How to Choose a Moving Company
A moving company eases your stress when relocating. However, finding trustworthy movers is a chore with various professionals today. The good news is that whether you’re considering a local move or a long-distance move, there are several commercial moving contractors you can choose from. Here’s how to choose the right moving company when relocating.
1. Get Referrals
Good recommendations give you better prospects of choosing good and reliable movers. Ask for referrals from family and friends to find trustworthy contractors near you. They might recommend big-name companies they probably heard about. Don’t assume that the big-name agencies are the best. Referrals give you time to sit back and find movers you can trust. Go through the phone catalog or research reviews of past customers online.
2. Follow the Rule of Threes
If you’re thinking about choosing a removal company, avoid settling for the first estimate you get. Instead, stick with the rules of threes. What is the rule of three? Get in-person quotes from a minimum of three companies before hiring their service. Every company has different estimates, and some are more favorable than others. With the rule of three, you can select reliable movers based on professionalism and choose movers that will save you money.
3. Watch Out for Red Flags
Sometimes, getting an estimate may be risky as you receive “too-good-to-be-true” deposit plans. So, look out for warning signs when choosing your moving company. This way, you safeguard yourself from unreliable movers and identity theft scams. Red flags may include low bids with too good-to-be-true cost, large deposits of the estimate before the move, and unprofessionalism of the moving company.
4. Make Sure the Business Is Licensed and Insured
When you’re done comparing several quotes and you’ve gotten the most reliable ones, the next step is to check that they are legitimate by asking for a company’s license and reading up their insurance policy. Usually, the Department of Transportation allocates a specific license number to all movers in the US.So, if you’re relocating, verify movers through the DOT database. An interstate or cross-country move will also require verifying the movers through the FMCSA database. The best part is that this government database provides you with each agency’s insurance plan.
5. Check with the BBB
The BBB provides valid critiques and track records about movers near you. Earlier, the BBB received numerous complaints and reviews about movers. Plus, most of these businesses with unresolved and unanswered complaints leave nothing to the imagination with their “F’ rating. Then, it presents you with online client reviews, helps you know company ratings, and other vital information you need on a business.
The best part is that BBB offers these services for free. So, no matter your location, finding important information on the moving agency you want to use is easy. Just input the company name or search by location. This method helps if you need a specific service but don’t have a particular contractor in mind. If the mover’s information is unavailable on the BBB database, consider finding new professionals.
6. Ask About Professional Accreditation
Accreditations add credibility to a business, build customer loyalty, and attract new customers. Some reputable big-brand movers know this and try to make their business credible. Some even show their professionalism through professional accreditations they receive from trade bureaus like BBB. When hiring professionals for your in-state or cross-country move, choose from those companies that have approved accreditation seals from reputable trade companies in the US.
7. Verify the Address
Today, every large-scale and small business has an address they use to receive customers. But did you know that not all address info is legitimate? Many scam moving agencies provide customers with fake addresses not recognized by the BBB or FMCSA. Verifying the mover’s address ensures that the information is authentic and accurate. Ask the agency for the company’s card, then check thewebsite online to verify that the address is correct and also listed on the phone book. Verifying the address also tells you if the address is registered in the company name and never a personal or residential name.
8. Get Estimates
Moving estimates will give you an idea of the price of professional help. Are you thinking of relocating? Research your possible contractors and request in-person quotes. A step like this will help you find professionals within your financial estimate. When movers ask for money to send in moving quotes, they may not be reliable, and this factor can be considered a red flag.
9. Get Everything in Writing
Male, be sure to contract terms and get them written solidly. Understand that moving contracts and their terms differ. Likewise, the insurance policy differs as some plans may cover the full-replacement option, while others will not. Learn about the difference, and once you agree to the terms, get a written agreement contract between you and the agency. This way, you can safeguard yourself and your household equipment when relocating.
10. Find the Experts You Need
If you’re considering choosing a long-distance moving company, find the right professional to offer you the specialized services you need. Do you have large home appliances? Enormous musical instruments like the piano? Exercise gears? Recreational tools like the pool table? Not all movers can offer the specialized help you need for most of these items. Consider finding the experts you need to transport your belongings.
Conclusion
Choosing good movers can be challenging as you must look out for red flags and other necessary factors like license, insurance plan, business name, and business address. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips on how to pick a good moving company near you, find professional agencies that will help make relocating to your new place easy.
