At Heritage Moving & Storage, Inc., we want to help our greater-Roanoke-area customers in Virginia have as smooth a moving process as possible. This starts by helping you plan for success from the very beginning, even as you’re comparison shopping for a moving company. If you’re getting ready to shop for a moving company, here are several important things to keep in mind.

Put thought into your moving needs.

Before you begin calling and comparing moving companies, take some time to think through exactly what your needs are. What help do you need from the moving company to get you from point A to point B? For instance, are you going to pack yourself? Are you making a straight move? Do you need storage? And so on.

Once you determine your needs, make sure you give the same information to each company so you can be sure you’re comparing “apples to apples” by comparing the same services.

Allow enough time for comparison shopping.

Give yourself enough time to talk with several moving firms. Pricing between companies can vary greatly. Make sure you take the time to shop and compare without feeling rushed or pressured.

We’ve found that a good time to start your research is about three to four weeks before your move. If you’re looking to make a move in the peak season, May-September, you should allow more time than in the off-season, October-April. Generally in the off-season, you can accomplish your research and schedule your move two to three weeks before your move date. In the peak season, give yourself at least four weeks.

If you don’t have flexibility on your dates, and you need specific dates for pickup and delivery, give yourself even more time. If you can work within a “window” of pickup and delivery dates, then you can start your search with less time.

Don’t do research too early.

We suggest that you start your moving-company shopping no more than 30 days before your desired move date. If you try to get moving quotes two or three months in advance, you may not get accurate pricing. Rates will change based on the season and what’s going on with fuel prices.

At Heritage Moving & Storage, Inc., we would love to talk with you and provide pricing for your move. Give us a call, and “let our family move your family!”