It can be extremely challenging to choose a good moving company. Failing to do adequate research and planning can result in choosing a company that may cause damage to your items or even lose them. All moving companies are not reliable. To help avoid these mistakes, there are several things you should make a part of your planning routine when looking for a moving company to hire.
Tips for Choosing the Right Moving Company
Here are several tips to help you hire the right professional movers:
- Request recommendations – You can begin by asking for referrals, whether from your family, friends, or neighbors. Someone may have a recommendation that they’d like to share that they may have used in the past.
- Have several companies in mind – Avoid hiring the very first company that you receive a quote from. The best thing to do is request quotes from at least three or four companies. Very rarely are moving companies ever able to provide you with an accurate quote over the phone. They may need to see how many items you have first.
- Beware of warnings – Make sure you keep your eyes open for warnings and red flags when receiving quotes from various companies. For instance, avoid companies that request you to pay a fee upfront before your big day. If it sounds fishy, nine times out of ten, it is. Most professional and reputable companies never ask for any type of deposit. Other warning signs to look out for are if the company arrives late or seems unable to answer any questions you may have.
- Confirm with BBB – Whenever you are unsure, you can always head over to the Better Business Bureau’s website to confirm the status of the company. You can even request to see the record of any particular company and see what their current rating is.
- Request license – There is nothing wrong with requesting to see a company’s license and proof of liability insurance. Any reputable moving company will be more than happy to provide you with these. Additionally, you can confirm the status of the company’s license simply by visiting the official website of FMCSA.
- Confirm address – Always research the address that you have been given by the moving company. You can do this by doing a simple search online, or by visiting their website. If their address happens to be registered to a residential location, you should tread carefully.
- Receive a quote in writing – Always be sure to get all quotes in writing so that you can compare them to others you have received. This quote should be formed around actually looking at the items that you will be moving.
The best way to avoid hiring a bad company to help you move is by paying attention to the red flags. As mentioned above, any company that requests a substantial amount of money upfront is more than likely a scam. Additionally, you should be aware of the price you must pay for packing, and be on the lookout for any company attempting to add additional costs. Finally, never sign a contract that doesn’t contain any accurate information about your move. Contact us today for more help!