07/27/2020 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/28/2020 21:20
Moving is one of the more stressful life experiences we all go through. Unfortunately, picking the wrong movers can make a challenging time even more horrific. If you're like us, you've heard numerous moving story nightmares that involve broken and stolen belongings or worse.
You don't have to leave your moving experience to chance. There are actionable steps you can take that will almost guarantee that the movers you hire are responsible. So how do you choose a reputable moving company? Keep on reading to find out.
Every moving company has a specialty. Some companies specialize in interstate moves, some focus their efforts locally, and some focus on moving delicate objects like pianos or safes. The first thing you need to do is evaluate the scope of your move.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself (and then verify with a moving company):
A simple Google search might seem like an ideal way to pick a good moving company. However, try to be systematic with your search so you can compare and contrast different movers. We suggest creating a blank spreadsheet to organize the results and fill it with as many moving companies as you can before you get sick of the process.
For each moving company, create a column for each of the following:
The most important thing to look for in a moving company are good, honest reviews. Don't choose a moving company without this step, and don't just trust the testimonials listed on the website because these can easily be faked or fabricated. We suggest narrowing your spreadsheet down to the top five choices.
Search for additional reviews using the following platforms:
Once you have a good sense of the online reviews and presence of your top 5 moving companies, the next step is to getin-personestimates. You should get at least three estimates, and it is vital that these be in-person and not over the phone or through email. It is challenging to accurately assess a move without seeing the size of the house and belongings. During the estimate, ask for proof of their license and insurance. Later, you can verify interstate movers on Protect Your Move, and you can verify local movers through this databaseor your Consumer Affairs agency.
There are some red flags to watch out for during the estimate stage that can help safeguard you from moving scams or from unreliable movers.
Be on the lookout for some of the following signs.
Two people could have the same set of moving circumstances and still come to a different decision when choosing a moving company. Remember, factors that matter to you like pricing might not matter as much to someone else. Ultimately, you should trust your gut and make a decision that feels right for YOU.
Before the move, solidify the terms of your contract and get everything in writing. There are different types of moving contracts, and you want to be sure you understand the terms completely. For example, make sure you know the answers to the following questions. Is the price firm? How are overages handled? When is payment due?
Also, make sure you go over their insurance policy. What does it cover? How much does it cover? Learn about the difference between full replacement value and other no-cost options that may not include replacement value. Pick the insurance that you're comfortable with and pay more for extra protection if you own very valuable items.
During and after the move, protect yourself if things go wrong. You can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the American Moving & Storage Association, and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help warn future consumers.
We hope this helped you choose a moving company with more confidence. If you want to see some of our interstate moving recommendations, check out this interstate moving company guide.