Wondering how to pick a moving company? Doing so doesn’t have to be a complicated task. Quite the opposite. Just be aware of some specific tips to help you find the best business that suits your needs, and you’ll be good to go. Fortunately, we’ve got you covered every step of the way.
In this article, you’ll find a detailed list of all the steps you should follow to help you answer the question, how to find a good moving company.
How to Find a Reputable Moving Company – Step-by-Step Instructions
Below are nine crucial steps to take if you want to select movers that are well worth your money and time.
1. Do Your Research
The best way to find movers is to perform thorough research. Finding a reputable service provider may not always be as easy as one, two, three. Once you go through the hassle, you can be sure the effort will pay off from the first day of dealing with the company.
Look for online reviews of companies you find worthwhile. Check what the negative reviews say about the service provider. Are there multiple people complaining about lousy, expensive, or slow service? These are some big signs to stay away.
You want to keep your eyes on companies with mostly positive reviews across multiple platforms. Given that some marketers may post fake online reviews, it’s worth going to Google, Yelp, Better Business Bureau, and similar places to get a more comprehensive image of the business.
2. Try Word of Mouth
If online research doesn’t help much, or if you want to further investigate your options, try to get some referrals. Ask your friends, coworkers, or family members who’ve recently moved if they can recommend a business.
3. Get a Free Quote
Once you’ve found a company that seems reputable enough, it’s time to take the first step and initiate communication. The first step is to ask for a free quote. Most companies will have this feature available on their website. Sometimes, all you have to do is fill out a form and an online calculator will tell you the approximate cost. Other businesses take a few hours or days to get back to you with the estimated price.
4. Get More Quotes
Don’t settle for getting a free quote from a single company. Get a list of the top three or five companies you liked and ask for an in-person estimate. Doing so will help you get a deeper insight into exactly how much you’ll need to pay them.
5. Be Wary of the Red Flags
There are certain red flags you should be careful of when selecting a moving company. First, never agree to give a deposit in cash before moving. You know you’re not dealing with a reputable business if they start asking for money before providing you with any service.
Secondly, you’ll want to assess the level of professionalism of the movers. A reliable service provider will always show up on time. They will be sure of their abilities and be able to answer all your questions. If you notice they are being indecisive and insecure about what they can offer, they most likely aren’t a legitimate company.
6. Check for the Insurance and Licenses
All licensed interstate movers will have a DOT number issued by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can check whether the company you’re working with is licensed for interstate moving (if this is what you’re after) by checking their license on http://www.protectyourmove.gov/. Here, you can request the company’s U.S. DOT number. Note that you’ll need access to this data in case you need to file a claim against them later on down the road.
For moves inside the state, you can contact your local consumer affairs agency for details.
7. Check the Mover’s Complaint History
The abovementioned FMCSA website is your best friend when it comes to choosing reputable movers. Their database can help you spot any complaints they’ve had in the past and determine how those could affect your experience with the company.
8. Remember Your Priorities
If your priority is to go for the mover with the lowest price, you’re likely to sacrifice plenty of other important items. This includes safe transport of belongings and prompt delivery. So make sure to set your priorities right and go for a company that is more likely to act according to your needs.
9. Check the Business Address
The last step in choosing a moving company is to verify their physical address. If you meet with them in person, ask for a business card. You can find detailed information on their website. They should have an address registered under the name of the company. If their location is listed as a residence, they may not be a legitimate company.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company – Additional Tips
Taking the steps above is a good way to hire a reputable moving company. You can take extra steps to make sure you get the most out of the experience.
Make Sure the Company Creates the Moving Inventory
Reputable moving companies will take an inventory of all the things you want to move with them. This helps them determine the weight and bulk of the move. This used to be done in person, but now the companies also offer a virtual survey.
The process includes checking all storage places, like the garage, drawers, cupboards, bookcases, etc.
The weight of the belongings is a huge component of the mover’s price, and it also helps them understand how much storage space they should reserve in their trucks. This is why it’s super important to provide them with as many details as possible.
Don’t Go for Companies With a Name Switch
If you find a company that operates under multiple names, you may want to steer clear of them. This may be their way of avoiding getting flagged by the Better Business Bureau. If the employees don’t mention the name of the company on the phone, they lack a physical address, or you find the company is available under different names, it’s a red flag you should avoid.
Ask About Additional Costs
Don’t forget to ask about any additional fees when discussing the price with the potential moving company. This can include packing material, equipment rental, long carrying of things, and more. Sometimes, the companies don’t mention these costs right away because they may be optional or not be a part of their core service. That’s why it’s important to ask about exactly what services you can expect to get from them and for which you’ll have to pay extra.
