1. Get Recommendations from Trusted People
Although you will find a lot of movers on the internet by running a Google search, yet, one cannot ascertain the genuineness or reliability. Therefore, the best bet is to bank on the knowledge of those who you trust.
For example, if any family member, friend, neighbor, or colleague moved recently, you can ask them for recommendations. And when you get such a recommendation, they are always good because they are given by those you trust who have had firsthand experience with the movers.
And you can also ask them about bad experiences they had with any mover so that you can cross them off your selection list. The information you get from these experiences cannot be found on the website of the company.
2. Look for Good Reviews
After getting a list of names from asking around, check for reviews online to see the experiences of others. For example, your friend or family might not have had a bad experience which is why they recommended them. However, others might have had negative experiences.
So, look for the good reviews but keep in mind the negative reviews you see as well. The more negative reviews, the more distance you ought to keep between yourself and such movers.
3. Go for Proven Track Record
Apart from good reviews, you must ensure that their track record is exceptional. While it is a nice gesture to choose new companies, it is better and safer to go with those who have been in the business for a while.
Therefore, check if they had any issues with the authorities in the past, lawsuits, maintain fair rates, etc.
4. Licensed and Insured
For no reason should you choose a company that does not have the proper license. The fact that they have a truck with a name that sounds like a mover does not make them one. To properly operate, they need to be licensed.
If you are moving interstate, any mover who will operate such must have a unique identification number from the U.S Department of Transportation. Click here to see if a company is registered with a genuine DOT number.
Also, make sure that the company keeps to the state’s licensing laws as most states have their requirements.
Apart from owning a license, ensure that they are also insured. This will protect your possessions in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
5. Seek Transparent Rates
Most times, when you put out a call to hire a moving company, some of them will only give the rate for the required number of movers and hours. Sadly, they might not tell you of the charges for packing materials, moving heavy or large items, or other such hidden charges.
Sometimes, this is not a deliberate act; rather it is because they cannot fully say how much all those extra fees will cost eventually over the phone.
Hence, you must ask them to give you an overall estimate of your total fee. Ask them what situation will warrant the payment of additional fees. Any mover that refuses to divulge such information should not be hired. Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moving_scam to learn more about the moving scam that some movers pull on customers.
6. Pursue Personal Preference and Needs
The best moving company might not truly be the best for you. The moving process is different for everyone because of the varying factors. For example, moving from a studio flat cannot be the same as moving from a 4-bedroom house. Other personal needs must also be considered.
Hence, you must ask the following about your potential mover:
1. Do they have the truck size that will accommodate all my belongings without exerting any form of constraints or damage to my property?
2. Will extra packing supplies such as garment boxes, bubble wrap, moving blankets, etc. be provided once there is a need by the company?
3. Is the mover ready to operate when is most suitable for me and can pick up and deliver the property within the time window and schedule I have in mind?
You can ask the company these questions directly as well to ensure compliance from them.
7. Watch out for Fraud
As rare as it might be, it still happens with folks losing their properties to these rogues. Hence, apart from implementing the above tips, you can do the following:
- Confirm the company’s legitimacy.
- Search for their active license.
- Find out their records.
- Ensure they can be found via a real physical address.
- Be careful or avoid movers asking for deposits over 20%.
Conclusion
The moving industry is getting more competitive with more and more companies boomed in the moving services market around the world. Truth be told, not everyone is genuine, and not everyone is capable.
Therefore, additional care must be adopted in selecting a mover to ensure you have a smooth transition process. We believe with the information above; you will be able to make the right choice that is perfect just for you.
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