Whether it’s a residential move or a corporate relocation, choosing the right moving company can be the difference between a successful or chaotic move. This is why you’ll need to carry out due diligence before choosing a mover.
In 2012 alone, the Better Business Bureau received over 7,000 complaints regarding movers in the United States, with most of these complaints hovering around late arrivals, not honoring estimates, and making false charges, among others. With this revelation, you probably already feel stressed thinking about your move day. Fret not. Below are four essential tips to help you choose the best moving company.
1. Ask for referrals.
We can all search the internet for the best moving company, which will only leave you with many options. However, you still won’t know which company is reliable. Therefore, the best place to start your search is by asking your friends, family, and colleagues for referrals and recommendations. You see, in the moving industry, experience matters.
So, using a moving service company that has been recommended by someone you know means the business has a good reputation. Additionally, it’s always better to hire local movers based in your area, as this limits your chances of encountering unscrupulous ones. For instance, if you live in the Phoenix area, use Phoenix movers to minimize the risk of property theft.
2. Compare different companies.
Before choosing a company, make sure you compare at least three different movers around you. Most companies will provide you with a free estimate or a free quote, while some others will prefer to work with non-binding estimates. This means they’ll calculate your bill based on your moving needs, products provided by the company, and the weight of your possessions (after loading them into the moving truck).
While some companies have a cargo management system and will provide you with storage solutions or a storage unit for your belongings, some may not. Also, monitor the moving consultant and their professionalism. Try to ensure that they’ll handle the entire moving process efficiently. These criteria should help you decide which moving company best suits your needs.
3. Conduct due diligence on the company.
Every interstate mover is expected to have a DOT number issued by the United States’ transportation department. This serves as a license that identifies moving companies. Therefore, to ensure that your items are in good hands, confirm the moving company’s DOT number. Also, be on the lookout for companies with the American and Storage Association’s ProMover logo as this certifies that it’s a legit and approved company.
When choosing a moving company, you don’t want to leave any stone unturned. So, make sure you make a physical confirmation of the company’s address if they claim to be within your area. Finally, confirm their BBB rating to have a glimpse of other people’s experience with the company.
4. Watch out for red flags.
Even before you decide to use a moving company, there are red flags that can help you identify a dubious mover. For instance, companies that insist on only cash payments or deposits above twenty percent of the estimated cost of the move are sketchy firms, and you should stay away from them.
A reputable company should be able to accept other means of payment like cards or cheques. Also, watch out for their professionalism. Do the movers have a uniform? Is their customer service friendly? Do they have their truck? Are they using a rented van? The answers to all these questions should help point you in the right direction towards choosing a reliable mover and the best moving company.
