Monthly Archives: October 2019

Picking the Right Moving Company Is Key

Life is full of big decisions. What school to attend. What job to take. What city to live in and what home in your chosen location. Selecting a mover to get you there might not be a life-altering decision, but it’s important nonetheless: If all goes well, your move turns into a one-day event that proceeds smoothly, according to plan; but if things don’t go well, your move can turn into a stress-fueled, frustration-filled nightmare from which you just want to escape.

The difference between scenario A and scenario B? Choosing a qualified, reputable, and experienced full-service moving company you can rely on. Here are some steps you can take to pave the way for a problem-free move:

  1. Seek out recommendations and referrals. Take advantage of your own personal network as an invaluable source of dependable and useful information. Just like you’d trust your family and friends to set you up on a blind date or help you find just the right restaurant for that special anniversary dinner, leverage the collective knowledge of the people around you to help you zero in on a good fit. A new colleague at work or a new family at your kid’s school? Ask them what mover they used and if they were happy with their choice. Word of mouth is almost always worth listening to.
  2. Research online information and reviews. Typing “moving companies” into your Google search bar will result in a long list of options in your area, but geography and availability shouldn’t necessarily be the deciding factors. Instead, you’ll want to look at what information a company shares online, what their reputation is in the industry, and what reviews have been posted about them. Sure, no one receives 100% satisfaction ratings 100% of the time, but when the general consensus shows the company to be professional, reliable, well-received, and well-reviewed, that’s a great start to narrowing down your options.
  3. Get multiple on-site estimates. An established moving company will have a streamlined, systematic process in place to provide you with a detailed estimated cost for your entire move. In writing. To do so, they should offer a timely visit to your home, where the estimator can conduct an in-person inventory of all your belongings to accurately assess weight, volume, and approximate move time. Securing several estimates will allow you to compare and contrast.
  4. Check credentials. A legitimate company will be licensed, bonded, and insured. Without these credentials, the company isn’t responsible if something unfortunate happens to your possessions en route, nor are they liable for injuries that could happen to their workers, your family members, or your property. For interstate moves, movers are also required to be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and have a DOT number. Ask for proof of credentials if this information isn’t already provided in the company’s paperwork and/or on their website.
  5. Read the fine print. Consumers have responsibilities in moves as well. Make sure you read through the company’s policies and procedures before you sign on the dotted line and ask for clarification on anything you don’t understand. Which leads us to our final suggestion.
  6. Ask questions. Experienced movers are used to inexperienced customers who may have lots of questions and concerns, such as:
  • How long will your move take?
  • Will you be able to contact the company and the driver during the move?
  • Does the company subcontract the move or the delivery, or will they be in possession of your belongings from start to finish?
  • What is the cancellation policy?
  • What forms of payment are accepted, and when is payment made?
  • Are there any packing restrictions or limitations you should be aware of?
  • Any extra or hidden fees for special services, supplies, or labor not readily apparent in the estimate?
  • Which items will the moving company take care of themselves and how (e.g., electronics, furniture, large or odd-shaped items, items that don’t fit in boxes, like bicycles and rugs)?
  • How are the movers trained, and can you expect them to show up on moving day in uniform?

There are lots of online sources to help you pick the right moving company, among them:

BB&D Moving can help you as much or as little as you want throughout the entire process, from planning, budgeting, and packing to storage, delivery, and setup. Call us today to learn about how we can get you from “here” to “there” as swiftly and efficiently as possible!

BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD)  |  571-375-2826 (VA)  |  786-409-4799 (FL)  |  https://bbdmoving.com/