The digital age and the changes that came with COVID transformed how we approach everything, including moving. Virtual moving consultations are becoming increasingly popular, especially in tech-forward cities like Chicago, which people often move to without actually visiting first. Whether you’re local to the city or moving here from out of town, understanding what to expect during a virtual moving consultation can help you prepare for a service that will reduce your stress, provide a detailed price quote and explanation of services, and ensure a smooth relocation process.
What is a Virtual Moving Consultation?
A virtual moving consultation is a comprehensive assessment of your moving needs that’s done remotely on a video conferencing platform. For people juggling busy schedules or who are out of the area, a virtual moving consultation offers convenience, flexibility, and precise planning without needing to schedule an in-person meeting.
The Benefits of Virtual Moving Consultations
Virtual moving consultations are the perfect option for busy people who want to schedule a robust and specific conversation about their moving process. The benefits include:
- Convenience – A virtual moving consultation can be scheduled anytime, allowing the moving professional to meet the client and see the items that will be moving while allowing the client to feel comfortable and secure in their own home.
- Comprehensive Assessment – An experienced and professional moving company’s virtual moving consultation will include a detailed inventory review and professional guidance. The company representative can ask the client about their priorities so that they can create a personalized moving strategy and provide an accurate cost estimate that meets all their needs and expectations.
- Technology-Driven Accuracy – The advances in teleconferencing allow virtual moving consultations to be conducted in real-time and with a clear sense of what the move will entail. After seeing the contents of the property and discussing the client’s needs, the mover can provide a full presentation of their services and then provide the potential client with digital documentation and a price quote that covers everything that was discussed.
Preparing for Your Virtual Moving Consultation
You don’t need more than a stable WiFi connection and a smartphone or computer with a camera to participate in a virtual moving consultation, though your mover may need you to download an app like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. If you can arrange some quiet time, with no interruptions, all the better.
It is also helpful to have any documents that will be helpful for the moving company close at hand. These might include a list of items you’ll be moving, the floor plans of the space you’ll be moving into, information about elevators or stairs, and any information about items like pianos, artwork, or family heirlooms that will require special handling.
The Virtual Consultation Process
Your virtual consultation process will begin with providing basic information and scheduling a consultation. The moving company representative will let you know what communication platform you will be using and what you need to do to get ready. They’ll also gather your basic moving information including where you are moving from and to, what date you plan to move, and what documents or details you should have handy during the consultation.
It’s a good idea to prepare your home space for the tour by straightening out any clutter. The more the mover can see the various rooms, furniture, and what is in the closets, the better. The virtual walk-through will include a comprehensive room-by-room assessment and live video inventory, including any special items that may involve special packing. The moving company representative will also discuss the different services they provide, from decluttering and packing to unpacking and storage.
After providing a virtual tour of your home and answering questions about the location you’re moving to, the moving company representative will ask whether there are any special considerations they need to know about. This is a good time to discuss your concerns about things like apartment or condominium moving requirements, the need for confidentiality, or anything else that makes your move unique.
After the virtual meeting is complete, the moving company will assemble a comprehensive, transparent quote that includes all charges and services discussed as well as what your next steps will be if you choose to move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a virtual moving consultation usually take?
Most virtual moving consultations last between 30-60 minutes. Chicago-based moving companies typically allocate:
- 15-20 minutes for the initial assessment and review of your information
- 20-30 minutes for a detailed walkthrough of your property and belongings
- 10 minutes for questions, concerns, and next steps
What does a virtual moving consultation cost?
A virtual moving consultation cost is dependent upon the individual moving company that you’re working with. Joey’s Movers is a professional local Chicagoland mover that provides virtual moving consultations at no charge. Our pricing is clear-cut and transparent, with no hidden costs. You’ll walk away from your virtual moving consultation knowing all your options and the exact price you’ll pay based on the information you provide.
How Can You Make Sure Your Virtual Consultation Is Successful?
To ensure that you get the most out of your virtual moving consultation, be completely transparent about what needs to be moved. Do what you can to make sure the rooms and closets you’re showing are well-lit and clutter has been cleared away so that the moving company representative can see how simple or complex your move will be. Have measurements of furniture ready and prepare a list of questions to ask ahead of time.
Virtual moving consultations represent the pinnacle of convenience for busy people who want to minimize the stress of their move. If you’d like to get a price quote for your move from Chicagoland’s most referred mover, contact Joey’s Movers today to schedule your consultation.
