Moving to a new location is a life-changing experience. It can be thrilling, especially if the relocation promises a better life, such as purchasing a home for your family. However, it can be stressful, especially if it is a long-distance move. You must manage your stuff, secure your family’s comfort, and determine how you will acclimate to your new surroundings. Moving is complicated since it requires planning, packing, and carrying.
The easiest approach to guarantee a quick, effective, and less stressful move while relocating to a new house is frequently by hiring movers. While hiring the ideal mover can result in a seamless transition, picking the wrong mover can turn your relocation into a nightmare.
Knowing what to look for and what questions to ask will help you to pick a good moving company. After all, you’re entrusting strangers with your most prized possessions during one of the most trying times in your life! Doing your homework will ensure you do not make a mistake during this period. Here’s how to choose a long-distance moving company to avoid all the hustle. In this informational article we will tell you how to choose movers and not make a mistake.
1. Get Referrals
Asking recently relocated friends, family members, neighbors, or coworkers for suggestions is the first thing to do while looking for movers. Their first-hand experiences are more valuable than online reviews and can help you start your search for reputable businesses to get in touch with. Another effective area to begin when hiring a moving company is online reviews and word of mouth. Request suggestions and referrals and check reviews on reputable websites. Reviews offer a trustworthy, objective assessment of the quality of service a business provides.
2. Watch Out for Red Flags
Watch for warning signs during the estimate. For instance, the majority of trustworthy movers won’t want a cash deposit before your relocation. It might not be a genuine service if the mover appears eager to receive the initial payment. During the estimate, take note of the movers’ appearance and professionalism. Look for a different business if they are unreliable, appear uncertain of their skills, or cannot respond to your inquiries. Additionally, watch out for any movers that arrive in a hired moving vehicle. A reputable business will have its tools. Some other red flags to watch out for include:
- Overcharges
- Damaged or lost property
- Large deposits
- Missed delivery window
- Rude staff
3. Make Sure the Mover Is Licensed and Insured
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issues a U.S. DOT number to licensed interstate movers. Double check the moving company’s license number in the DOT database if you’re moving across state lines, as this requires a license from the Department of Transportation. Several businesses function without insurance; once more, research it. Additionally, consider using a moving firm that has earned ProMover certification from the American Moving & Storage Association. It compels movers to abide by the association’s guidelines and commits them to a background check.
4. Check with the Better Business Bureau
Check if the business is listed in the Better Business Bureau, which offers evaluations of more than 20,000 moving-related businesses. Examine the letter grade that the BBB has given the company and analyze any complaints, reviews, and disciplinary actions taken by the government. It is advisable that you choose movers who are BBB accredited or at the very least have a decent rating. If the moving business isn’t on the Better Business Bureau list, think about finding one that is.
5. Ask About Professional Accreditation
Always start by investigating each business’s validity and accreditations once you’ve identified a few moving companies in your neighborhood that provide the service you require. Trade groups examine businesses before approving them for membership or a stamp of approval. Look for a moving business with the ProMover logo from the American Moving and Storage Association.
6. Verify the Address
Request a business card or visit the mover’s website, then check for the provided address online or in the phonebook. Check that the address of the moving firm is recorded and registered under the company names. Any address listed under a residential name should be avoided.
7. Get Estimates
It’s time to receive quotes when you’ve created your shortlist of moving companies. Before making a decision, try to receive at least three in-person estimates. Be wary if an estimate seems suspiciously low or if a mover offers an estimate over the phone or online without sending a representative to inspect the task. By weighing quality and cost, evaluate each moving company’s value. By doing this, you’ll have a wide enough range of possibilities to choose from.
8. Get everything in writing
Be wary of moving companies that provide blank contracts. Make sure you get all of your estimates and extra fees in writing. Read the agreement carefully and proceed only if you are satisfied.
9. Find the Experts You Need
You don’t want just anyone moving your precious possessions. Find a moving firm with specialists that understand how to handle specific objects if you have any, such as pianos, exercise equipment, or pool tables. In most cases, businesses will provide this information on their website.
10. Ask Questions
Ask lots of questions when you phone a moving company. This will give you a better understanding of what their services entail and what to expect. To get you started, consider the following questions:
- What exactly is included in your quote?
- Do you have any special offers?
- What is your cancellation policy?
- What is your damage policy?
- How long would it take you to relocate my possessions?
- Can you give me any references?
Working with a dependable firm makes moving less complicated than it otherwise would be. Understanding how to choose the right moving company reduces the burden and guarantees your peace of mind. So, whether you’re moving locally or thinking about moving interstate, a good firm will ensure everything goes without a hitch.
Finally, when selecting a moving company, use your best judgment. Knowing how to choose the right moving company is not an arduous task. You can be confident that you’ve chosen the top firm in town if you do your homework and listen to your instincts.
Thank you for reading our article. You can always order the services of Starkmovers company. Here is a list of our most popular services:
We are waiting for your calls!
MOVING SERVICES
