Change is an important aspect of life. At one point, you will need or want to move from your current location to another city or state. Moving house is usually the beginning of an exciting new chapter in your life. However, we can all agree that the process of moving is a dreadful one. No one loves to deal with the stress involved; yet, it still has to be done.
Even though you might opt to do-it-yourself move with the help of family and friends, this job is best left to experienced professionals, especially if you have a large inventory and heavy items. Experienced movers help to ensure that the move is completed safely, efficiently, and within the shortest time possible. Since they take care of all the heavy lifting and other aspects of the process, they significantly help to minimize the stress involved.
However, finding a reliable and reputable moving company is no mean task. The last thing you need is having your stuff arrive late with some of the items missing or damaged. You should also avoid a scenario where you are hit with unexpected bills that weren’t part of the agreement. Hence, you must do some proper research beforehand to ensure that you find best moving companies in your area.
To help simplify the process, in the following section, we are going to look at some of the things to consider when choosing a moving company.
Recommendations
Word of mouth is always a great way of finding experts in a particular field. Ask for recommendations from your friends, family members, and colleagues. If they have used a specific moving company in the past and they had a positive and satisfactory experience, then they will recommend the company to you. However, if they had a rather messy experience, then they will advise you to avoid that particular company to help you avoid falling into a similar situation.
Check for Licensing and Insurance
Check Licensing and Insurance is very important as it will help you avoid scammers and other types of frustrations. All licensed interstate movers are usually issued with a U.S. DOT number. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has a website where you can verify the license of moving companies. The U.S. DOT number is very useful, especially if you need to file a claim against the mover. In case you are moving within the state, you can confirm with your local consumer affairs agency.
Read Online Reviews
The internet is a good place to find out what clients are saying about the company. There are many useful review sites online, such as Better Business Bureau, Yelp, Google, and Angie’s List. You can also check the Better Bureau Business to find out the complaints leveled against the business.
Ensure That They Have a Physical Address
A legitimate moving company will have a physical address. It is highly recommended that you go for a locally established company as it will help to avoid frustrations in the future in case you need to access them for an issue.
Professional Accreditations
Ensure that you hire a company that is a member of a trade association. The companies have to meet certain requirements to be members of trade associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association. This helps to ensure that the company you are choosing is reputable.
Be Wary of Hefty Deposits
You have to acknowledge the fact that a reputable and professional companies won’t ask for large deposits or cash payments. If they show signs of greed even before the work is done, move on to the next. Advance payments and cash payments can result in you losing control over the process, and you won’t be sure when you’ll see them again.
You should also ask for a detailed in-home estimate. Also, inquire if there are any additional costs based on how the move will be conducted. This will help to dodge any unexpected bills. The mover should visit your home and see all the items that will be moved. The mover should show up with their van; otherwise, if it is rented, then it might be a flag that the company isn’t professional and experienced.
