11 Tips To Choose A Moving Company

Choosing a moving company can be overwhelming because there are so many options to choose from. Here are 11 tips you can consider when hiring a moving company that fits your needs.

1. Get Referrals from Family or Friends

A good way to find a reputable moving company is to get referrals from people you know. This reduces the risk of finding a bad company because you have heard first-hand experiences from those who have used their services. In addition, it eliminates the need for doing research on your own as well as time spent on making phone calls.

You can get referrals from friends, family members and coworkers. If you know anyone who has used a moving company, ask them if they were happy with the job that was done and if they would use the company again. You can also ask how much it cost them to hire the company to do their move. This will give you an idea on the price range.

2. Research Online

You can also find moving company information online by doing some research. There are numerous sites that provide customer reviews of local moving companies in your location. You can easily select reputable movers by reading the comments and feedback given by past customers who have used their services. This is a good way to learn the quality of service and if the price you will be quoted is reasonable.

Keep in mind that not all moving companies will have a website. Use Google to find movers who don’t have a site by entering your location and the words “moving company”. Also, use search terms like “cheap movers” or “cheapest moving companies”. By doing so, you will discover more moving companies that are potential candidates for your move.

3. Look for a Local Moving Company

It would be convenient if you move with a local moving company. A local moving company operates in your city. That means that they are familiar with both the route you will be taking to get there, as well as what the travel time is likely to be, which can help them accommodate an appropriate arrival window for your move.

4. Confirm Whether They’re Federally Registered 

Before contacting a moving company, look for their Department of Transportation (DOT) number on the side of their trucks. All interstate movers are required to carry this number and are only allowed to provide service if they are registered with the DOT.

Every interstate moving company needs to be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in order to operate their vehicles on any public roads. You can find complaints, safety information, and company contact information there. If they have any reports of violations, you may want to choose another company, especially if they have multiple complaints. 

5. Get at Least Three Quotes

You’d better compare prices from different moving companies before hiring one. This way can help you find out how much it is going to cost you to hire a moving company for your move.

To ensure you obtain the best possible deal, ask companies to give you a quote based on your list of items and space where everything will be placed in your new home or office location. This way they can give you an accurate estimate of the cost instead of giving a generic rate for moving services. Keep in mind that the person who gives you a quote over the phone might not be the same when they arrive at your home.

The quotes should include all the charges you need to pay. Make sure the estimate is detailed, with an inventory of all your items, and includes all charges such as hourly rate, transit insurance, packing supplies, mileage, tolls, a fuel surcharge, and any other fees that you might need to pay.

Once you have received quotes from three companies, put them side by side to compare their prices and services offered. Look for reliable companies with experienced employees and positive customer feedback.

6. Licensed and Insured

Check the moving company you choose is licensed and insured. If you come across a moving company that does not have the proper permits, insurance coverage, or their own fleet of vehicles, then it might be best to look for another company. Make sure they have liability and auto liability coverage in case anything happens during your move.

7. Check With the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Research the moving company’s track record with the BBB and read reviews from previous clients. Make sure they have a decent rating and no unresolved complaints against them. Ask the company for their BBB report and search it online to see if anything comes up.

8. Ask About Professional Accreditation 

The company you choose is reputable if it is a member of either:

• American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA)
• Associated Moving Companies (AMC)
• American Furniture Movers (AFM)
• International Association of Movers (IAM)

9. Don’t Pay a deposit

A trustworthy moving company will not ask you for a cash deposit before moving. The company may not be a good fit if they ask you to make money upfront.

10. Have Their Own People Do the Packing

A good mover will have their own people to do the packing. Having your possessions packed by professional packers is a must-do when hiring a moving company. They are trained in how to properly pack fragile items, electronics and dishes without causing any damage during transportation or at your new location.

11. Get Everything in Writing

A reliable moving company will be able to provide you with a writing list of all the charges you are responsible for paying, as well as how much insurance will cost. 

A moving company will usually provide an estimate over the phone, but you should ask them to write down a detailed inventory of all the items being moved so there are no surprises at your new location. This includes furniture, appliances, kitchenware, and electronics. If you have any large items such as pianos or pool tables, then you should include that on the list.

Final Thought

Once you have chosen a moving company, let them know you are ready to move forward. This way they can schedule a date and time for their movers to come to your address to begin packing, moving and unloading all your belongings. Once everything is packed, their service truck will transport your items to the new location where they will be unloaded. 

Hope the above tips can help you choose a reliable moving company.