Choosing the right moving company is about asking the right questions. To to ask, we talked to Thomas de Mallman of AGS Movers SA about the essential points you should consider when hiring a removals company.
This will more or less guarantee that you hire a reputable and well-known moving company. While not all unassociated companies will be illegitimate, always make sure to research these companies before putting down a deposit.
Your moving company should have International Organization for Standardization certifications for quality, environment and security. Thomas de Mallman, of AGS MoversSA, suggests that you also pay attention to whether the company has uniformed personnel and marked vehicles, as this is a symbol of professionalism.
A home visit is crucial for an accurate quote because it allows the company to properly evaluate the volume of items to be moved and to see whether there are any special packing requirements, forvaluable paintings or antique furniture, for example.
By the end of a home visit, your surveyor should have collected enough information for an accurate quote. “It’s important to note that your quote should not change in the future, unless an extra service is agreed upon by both parties at a later date,” says Thomas de Mallman. Make sure you get a signed agreement of the quote before the move.
As a precaution to help prevent the spread of Covid-19, some moving companies offer virtual home visits. With the simple use of an app, a consultant will take a virtual tour of your home and estimate the volume of items to be moved.
The quote should be clear and detailed and should include any extra services.
Insurance should cover any item damage as well as lost or stolen property. Cover should start from the moment your belongings are loaded into the vehicle to when they are safely in your new home in South Africa. Your insurance policy should provide coverage for all eventualities.
Inquire about the extra charge for the insurance coverage, if late arrival of the shipment is covered, and for information on how to present an insurance claim, should this be necessary.
If your belongings are going to arrive in South Africa before you do, they will need to be stored until they can be delivered to your home. Temporary storage is an essential service that should be included in your quote.
It is reasonable to have concerns about the security your items; all countries have different levels of theft and crime.As such, you should make sure that the storage facility you choose is safe and secure. Thomas de Mallman advises that they should be equipped with modern surveillance facilities and 24-hour security services for units in more remote locations.
Always double check that all the services you need are included in the final quote. Inquire about taxes and charges, and packing and unpacking services. This will decrease the likelihood that additional fees will be added later on in the process.