Monthly Archives: March 2017

6 Tips for Choosing a Reliable Moving Company

Moving can be one of the most stressful events in a person’s life. What usually begins as excitement about a new home or city can end in frustration and emotional breakdown.

Fortunately, many of today’s moving companies can handle the entire moving process for you – from planning and packing to delivering and setting up. Just make sure you review their policies, procedures, and credentials before you sign on the dotted line.

Here are six tips for selecting a dependable moving company that will do all of your “heavy lifting” for you:

  1. Be sure to choose a mover that doesn’t sub-contract the job. If a moving company hires sub-contractors, they lose control over much of the moving process, and quality can suffer. When reviewing moving companies, be sure to ask if they have full-time staff, and if this full-time staff will be the ones who show up to assist you with your move.
  2. Only choose a mover who offers an on-site estimate. When hiring a mover to handle your belongings, you should never accept an estimate before the mover has been on-site. Nor, for that matter, should they provide one. In order to provide you with an accurate estimate, movers need to visit your current home and review the amount, size, and type of belongings that need to be transported.
  3. Verify that the mover is bonded and insured. Without these credentials, your moving company can’t be held responsible if something should happen to your personal belongings. In addition, they aren’t liable for injuries that happen to their workers or, worse, your family or property. Ask for proof of your mover’s bond and insurance before hiring them.
  4. Get a comprehensive estimate. Paying more than the estimated cost is a surefire way to increase your stress, and that’s exactly what you’re trying to avoid. Before you commit to a mover, find out if there are extra fees for special services, supplies, or labor that goes beyond the scope of the contract. These “little” extras can add up fast. Ideally, everything should be included in the original estimate.
  5. Ask for references. All good movers will be able to offer several references. Speaking to past customers can be a great way to get a feel for the professionalism of a potential mover. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau and the American Moving and Storage Association for insights on any mover you’re researching.
  6. Choose a mover with uniformed and trained employees. When a mover goes the extra mile to provide employees that are fully trained and arrive in uniforms, they show a greater level of professionalism. This kind of attention to detail demonstrates their concern about your home, your safety, and getting the job done correctly.

Now that you know what to look for in a moving company, you can begin researching the movers in your area. It may take some extra time to find the right one for you, but without the burden of doing the move yourself, it’s a safe bet that your investment will be well worth it.