Moving to a new neighborhood is an exciting prospect. From making new contacts to enjoying the community, we rarely experience such an overwhelming sense of novelty. However, the process can be pretty challenging for many people looking to move. Residential properties demand constant upkeep and finding the right people can take a lot of energy for someone unfamiliar with the area.
Luckily, we live in a world of information, where many companies make their living by trying to facilitate exchange. While our parents had to rely on resourcefulness and a degree of blind luck, we could quickly access verified reviews, quotas, and contact information.
Nevertheless, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with local service providers, as digital methods are only sometimes reliable. Simply put, many professionals lack the skill to market themselves online. Therefore, you must broaden your search repertoire or miss half of the market.
Explore Online Marketplaces
Needless to say, online platforms like Angie provide the best return on investment. It takes little effort to browse your local area, and you are more than likely to end up with a handful of prospects.
Similar places include Yelp, which has a more extensive database, or Houzz (although it’s geared more towards remodeling services). Nevertheless, browsing these websites should get you in contact with electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and helpers.
Interestingly, less than 64% of small businesses have a website, yet 70-80% of people research a company online before purchasing. Numbers for service providers are even lower, but it is worth taking your shot before moving forward with other methods of inquiry.
Develop Lasting Relationships
Although much of your relationship with service providers will be transactional, establishing trust is essential. Most of the time, it is much easier to develop a lasting relationship than skipping from one service provider to another.
You want to have as much continuity with an electrician as you would with a dentist. Suppose you move to Tacoma and buy a new home in the area. Finding a good electrician might take some time. Still, it’s better to be patient and find someone with whom you can develop a lasting relationship.
Word of Mouth
While neighborhood demographics in new housing communities are only sometimes as diverse as we hope, chances are that some residents have had experience with service providers before.
Therefore, it is always reasonable to talk with your new neighbors and spend an hour or so simply asking around. Besides, face-to-face referrals carry much more weight than online reviews, where the communication is usually one-sided.
It is worth noting that many contractors have other jobs and only freelance in their spare time. Suppose you are looking for a cheaper alternative to a professional service. In that case, the internet will provide little information on skilled individuals who operate below the radar. Nationwide, 11% of the economy is classified as grey, meaning that although goods and services are legal, there is no regulation or record.
Ask your Local Hardware Store
Although many service providers shop for materials in bulk, it doesn’t hurt to ask your local hardware store clerk for information. Chances are that other community members had to buy tools and materials, and word might travel around. Besides, local store owners are much more likely to have experience with service providers in the area.
Get Familiar with Hourly Rates
With variability in the cost of living, different metros have different prices for services such as plumbing, electricity, and cleaning. Therefore, familiarize yourself with actual quotas before reaching out to any prospects.
For example, the cost of residential plumbing in Tacoma, without fees for materials, ranges from $79.22 – $89.88. Likewise, you can use similar online quota estimators to learn about other services such as landscaping, carpentry, electricity, and dry cleaning.
Once familiar with the rough estimate, you can use this information to negotiate prices better. However, remember that custom projects can only be estimated with an on-site interview, so invite service providers for quick consultation in person.
Other Suggestions for Making your Move Easier
Finding professional help when it comes to fixing issues around the home is essential. However, it is also important to complete your relocation by tying every loose end. Therefore, forward your mail, move your child’s school record and find a nearby clinic.
Similarly, locate a nearby pharmacy and have your prescription moved following local rules and regulations if you rely on prescription medication. You’d also want to check your insurance policies and find a local agent to discuss options.
Moving to a new area is difficult, and having your house in order is vital before taking in new challenges on the professional front. For this reason, skipping a few weekends and settling in the right way is worthwhile instead of prolonging the process indefinitely.
