Ten Things to Check When Hiring a Moving Company
Relocating to a new home or business can be exhilarating but stressful. Hiring the right moving company for your needs is the most important aspect of ensuring a smooth move without added hassles.
Look for companies that have many satisfied customers. How many years of experince the companies have been in the industry. Movers that have been around for years are still around because the use good solid business practises. The cheapest option isn’t always the best option.
With so many companies out there, it is important to understand what to check when hiring a moving company. The following are the main points to consider:
1. Reputation and Reviews
Before hiring a moving company, check its reputation by reading online reviews on sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look for companies with high ratings and positive customer feedback. Watch out for complaints about damaged items, extra fees, or rude behavior.
2. Proper Licensing and Insurance
A good moving firm should be insured and licensed. For interstate moves, make sure the firm is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and carries a USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) number.
For local moves, make sure the firm conforms with state legislation. Adequate insurance coverage ensures your belongings are safe in the case of loss or damage.
3. No Hidden Charges and Clear Pricing
Reputable moving firms provide honest quotations depending on distance, extra weight of your items, and other services you may require.
Be cautious of people who quote very low because they can impose extra fees later. Always insist on a written quotation and clarify any additional charges for packing, long carries, or storage.
Moving Contracts Warning Signs
Reputable moving company’s do not have contracts that contain vague language. Beware of contracts with blank spaces. Never leave any part of the contract blank, fill blank areas with no content here with your and the sales agent initialed.
Contracts should be clear and outline every aspects of your move. Never pay a mover a deposit without written contract, and never be pressured to sign without the ability to read the terms of the full document. READ THE FINE PRINT! Take the agreement with you and have another meeting scheduled a couple of days later.
4. Experience and Specialization
Experience matters, especially when dealing with complex moves. If you have sensitive items like antiques, pianos, or artwork, choose a company that specializes in handling such items.
A company that employs experienced movers is best positioned to deal with the inevitable complexities, ensuring the move is easy, effortless, and stress-free.
5. Services Offered
There are moving companies that offer different levels of service. Ask yourself whether you need:
Packing and unpacking services
Storage space
Furniture assembly and disassembly
Precious items handled with special care
Choose a company that best meets your specific moving needs.
6. Professionalism and Customer Service
During your first contact, examine how professional and responsive the company is. Quality movers should be available, explain things clearly to you, and present a professional contract with all of their services itemized. Poor customer service upfront can haunt the company later.
7. Availability and Scheduling
Moving companies get booked quickly, especially during peak season (summer and weekends). Make sure the company is available on your preferred moving date. Pre-booking can also guarantee you better rates.
8. No Large Upfront Deposits
A legit moving company will never require an enormous down payment in advance of the move. A company might request a third deposit of the total cost, but excessive prepayment can be a sign of a scam. Pay with a credit card if possible because it is a more secure form of payment than cash.
9. Be Aware of Red Flags and Scams
Unfortunately, moving scams exist. Beware of companies that:
Provide ridiculously low estimates
Do not provide a written contract
Don’t have an office or physical location
Require large cash payments upfront
Radically change the price after you load your belongings
Checking on a company’s USDOT number and reading online reviews will help you avoid scams.
10. Get Everything in Writing
Before you hire a moving company, ensure you receive a comprehensive written contract that contains:
Estimated cost and payment conditions
Services provided (packing, loading, unloading, storage, etc.)
Pick-up and delivery dates
The actual time it will take to receive your belongings
Liability protection and insurance details
A well-documented contract protects you in case of disputes
How To Handle Disputes and Overcharges
Disputes happen more often than not. Use thees preventative strategies listed below to document your move.
A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words.
Take photos of your belongings as you pack them in boxes. Take photos of the loaders as they load larger items in the truck. This is important when the moving companies should be using two loaders on items that should be handled by four.
Take photos of the moving truck’s license plate and D.O.T. number on the side of the drivers side door. Quite often the compnay that picks up your belongings is not the company delivering them. If this is the case take photos of the drlivery truck also.
Keep All Documents
Keep records of all estamates, receipts, emails, texts and phone calls you have with the moving company. This evidence will help if you need to dispute charges. Compare discrepancies between your estimate and final bill before you make the final payment.
Filing Complaints with the D.O.T.
If you are unable resolve a dispute with the moving company, contact the FMCSA for interstate moves. Also call the Department of Consumer Protection in the state that you moved from. Contact your states’ Attorney General for local moves. Sometimes these organizations can help you to resolve your dispute quickly.
Must Know Items When Hiring a Moving Company
Moving During Peak Season Will Cost More Than Non-Peak Times
Online Price Estimates Are Not Usually Accurate
All Extra Services Will Cost Extra
Recent Comments