Technology is advancing, and these advances have revolutionized the moving and packing industry.
Reputable moving companies have fully embraced these technological advances to optimize operations, drive efficiency and improve service quality. These technologies have made the moving process simpler, easier, cost-effective, and overall hassle-free for customers.
Here is a look at some top technologies that have greatly impacted the packing and moving industry in various ways.
1. Virtual Tours
Technologies such as 360 photography, 3D photography, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR) have made virtual tours a reality. People looking to relocate can take a virtual walk-through of the new property without ever setting foot inside it.
Beyond the property itself, clients take virtual real estate video tours of the neighborhood. Drone photography and videography make these tours possible, giving clients a look at the bigger picture and more context into the surroundings.
2. Online Neighborhood Research
There are a range of apps and websites that are invaluable when researching a new neighborhood. For example, Google Maps helps clients to assess the accessibility of a neighborhood, showing the restaurants, schools, and other amenities in the area. Clients can also look at the routes between, for example, home and school and get an idea of the traffic flow.
There are apps that highlight the amenities, crime rate, education, housing, cost of living, and more details about the neighborhood. People looking to move into an area can also greatly benefit from insights from those already living there through community-based apps. The verified neighbors on the app share information that gives a clear picture of the neighborhood.
3. Digital Quote Calculator
Gone are the days when clients had to schedule a physical visit with the moving company to get a quote after assessing your needs. Today, you can get an estimate of your moving costs with a digital quote calculator.
It’s as easy as filling out a form on the moving company’s website. The information required for the form includes details of the type and size of the home or apartment, the belongings you are moving, and the specific moving services required. Of course, what you’ll get is an estimate of the moving costs.
Clients who make use of video chats get a more precise quote. Are there stairs and other potential obstacles? How big is the furniture? Walking a moving professional through your home on a video chat helps to paint a good picture of the moving needs.
4. Digital Inventory During Packing
You can create a digital inventory of your belongings through labeling systems and photos. Some apps work like a barcode system and use voice to record items during packing and find them after unpacking. The client or packer will scan the barcode and record an audio note on the contents of the box and where it is going. After speaking the item of interest into the app, the app will return results, letting you know the box’s location.
5. Digital Payments
Cash transactions can be quite inconvenient as clients have to withdraw the cash from the bank or ATM and hold it for payment. It’s also challenging to track cash transactions when the need arises.
Digital payments have made payment processing for moving and related services easy and convenient. Safely transferring funds takes no more than minutes, and there is no involving third parties.
Digital payment options maintain a transaction history which is useful when tracking transactions. Additionally, some moving companies offer discounts to clients that pay with their debit and credit cards.
6. GPS Tracking For Moving Trucks
Movers use Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers on their vehicles. Drivers can use GPS for route optimization, that is, mapping the fastest routes to a destination. Route optimization saves time, and moving companies can deliver the customer’s belongings to the agreed destination within the agreed time.
GPS tracking also gives customers confidence and peace of mind. Tracking the moving trucks in real-time inspires confidence that the belongings will reach their destination. It eliminates the constant back and forth of clients calling to inquire about the whereabouts of their belongings.
7. Digital Space Planning And Design
Where will the furniture go in the new space? What décor should you choose? Technology has made it possible to answer these questions and plan your new space without visiting it.
There are apps that allow you to scan a room and save its dimensions and other details, such as the window and door openings. Knowing the layout of the space helps moving customers design their spaces and informs decisions such as whether to buy bigger furniture and new décor items.
Moving Made Better
As outlined, the various technological advances impact the moving process in multiple ways. Moving need not be a daunting and stressful experience. Customers can access these technologies for a better experience. For a hassle-free move, customers should choose packing and moving companies that have taken their services to the next level with various technologies.
We hope you found this blog post on Technologies That Changed How People Move useful. Be sure to check out our post on Moving Facts and Statistics for more great tips!
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