Hiring a moving company removes the chaos that could alleviate stress levels on scheduled move-out days. For first-time movers considering this route, effortless transit would be the word to describe this option. But there’s a catch!
There are lots of good and cheap moving companies out there to help make the transition smooth. But, there are also some dishonest ones demanding a hefty sum who’ll make the experience a nightmare in reality.
The simple solution to getting the right movers for the job is to learn the ins and outs of how moving companies operate. Let’s find out in this guide how to choose movers.
1. Get Trusted Recommendations
The first stage of how to choose a long-distance moving company is to get referrals. Many people would source the internet or look through phone directories to find shippers. But, the information provided through these means isn’t 100% trustworthy.
Trusted recommendations are those tried and tested ones that have proven good results. To get these recommendations, seek the help of close relations. They’ll offer contacts of shippers they have worked with and can trust to provide the best services.
2. Choose Three from Those Recommended
The rule of three demands that when faced with multiple options, ranging from one to five or more, choose three.
Every shipper differs in the kind of services, estimates, and even insurance they offer. Sticking to three companies will prove beneficial in the long run because it allows an opportunity to choose the cheapest, professional movers and ones that offer specialized services needed for the transit.
3. Keep Watch for Scammers
These days, it’s not easy to tell fake from real. Even a fake can seem more real than you’d think. Hence, another tip we advise on how to pick a good moving company is to carefully observe shippers’ conduct to know whether they are honest or fake. Some red flags to look out for include:
- Pay down payments
- Deposits are too high
- Don’t offer estimates
- Offer weird or top cheap estimates
- Are not registered
- Use an unmarked company truck
- Seems uncertain about claims and vital processes
4. Verify Their Legitimacy
Remember that a legitimate business is one recognized by the government. What’s more, the only way the government would recognize a business is if it has a registered license offered by the government body. If the relocation company doesn’t have proper licensing from the government, it means they are fake.
Having a government license doesn’t mean they are properly regulated; additional verification of an insurance certificate is essential. Reliable shipping contractors will have good insurance policies that protects the littlest valuables.
5. Verify Their Ratings and Get Reliable Reviews
Like referrals, it’s easy to find movers’ ratings and reviews on the internet. But, how reliable are these ratings? Contact trusted sources when searching for vital information like ratings and reviews. In America, the Better Business Bureau is one legitimate source that offers multiple data on a company, no matter their industry. By simply visiting the BBB site and keying in the contractor’s name, it’ll be easy to get trustworthy information on shipping companies.
6. Check Professional Accreditations to Verify Their Experience
Experience plays a significant part in how well they perform. So, don’t be afraid to ask about the company’s experience.
If they claim to have experience but can’t provide so much information about it, make sure they have at least one accreditation from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
7. Verify Vital Information Like Address
Companies without a solid address and frequently moving locations are at flight risk after collecting your money. Before you agree to use their services, visit their supposed address to confirm if they’ve been operating there for long.
8. Request for Estimates
For first-time movers, this is where the major benefit of sticking with the rules of three comes in. It’d be easy to avoid rip-offs because you’ll get estimates from three different contractors.
Also, avoid companies offering estimates without taking inventory of your home and belongings. The simple reason is they’ll often overestimate prices. Good contractors would do a walk-through of essential belongings and your home’s layout to know what is needed for the move before offering quotes.
9. Avoid Word of Mouth Contracts
Dishonest movers will change the terms of the contract if it isn’t written. More than this, they’ll try to avoid getting everything in writing if they even offer a written contract. Don’t leave out sessions or clauses stating hidden fees and possible overages. Ensure that movers refer to questions on fees, claims, or any other clause relating to price and delivery timeframe. And, don’t sign a contract without confirming the terms of the contract has everything you discussed with shipping contractors.
Some simple clauses that many moving companies might overlook when drawing up a contract include:
- Policies on overages
- Pricing
- Payment due date
- Insurance policy (how much it covers and what it covers)
10. Find Experts Offering Specialty Services You Need
Don’t assume that contractors recommended by loved ones will offer the right specialty services needed for moving specialty homewares. Every relocation company offers different services. Before hiring movers, ensure that they meet your needs.
Is it a local or interstate move? Do they have skilled hands or proper lifting and carrying equipment to move large musical instruments like piano? Do they offer full moving services? These questions will help in determining the right relocation company for future relocation plans.
Conclusion
Movers can look professional on a face or first appearance level. But, it never hurts to verify their legitimacy before hiring them. The best steps on how to choose the right moving company are to ensure they are licensed, have an insurance certificate, offer good estimates after inventory, and are professional before signing a contract with them.
