Preparing for a move can be a time-consuming, demanding process, and at times you might feel overwhelmed. In order to take some of the stress out of your relocation, you could consider using a moving broker to arrange the details of your move with a moving company.

Before you sign a contract, it’s important to know what a moving broker does, as well as the risks involved.

Understanding the Moving Broker’s Purpose and Process

The primary responsibility of a moving broker is to book your relocation with a moving company. The process starts with a phone or email exchange between you and the broker to determine your needs and talk about the types of belongings you plan to move. The broker then completes an estimate to submit to moving companies for bids. By tracking the bids, the broker can find a suitable moving company to transport your belongings.

Risks of Using a Moving Broker

While using a moving broker for your relocation has its benefits, such as possibly receiving a lower rate since several companies are bidding on your move, there are some risks involved. Depending on the broker, you could find yourself with movers that are:

·  Uninsured or Unlicensed: Since you may not know which moving company won the broker’s bid, there’s no way to tell who will show up at your door on moving day.

·  Unprofessional: The last thing you want is to end up with an unprofessional moving crew that doesn’t respect you or your belongings. It’s important to know that brokers don’t accept any liability for the services performed by the moving company that was hired.

·  Nonexistent: If the broker’s estimate is too low or they can’t find a moving company that fits your schedule, it’s possible that you could be without a mover on your preferred move date.

Other Options Beside Using a Moving Broker

If going through a moving broker seems too impersonal or risky, you have two options—DIY your move or hire a moving company directly. Unless you have the time and resources to plan and execute a move on your own, you’ll need to hire a moving company.

In contrast to moving brokers, moving companies typically send a representative to your home to conduct a thorough inspection of your belongings and provide you with an itemized and accurate cost estimate. This not only makes it easier to budget accordingly, but you shouldn’t have any surprises on your bill come moving day.

Many moving companies also allow you to customize your relocation by selecting from a variety of moving and storage services. Just a few of the common services moving companies provide include:

·  Full-Service Packing and Unpacking

·  Packing Supplies

·  Padding and Wrapping of Furniture

·  Crating of Antiques, Fine Art, and Valuable Items

·  Vehicle Shipping

·  Online Shipment Tracking

If you’re unsure about putting your trust in a moving broker or are still in the process of exploring your relocation options, get in touch with Simonik Moving & Storage today. We’d be happy to tell you about our award-winning moving company and the comprehensive services that we offer.

Whether you’re need local residential movers to transport your belonging to a new neighborhood or long-distance movers to relocate your company across the country, our team can design a move plan that suits your unique requirements and budget. Give us a call, or fill out our simple online form now to request a free quote.