Your move should be a stress-free experience, and choosing the right company is a key part of that. Stay aware of red flags, such as exceptionally low quotes or a refusal to provide insurance details, and ask for testimonies from previous customers.
A moving company that’s been around for years has had time to fine-tune its process, build up tenured staff, and maintain vehicles. Check for memberships in reputable moving organizations and affiliations with van lines.
Professionalism
When choosing a moving company, make sure they have a high level of professionalism. This will ensure that your move is as stress-free and easy as possible. You want a professional moving company to understand your needs, provide a thorough survey of your items and property, and offer a detailed contract. Make sure you understand what is included in your service and avoid any hidden fees.
If you are unsure about how to find a reputable moving company, ask your friends or family for recommendations. Also, check online reviews for any complaints or concerns about the company.
A reputable moving company will be licensed and insured. This means that they have met state and federal requirements for transportation and insurance. You should be wary of companies that don’t provide this information or seem hesitant to give you the information.
Many professional movers offer additional services, such as packing and storage. These services can be especially helpful if you have a lot of furniture or other large items that need to be carefully packed and transported. Some movers also offer a variety of storage options, including self-storage and commercial storage.
Be wary of a moving company that uses subcontractors for local moves. This can cause quality control issues and lead to higher costs. Ideally, you should choose a company that employs its movers for all moves.
Reputation
In addition to asking friends and family for recommendations, you can also look for moving company reviews online. Be sure to read multiple reviews to get a well-rounded perspective on the company’s services. Look for reviews that describe the level of service provided, any issues encountered during the move, and whether the customer was satisfied with the final price.
If you’re planning a long-distance move, look for movers with plenty of experience in that area. You’ll also want to consider the type of equipment they use and their reputation for reliability. Companies with more experience are more likely to have the proper tools and equipment to ensure your belongings arrive at their destination safely.
Finally, it’s important to avoid movers that require large deposits or ask for more than 20 percent of the total estimated cost. A reputable mover should never require more than a small deposit up front and will typically only accept payment upon completion of the service. In addition, you should always put any deposits or payments on a credit card, so you can contest the charge if something goes wrong during your move.
Also, be wary of movers that constantly change their names, as this can make it harder to find complaints about them. You can check the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s website for a list of registered interstate movers and their complaint history.
Insurance
A good moving company should have insurance coverage in case your items are lost or damaged during transport. You can check if they have it by asking them to provide you with a copy of their policy or checking online, as the FMCSA has a tool that lets you search for licensing and insurance information by DOT number.
In addition, a trustworthy moving company will have transparent pricing policies. Ask them about their pricing structure and if they have binding or non-binding estimates, so you can be sure of how much you’ll pay in the end. Be wary of movers who give quotes significantly lower than the average, as they may be hiding extra charges or offering subpar services.
Another factor to consider when choosing a moving company is their experience and specializations. You want to ensure that they have the right expertise to handle your move, especially if you have fragile or high-value items.
Check out the company’s online reviews and ratings, and review their complaint history with local or state consumer protection agencies. Also, look for the company’s DOT number if you plan on hiring them for interstate moves; according to Consumer Reports, moving companies with a DOT number are required to have proper liability insurance in case your belongings are lost or stolen. Moreover, check whether the company has the release of value protection level of liability, which assumes a maximum liability amount of 60 cents per pound of your belongings and settles loss or damage claims based on a simple calculation.
Equipment
The equipment movers use determines how safe and efficient your move will be. Look for a company that uses its trucks, trailers, and other equipment. This will prevent the movers from incurring additional costs during the move for renting or using equipment from another source.
Reputable movers will also provide an estimate before the move. During the estimate, pay attention to red flags. If the movers ask for a large deposit upfront or seem unsure of their abilities, it might be a sign that they’re not professional. Also, be wary of movers that request cash payments instead of credit cards. Using a credit card gives you the right to contest any unauthorized charges.
You should also ask about the type of estimate they provide. A binding estimate guarantees the price of your move, based on the weight and volume of items. A non-binding estimate is subject to change if the actual weight and volume of your items differ from what was originally estimated.
A good moving company will provide a detailed contract, and you should read it carefully before signing. It should also include contact information for a customer service representative in case you have any questions during or after your move. You should also get a copy of the bill of lading, which is a legal contract between you and the moving company.