Moving is stressful enough without worrying that you may have chosen the wrong mover for the job. Unfortunately, the Better Business Bureau receives over 13,000 complaints about moving companies each year. Many of these come from consumers who lost money to a scammer.
Taking the time to find a reliable and professional mover will give you peace of mind and avoid unnecessary costs. Here are the key qualities to look for when hiring the best moving company.
License and Insurance
Depending upon the state it operates from, a reputable moving company should be licensed and clearly post the registration number on their website. Any mover transporting items interstate needs to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. Several states also require movers to obtain local registration as proof that the trucks they’re using are safe.
Your moving company should also be fully insured to protect their employees as well as your belongings. Your mover should be able to offer you different levels of coverage and deductibles to be able to reimburse you should an item gets damaged or destroyed during the moving process.
Good Reviews and Recommendations
A good way to begin researching potential moving companies is to ask friends, family members, and coworkers who have moved recently for their recommendations. You can do a search for “moving companies near me” if you don’t know anyone who has moved.
But even if you have some promising leads, it’s important to check out the company’s online reviews to find out how trustworthy they really are. You may want to overlook one negative review out of several stellar ones, but if customers have had overwhelmingly bad experiences with a business, it’s best to stay away.
Transparent and Thorough Quote
The moving company should be upfront with its pricing and provide a thorough breakdown of the moving quote including any hidden fees. Read through all of the fine print before signing so that you understand exactly what each charge is for and to avoid any surprises when you get the final bill.
And if a quote seems unbelievably low or if the mover requires a high deposit, it’s best to pass. Many scammers fail to complete a moving job once they have a significant amount of money from you.
Responsiveness to Questions
You’ll probably have lots of questions leading up to your moving day, especially if it’s your first move or you haven’t changed addresses in a while. A good mover will be happy to answer any questions you have and ease your concerns. They should also be able to provide details on how to prepare your furniture and other items, whether they need you to tape drawers shut or if they do all of the extra work for you.
Professional Website
Although it may seem like a minor detail, a professional moving company will have a well-designed website that should give you a good feel for how they conduct business. Look for their license information and read through their FAQs section if they have one so you can better prepare for your move. If you need a specialty item such as a piano moved, make sure the company is capable of transporting it.
Choose The Right Moving Company
It may seem like you won’t have time in between packing to research a moving company, but doing your homework ensures you’ll be happy and comfortable in your new home.
And for tips on sprucing up and decorating your new residence once the move is complete, check out the articles in our Home section.
