Making your Move into your First New Home

You've taken the plunge and bought your first home! Congratulations!

Now, you've got to move into it..... Many first time buyers will move themselves, but others will hire someone to do it for them. Here are a few tips before choosing your moving company.

Be sure to ask friends and family who they have used in the past. Your Real Estate Agent may have some ideas also. Their experiences can help you to make a better decision.

Be sure that any mover you choose is licensed and carry the appropriate insurance needed to conduct business as a moving company. Here in Texas, moving companies will have different regulations than in other states.

Get several bids and ask plenty of questions to be sure that the bids that you are getting are really offering the same services. Is it a firm bid or can they add additional charges once they are done if the work takes longer, for instance?

Check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints on the movers - a lot of complaints or claims is a big red flag and you may want to drop those companies from your list.

Don't pay up front. You may have to pay a partial deposit, but no reputable company should ask for payment in full before doing their job. Besides, if you pay up front, what recourse do you have if they don't finish the job (or even show up to start in the first place??!)

Book in advance when moving during the summer - this is the busiest time of the year for people to move.

Do your homework in advance and you will have a less stressful and more successful move. And, then you can start enjoying and decorating your new home!

Sue Ellett 512-422-7182