From approval to move-in: transitions come easy with Findigs and Shyft
The process of getting into a new rental doesn’t end with a lease agreement. Once the place is yours on paper, it’s time for a whole new set of questions, starting with the most obvious: “How am I going to move all of my stuff?” But before diving into the list of potential answers to that question, it’s important to get clear about the kind of move you’re looking for.
On average, Americans move 11.7 times in their lifetime, with approximately 9.8 percent of Americans relocating each year. Whether you're moving for the first time, or the fifteenth, moving demands a ton of physical and mental energy (not to mention time and money). There are plenty of services out there that will lug unwieldy couches and coffee tables from point A to point B, but there are only a few who are actively improving the moving process, making it easy to sit back and relax while every detail is handled with care.
Every month, thousands of renters are approved for their next home through Findigs. To help every soon-to-be-resident on their way home, we’ve teamed up with Shyft Moving: a tech-powered moving marketplace that simplifies every step of the moving process for renters.
With so much to consider before the first box is even assembled, it’s no wonder why moving is often cited as one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. Every relocation starts with asking yourself a few key questions; here are our tips to help you answer them like a pro.
Are movers worth it?
This comes down to understanding the true value of the support you’re paying for. It’s no surprise that the more you’re ready to spend, the less heavy lifting you can expect to do on the big day. This may range from “convenient” to “absolutely necessary” depending on the items and your own capacity for the physical demands of the move. Still, when it comes to getting your money’s worth, it’s important to know that not all services are created equal.
Packing support, storage add-ons, and number of crew members are all factors that vary between companies and service tiers. Availability of customer service can also make the difference between a smooth, straightforward move, and a seemingly endless day of chaos. Shyft, for example, assigns each customer a personal Move Coach to guide them throughout the entire process, regardless of which service tier they use. With that extra layer of defense against mistakes and logistical hiccups, Shyft users get more out of every dollar spent.
When comparing services, make sure to go beyond the initial numbers and get into the details of what’s provided, and what’s available. When you weigh comprehensive support against the costs of handling a move all by yourself—monetary, mental, and emotional—it’s easy to see that a full-service move is much more than some extra hands and a truck.
What’s a good quote for movers?
The average cost of an interstate move is around $4,890, while an in-state move typically costs about $1,200. That said, many companies offer multiple service tiers, as well as a range of DIY options, to ensure you get the support you need at a price that fits your budget.
Whether you opt for a full-service move, or you’ve secured the right stuff to do it yourself (which, with any luck, includes a few trusty friends), comparing costs of service is crucial to find the support that aligns with your expectations and budget. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to moving, since getting a reliable estimate is a lot more work-intensive than browsing the web.
To get an accurate estimate of expected costs, you’ll need to provide a detailed inventory of everything you’re moving. It’s important to understand the difference between a quoted range for service and a detailed estimate: the latter should come after an in-person or video meeting, in which an itemized inventory is taken by an expert. Since a major portion of the real cost of moving comes from the ground shipping involved (to physically get your things from one place to another) prices will vary based on how far your stuff is going—not just how long it takes to pack up the truck.
How do I plan a move around my schedule?
From planning to packing and beyond, moving is a time-consuming endeavor. Many underestimate the pre-work involved in moving: buying packing supplies, choosing a storage unit if necessary, and getting your current place move-out ready (especially important with a security deposit on the line).
When choosing a move-in date, it can be beneficial to give yourself some overlap, but this isn’t always a possibility. In any case, you’ll want to make sure the moving company you select is ready to stick to your schedule, and has a strong reputation for timeliness. You can also proactively reach out to management at your new place to check on specific moving policies or opportunities for coordination, especially if you’re moving into a condo or apartment building with elevators, as they may need to be reserved beforehand.
How do I know which movers I can trust?
Vetting various moving services can get overwhelming fast. You’re choosing the people you want to trust with all of your possessions, so of course you want to feel 100% confident in the legitimacy and quality of the service. If a company is difficult to contact, has no physical address or proof of insurance, or is unwilling to provide an estimate in writing, you should seek some more information before handing over a deposit.
Note that competition between moving companies is fierce, and some companies may be paying to look more reputable than they actually are. We recommend keeping a sharp eye out for red flags, and looking for reviews beyond the ones listed on the company’s own website.
How can I reduce the stress of moving?
A quick, seamless, and professional move can streamline the process of settling into a new place. A friction-free process is also a surprisingly effective way to make a great first impression with your new community. With a responsive moving company that understands your timing goals and needs, you can coordinate a plan that gets you and your roommates, loved ones, pets, and all those sentimental mugs settled into your new place safely and efficiently.
At Findigs, it’s our aim to make the renting journey as smooth as possible from application to move-in and beyond, so we’re introducing Shyft’s innovative approach to renters across the country. After applying through Findigs, you can now get your move organized in a few steps, all from your smartphone.
Let’s say you’ve just been approved for a new place. After one video survey with a Shyft representative, you can choose from service offerings that fit your needs and budget. Shyft's network of thoroughly vetted movers ensures that your items are in the right hands, and that you're receiving the best service possible.
All of this means no more hunting for reliable companies, comparing quotes, or worrying about surprise costs on moving day. Instead, you can get organized with personal support, get all of your questions answered, and choose your preferred move from a range of options. Impressively, Shyft’s cost estimates are 95% accurate—an industry-leading figure that reflects our shared commitment to fairness and transparency.
Getting settled into a new place is exciting, but many of us have first-hand knowledge of why moving is considered such a giant pain-in-the-path on your way there. Findigs and Shyft are working together to lighten the load, and help you transition easily to life in your new community. Wherever you are in your moving journey, it's never too late to get organized. With a little help from Findigs and Shyft, we hope to make moving stress disappear—faster than that roll of tape you swear was just right there.
Learn more and book your move here.
The information in this post may direct you to a third-party website. Findigs has no control over, and assumes no responsibility for, the content, accuracy, privacy policies, or practices of or opinions related to third-party services.
Further reading: Shyft Moving Industry Statistics