need for a night. This avoids the pressure of needing to unpack everything immediately to access what you need. The best approach to packing is to go room by room, ensuring everything is well-protected and labeled. This allows you to easily sort which boxes need to go in which room in your new home. You should also disassemble any furniture, as this reduces the space they occupy, minimizes the risk of damage during transit, and makes them easier to carry.
What to Do After the Move
Once everything has been unloaded, you'll want to perform a quick check to ensure everything is accounted for. While it's not feasible to inspect the condition of every item you own, a brief once-over to identify any obvious issues is highly recommended. Keep a record of any damages you discover while unpacking, in case you need to contact the moving company with questions or complaints. We also request that you leave feedback for your chosen moving company on our platform to help future users browse with the same level of confidence that you experienced.