Moving day is one of the most stressful days in a person’s life. There are so many decisions to be made and so much information to process that it can seem overwhelming. This blog post will give you some insight on what you should look for when choosing a moving company, as well as provide some tips on how not to get scammed by dishonest movers!
1. Do Research on Available Companies
There are so many companies out there that offer moving services that it can be difficult to know which ones are trustworthy and will provide you with the best service possible. One of the best ways to choose a company is to take advantage of online reviews and ratings. All reputable movers should have an easy-to-find rating on Google as well as Yelp. Take this time to also read some of the reviews and see if there are any patterns in what people say about certain companies.
2. Get a Fair Estimate
Moving costs can vary greatly depending on the size and location of your move, so it is important that you get an estimate that is fair. One of the best ways to ensure that you are not overcharged is by asking for an in-home estimate. This gives the movers a chance to see what items need to be moved and how much room they will take up in the truck, which ultimately leads to accurate cost estimation.
3. Get Everything in Writing
By law, all moving companies need to provide you with a contract that has the rate and services agreed upon in writing. Any reputable company will be happy to provide you with a copy of this contract which should include information on how they arrived at the cost of services. Also, be sure that any verbal agreements that you make with your mover are also acknowledged in the contract, so there are no miscommunications.
4. Check Their License and Insurance
Make sure that all movers you are considering have a current, valid license issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT number). Also, be sure that your mover has “liability” insurance to protect your stuff in case of an accident. If the mover you are considering does not have this, then don’t use them!
5. Ask for References
When it comes to choosing a moving company, asking for references is one of the most important things you can do. Talk to your friends about which companies they’ve used in the past and get some input on which ones are reputable.
6. Beware of Deals That Seem Too Good to be True
Sometimes when in the process of moving, it is easy to get lulled into a false sense of security by what seems like an amazing deal. One of the most important things that you can remember is that you get what you pay for! If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Moving can be stressful, and you could easily get scammed by dishonest movers if you are not careful. As a good rule of thumb, the best moving companies will be happy to provide you with several references and will be eager to show you their DOT number and insurance papers. They should also be able to give you an estimate that includes how they arrived at the cost of services!
