Moving can be a stressful process. One of the most important decisions you can make when moving is choosing the right moving company. This post will provide tips on how to pick a reliable, efficient, and affordable mover. As you search for movers, it’s important to know what questions to ask and what qualities to look for. Let’s dive in!
Research Reputable Professional Moving Companies
The best way to find a reliable and trustworthy mover is through referrals or recommendations from family or friends. You can also research potential movers through online reviews and ratings on sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.
When researching, it’s important to check whether the reviews are legitimate by looking at how often they have been posted and if they are consistent with other reviews on similar services.
Along with researching potential movers online, it’s also important to contact them directly. This will help you get an understanding of their quality service, as well as allow you to ask any questions that you may have about their services or pricing.
It’s a good idea to reach out to several moving companies before making your decision so that you can compare quotes and services offered by each one.
Ask friends and family members who’ve made the same long-distance moving journey for honest reviews of the companies they’ve used. You can also ask renters new to the area. If you know the previous tenants, you can ask them as well what reliable company they used. If you don’t know who to ask, look for online reviews.
There are plenty of moving companies that have reviews from others who’ve used their services. That way, you can get a better sense of whether the movers are honest, efficient, safe, and have any other qualities you may be looking for.
Watch out for red flags
Check for red flags in the estimates. In some cases, a reputable company does not require a cash deposit. If the mover feels tempted to raise tens of thousands of dollars, the transaction could be illegal.
If the movers are tardy and do not understand what they can do to help you find another company to help out. Most companies will have their moving truck, if they don’t this is a possible red flag.
Moving Scams
There are some red flags to watch out for during the estimate stage that can help safeguard you from scams or unreliable movers.
Look online for recommendations and check out our directory and any local or national moving associations. Get at least three estimates. Be sure to discard any with “lowball” figures; this could be a moving scam.
Ask to see their license and insurance. Licensed and Insured Movers When vetting pros, ask the company representative to demonstrate that they carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect their professionals and customers.
Make Sure Your Mover Is Licensed And Insured
Your chosen mover must have all the necessary licenses and insurance coverage required by local authorities. Ask your mover if they are licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) as well as if they have liability insurance for any damages that may occur during the move.
It’s also important that your items are covered in case of loss or damage, so make sure your mover offers some form of insurance protection for your belongings.
Confirm if they are federally registered
Upon contacting any company, check the number from the Department of Transportation (DOT). It is recommended to find this number through the website. This data can be verified by searching the Federal Highway Traffic Safety Administration (FMCSA) search engine. It also explains all complaints that a particular company has. Note that despite the need to obtain a DOT number for interstate moves, these numbers don’t usually be obtained at a local movers’ office.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for issuing U.S. DOT numbers to licensed interstate movers. If you are moving out of state, it is important to verify that the long-distance moving companies that you are considering are licensed by checking this site and requesting the company’s U.S. DOT number. This number will be necessary if you need to file a claim against the company at a later date. If you are staying within your current state, check with your local consumer affairs office for more information about Moving Companies in your area.
Request a binding estimate
Moving costs can be very expensive. In these cases, it is recommended that one get an estimate that guarantees the payment of no more than the quoted price. Although some businesses prepare free estimates, it is legal to charge to do so. Some state laws require this in interstate movement and some forbid it altogether. The FMCSA says moving costs can be up to 10 percent more than what the quote is worth for the company. How can a blanket protect upholstered furniture during transport?
Request a personal estimate For Moving Service
The next step is to get in-person estimates. You have to have three estimates and these must be done personally and not via phone or e-mail. Moving a household without observing its size is a challenge. Ask for their license and insurance during the estimation process. Afterward, it is possible to find the local mover via the database or through the Consumer Protection Agency.
Tips to Save Money
When movers know that you are talking to other movers, they are likely to give you a better offer. To avoid paying more, do not move during holidays, weekends, or at the end of the month. These times are usually busy for movers. Hire professional movers who are insured in case anything gets lost or broken. Finally, prepare a Household Moving Checklist. This will save you both time and money in the long run.
Think Local Moving Services
Many website sites can help you find movers but it is better to find a local company that has offices in your region. It helps avoid possible scams by having a service representative at your house who gives you an estimate. If you go through brokers or third-party services, you will no longer know exactly what is reliable about the actual moving firm.
Conclusion:
When it comes time to move, choosing the right and reliable moving company is essential for reducing stress and ensuring that everything goes smoothly on moving day.
Find a good balance between quality and price. Make sure to check each company by comparing the quality of their services and their prices. Keep this in mind, cheap movers aren’t good and good movers aren’t cheap. However, expensive prices do not automatically mean that the company is reputable and safe, there are still several factors to consider – from prices to reputation and additional services they offer.
By doing thorough research on potential movers, asking key questions about their services, and making sure they are properly licensed and insured, you can rest assured knowing that your move will be taken care of by professional movers who understand exactly what needs to get done!