Did you know most people find moving a stressful life event? You might not know where to start when it comes to organizing the move, but we can help lower the stress.
In this guide, we’ll give you tips on finding a reliable moving and storage company. You’ll feel less stressed, knowing that you are working with professional movers.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Ask for Recommendations From Family and Friends
Have you started your search online and feel overwhelmed? Consider asking your coworkers, friends, and family members for help. Ask them if you can get a recommendation for a local moving company.
A real estate agent may also be able to recommend a reputable moving company. By asking your local network, you can hear about their experience with the company.
2. What Are You Looking for in a Company?
It’s essential to outline what exactly you’re looking for in a moving company. Before you begin searching, consider your top priorities for the move. Do you need a company that has storage space?
Think about the type of moving equipment you’ll need and how much you can afford. Do you have fragile items that need moving? Ask the moving company if they have experience working with the items in your home.
Based on these factors, select the best company that can get the job done.
3. Meet the Company
Instead of settling for the first company you meet with, keep searching. Get a few estimates from different moving companies.
Ask them to come in person and walk through your space to see what they will move. A company shouldn’t be able to give you a detailed estimate without seeing your belongings.
4. Watch for These Signs
A reputable moving company won’t ask for a cash deposit before they complete the move. If the company seems to want the money upfront, it might not be a reputable and legal business.
During your discussions, notice how professional they are. Do they show up late or are unable to answer all your questions? Keep looking for another company.
5. Is Your Mover Insured and Licensed?
The US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a number to licensed interstate movers.
Are you moving out of state? Check the moving company’s license through FMCSA’s website. You can request the USDOT number if you need to file a claim.
If you aren’t moving out of state, you can check with your local consumer affairs agency.
A professional mover should offer full value protection. This way, any damaged furniture or items will get repaired. If they can’t fix the item, they will replace it or pay you.
Accidents can happen, so you want to make sure the company has insurance. Ask to see a certificate of insurance beforehand.
6. What About the Better Business Bureau?
Find out more about the company by checking out BBB. Try to work with a moving company that has gotten accredited by BBB. If the moving company isn’t listed with BBB, keep looking.
7. Does the Moving Company Have Professional Accreditation?
Look for a moving company that has the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover logo.
The association gives companies an approved seal and membership. Search for approved companies from the American Moving and Storage Association’s site.
8. Does the Moving Company Have an Address?
Ask for the business’s address or check their website. If a company doesn’t have a physical address, you will want to keep looking. Make sure the company’s registered and listed under the company names.
Look for a company that has been around for a couple of years. This way, you know the movers have experience and lasted in the industry.
9. Look up Reviews
If you weren’t able to get a referral from your network, you could read reviews online from former customers. This way, you can consider your options. You can go on Yelp, Facebook, or BBB.org to find reviews from past customers.
You’ll get the most insight by reading the three-star reviews. Customers will share the positives and negatives that they experienced during the move. You will gain a broader perspective compared to reading one or five-star reviews.
10. Does the Company Have Moving Equipment?
Moving companies will offer a variety of services. Some franchises have a ton of heavy equipment and resources.
An independent moving company will rent out a truck for a job. To understand the company better, ask them about the moving equipment.
Do you have specialty items that you need help moving? Ask the company if they have an industrial forklift or crane. If they don’t, you might need to keep searching.
If a moving company does own equipment, they can accommodate any last-minute changes. If a company has to rent the equipment, they will have less flexibility.
For example, if you need to move a piano, consider looking for a piano moving company. This way, you won’t have to worry about potential damages to your belongings.
11. Watch Out for Extra Costs
Are you moving into a two-story house or leaving one? Moving to an apartment on a seventh-floor building could get pricey. Are there extra charges for movers needing to negotiate elevators and stairs?
Ask the mover beforehand if there are any extra fees. You don’t want to get surprised later on with a bill higher than you expected.
12. Read the Moving Contract With Care
The estimate and extra fees need to get listed on the contract. Read the document and make sure there’s detailed information.
You won’t be able to file a claim down the road for something that wasn’t listed on the inventory form. Make sure everything’s listed.
Choosing a Reliable Moving and Storage Company
We hope this guide on how to choose movers was helpful. Read reviews online or ask for referrals to find a reliable moving and storage company. Ask to see their certificate of insurance.
If you found this article helpful, consider checking out the other resources on our site.