Never Sign Blank Contracts
Don’t sign blank moving contracts, regardless of how trustworthy the company seems. Go over all your belongings listed on the contract under “moving inventory” and ensure everything is included. You won’t be able to file a claim for an item that isn’t on that list, should the need arise.
Don’t Settle for “Guaranteed” Quotes
If a moving company gives you a “guaranteed” quote without so much as an inventory check, it’s most likely too good to be true. This isn’t an honest and accurate estimate, and should you get one, consider it a red flag.
Report a Problem
If anything goes wrong with your moving process, don’t refrain from reporting the issue. You can file a complaint if you believe the company has done something wrong. The claim can be submitted up to nine months after the moving project in order to claim the insurance.
To make sure you identify all potential issues on time, make sure to unpack all the boxes when you arrive at the new home over the next few months. If you wait for a year to unpack an old box only to find glass shards in it, you won’t have the right to be reimbursed for the damage.
A moving company must acknowledge receiving a claim within 30 days. They must also pay or deny the offer within 120 days.
Do Your Homework
It’s important that you know your responsibilities and rights during the move. You can use the booklet made available by the federal government for interstate moves. Knowing the general regulations and requirements will help you better prepare and understand the parts of the moving process that depend on you.
How to Be a Good Mover – What to Look For in a Moving Company
There are at least six things you want to look for in a moving company.
- Recommendations
- Good Reviews
- Successful Track Record
- License / Insurance
- Transparent Pricing
- Fits Your Needs
Ideally, a moving company should hit all the boxes on your checklist. They should have a proven record of working in a move similar to yours, be licensed, offer transparent prices, and have prompt customer service.
How to Find a Mover – Questions You Can Ask the Movers
There are dozens of questions you can ask a company to figure out exactly how they can be of help.
Here are some examples you can follow.
Selecting a Mover – Questions About the Company’s Reliability
- Do you have a license?
- Have you performed moves similar to mine before?
- Do you have any liability coverage, and if yes, what kind?
- What are your references?
Questions About the Company’s Moving Estimate
- What services are included in the quote?
- Can I expect any extra fees?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
- How will you create my moving inventory?
- How can I pay for the service?
- Should I be aware of any restrictions on how and what I pack?
- Can you pack my electronics, TV, and other appliances?
- What is the estimated time frame for the move?
- Can you deny my claim?
- What happens if there’s a delay with the pickup or delivery?
- Are your moves subcontracted?
- What happens if one of my belongings gets broken or damaged during the move?
- Could you describe the claim process to me?
Questions About the Logistics
- How can I contact the driver when I need them?
- How do I contact you (the company) during the move?
How to Find Moving Company – FAQ
Here are some additional questions you may have about hiring a moving company.
How Do Moving Companies Work?
Trustworthy and full-service moving companies can do just about any task related to the move. The services can include disassembling the furniture, loading and unloading the truck, transporting the items, reassembling the furniture, placing the items in the new home, etc.
When the moving company provides packing services, they bring the materials and perform the packing and unpacking for you. A reputable removal company will also dispose of the packing material once the move is complete.
How Early on Should I Hire a Moving Company?
Reputable removal companies tend to have a pretty busy schedule, especially during the summer. Ideally, you should start asking for quotes and reaching out to businesses at least eight weeks before the planned move. You should schedule the move no sooner than six weeks before the moving day.
How Long Does Moving Take?
The answer to this question depends on the complexity of the move. Packing can take a few days or even weeks. Movers usually set a timetable to give customers an idea of how long the process will take. This includes drafting an inventory, packing, furniture disassembly, transportation, unloading, and unpacking.
Can I Get a Discount for a Moving Service?
Absolutely. Many movers offer discounts to students, military members, and American Automobile Association (AAA) members.
Why Is It Important to Get at Least Three Quotes?
You want to compare different quotes from different companies to make sure you get the best value for the price. Maybe a quote from the company you were initially interested in is too high or too low compared to the other two. This could be a red flag that you’re dealing with a company that isn’t legitimate.
How to Select a Moving Company – Explained
Investing in a reputable moving company can save you time, money, and stress on any moving project. Whether you’re moving to another city inside your state, going across the country, or overseas, you should follow these basic steps when it comes to choosing a service provider.
Remember to do your research, ask a lot of questions, and get quotes from at least three companies. If you’re looking for a cost-effective, reputable, and highly professional moving company, you may want to consider Moving and Storage Services. They offer expert moving services including local, long-distance, and international moves.