Video Surveys have become ‘the norm’ for moving companies since the beginning of the pandemic. The great thing is that video surveys are pretty easy to do, even if you don’t consider yourself tech-savvy. The best part is that with AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft, you only have to do the survey once and Shyft will send you moving quotes from multiple moving companies.
The new-age method of gathering information about your move ensures a completely contactless experience. Most moving companies, not those that work with Shyft, use Facetime, Zoom or WhatsApp calling to conduct their video surveys. This method, while convenient, can be incredibly inaccurate, time-consuming, and frustrating.
Traditionally, each moving company would send a representative to your home to conduct a survey of your items and extract an inventory list of the items that you intend to move. Today, it’s the same process as a video survey, and you still have to vet moving companies and let each of them into your home virtually. The challenges are that most of the time, the price you are initially quoted is not the price you pay for your move, and movers do not have the capacity to save your videos and ensure that their list is accurate. Moreover, they do not have an additional layer of security.
AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft is different.
Shyft serves the moving industry by using state-of-the-art technology to ensure an improved moving experience. Customers are placed with a mover that fits their needs and budget, and a dedicated Move Coach oversees the entire process from door to door. In essence, Shyft is here to be your advocate. With transparent pricing, Shyft safeguards your belongings and has a high level of accountability so that you have a seamless and stress-free move.
Shyft has a network of over 800 independently verified moving companies that it works with. No matter which company is handling your move, Shyft ensures the same quality standards for all. This is why Shyft uses a video survey through its free-to-download mobile app Shyft Next. You can get it on your iPhone or Android device, be it a phone or a tablet. Keep reading to see how Shyft has simplified the moving experience.
The AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft website is full of useful information about the moving process. Simply follow the instructions online to get started. Below is a digital walkthrough of the actions you need to take online to book your move.
Remember, technology is your friend. It will make your life faster, easier, and safer. Here is the easy-to-do process when working with AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft.
There are two ways that you can get in touch with Shyft to learn more about their process or start using their services. The first way is to complete the form on the website. You’re required to add the following information:
Answering these questions will give Shyft a clear idea of the requirements for your move so that Shyft can plan and act accordingly.
Likewise, you can also give Shyft a call at 1-888-838-5981.
When you are ready to speak to a Shyft Move Coach, a real person will guide you through the initial moving process with Shyft. This call will only take place when you schedule it. Your Move Coach is available 7 days a week. This is the person that is with you throughout the whole process. They will answer more of your concerns, while also being “your person” on your side working with Shyft.
It is during this first call that you will have initial questions to be answered, as well as the chance to get a clear understanding of what Shyft does. You will also get the option to decide when you would want to do the full video survey straight away or at another time that is more suitable for you.
The Shyft Next app should be downloaded and installed on your mobile device before the video survey starts. It is the platform for video calls with your Move Coach.
If you want a family member or a friend to be by your side during this call, to give you comfort or to make sure you do not miss anything, you are more than welcome to. The video survey call will give you a chance to ask even more questions and make sure that your Move Coach knows your exact preferences when it comes to your move.
Do you need boxes or other packing materials? Will you pack your items by yourself or do you want a packing service? What type of insurance will you need for your items? What about your pets? Etc. Any questions or concerns or requirements you have, you can bring it up during this video call meeting. Even after this call and the survey are finished you can still reach out to your Move Coach seven days a week whenever you have a question, or even would like to hear the progress of the organization on your move.
It is also during this video call that you will be asked to walk around your current home. This is done so that your Move Coach can create an inventory list through the app. This is part of the survey, and it is the main aspect of it. Instead of having people come into your home to take an account of the items you want to move, you will do it through the app.
Another benefit of this virtual tour of your current home is that you do not need to tidy up and the Move Coach does not need to see inside every single cupboard. You can show them the interior of one and they will have a clear idea about the rest. If there is any important item that you want to move, then you should point it out to them.
Take your mobile device and walk around your current home, to make sure that your Move Coach sees all the items that you want to move. Make sure that you are using your back camera to show the item, instead of the one used for “selfies”. Your Move Coach will create the inventory list for you during this process. This will include the size of the items, as well as the weight. The whole ordeal including receiving more information about Shyft takes 30 minutes on average, depending on the size of your current home.
By using AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft as an AARP member, you will save up to $250 off of your moving costs.
A benefit of doing a video survey, as well as virtually taking your Move Coach through your current home is that they will make your inventory list with 95% accuracy. Of course, if you’re adding or removing items from your inventory list after the fact, the price will be impacted. This is also true if the move origin or destination addresses change.
You will receive this 95% accurate inventory list within half an hour from the end of the video call. It is here that you can add more items, remove other items, and even leave notes on the important ones for the movers to know about.
When you have updated your inventory list, and are satisfied with it, you can send the updated list to your Move Coach with your approval. The quicker you share the approved list, the faster your Move Coach can begin sourcing your moving companies.
When your Move Coach has received your updated inventory list, they will post details such as the move weight, volume, and distance on Shyft’s Moveboard. This is a bidding platform for the moving companies in Shyft’s extensive network.
It is during this bidding process that Shyft will gather a number of moving quotes. Every moving quote is from a different moving company. All the quotes are fixed, meaning there are no hidden costs. When the moving quotes are shared with you, you will be able to compare them and add or remove ancillary services. Remember that the quotes have expiry dates, and the prices will only be valid for as long as the quote is. If your quote expires and you still wish to move, Shyft is happy to resend the quote with pricing updates, if relevant.
You may be wondering how Shyft vets moving companies in their network. Shyft goes through all the movers in great detail to make sure they are legitimate, as they have their clients’, aka your, best interests at heart.
Shyft does the following when vetting potential moving companies:
Outside of the registered license that moving companies need to have, Shyft also looks at the reviews, social media, and online presents of the moving company. This is done through Facebook, Yelp, Google, Moving Authority, Angie’s List, and a lot more. Shyft also researches the size of the company in terms of the number of trucks they have, the number of drivers, and years of experience. Also, if they are in affiliation with a large van line or corporation.
To put it short, Shyft does a deep background, and reference checks on all the moving companies that wish to work with Shyft.
Video surveys in the moving industry are designed to streamline the process of moving, as mentioned before. In the case of using Shyft Next, you are not working with a bot or a machine. You are working with a living person who you can see as well as talk to. Your Move Coach and the rest of the Shyft team are there for you every step of the way even during the inventory creation list process. Shyft is here to make your life easier, and more comfortable.
Contact AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft today to learn more. Remember to ask your family or friends if you want some support with your first video survey.
