Working with a professional moving company takes the stress off the moving process. With numerous moving companies to choose from, making the right pick can be challenging, especially for first-time movers. Knowing what to look for when choosing a moving company can help you evaluate your potential movers and hire the right people depending on your needs. To help you make the right choice, below are things to consider when choosing a moving company.
Recommendations from people you trust
Ask your friends and loved ones about any moving companies they know or have used and what their experience with them was. The people you trust will give you honest responses on what to expect from various movers so you can choose the right company. What’s more, your loved ones will provide more information about the movers than you would find on online reviews.
Good reviews
Once you get recommendations, go online and check the reviews of the companies. Choose a company that has positive reviews as it indicates that they care about customer satisfaction. However, don’t over-rely on online reviews as some can be fake. Instead, look for previous clients who have used their services and ask about their experiences. You can have the company give you references of past clients to find out the reviews personally.
A successful track record
The track record of any company speaks for itself. Always hire a moving company that has been in business for a considerable amount of time and proven its competence in punctuality, delivering goods safely and on time, and transparency. A company with extensive experience in moving is in a better position to handle any relocation challenges.
License and insurance
Anyone can claim to be a moving company. Therefore, ensure that your mover has the license to operate in your location and has an insurance cover. The license gives you legal protection, while an insurance cover protects your valuables in case of loss or damage during the moving process. You can check the licenses of your potential movers online to ensure that they are valid.
Transparent rates
While it may be impossible to get an exact figure, a reliable moving company will give you a close estimate of your moving expenses. You may incur extra charges due to the size and nature of your goods and packing materials. However, if a company does not disclose what the costs entail, you shouldn’t hire them. Lack of transparency leads to financial surprises, which may cause you to spend more than you expected.
A good fit for your individual needs
Whether you are moving household items, specialty items like pianos, or a whole company department, choose a moving company specializing in the services you are looking for. Hire a company that has the right equipment and team to move your items safely. Also, consider the availability of your mover to ensure they can relocate you at your convenience.
Beware of rogue movers
It is easy to fall for rogue movers who are out to take advantage of vulnerable or desperate clients. Regardless of how far you are moving to, you should first verify their licenses and service records. Also, be wary of companies that ask for a deposit, especially if it is more than 20%. Lastly, you can avoid rogue movers by only working with companies that have legit physical addresses.
By considering the above factors when choosing a moving company, you boost your chances of hiring reliable professionals for a smooth relocation.
What to Ask When Choosing a Moving Company In 2021
Always find out as much information as possible before working with any movers. If you are wondering what to ask when choosing a moving company, below is a checklist of questions to help you out.
Are you properly licensed?
The answer gives you an idea of whether your company of choice is legitimate or not.
Do they have experience with my specific type of move?
If you plan to move a household, a business, or tradeshow items, ensure the company you hire has the experience to facilitate your type of move.
What kind of liability coverage does your company provide?
There are two main types of liability coverage, full value protection, and released value protection.
Full Value Protection: Full value protection is a comprehensive cover that gives your mover the responsibility to repair, replace or repay in cash any item that gets lost or damaged during your moving process. Although the mover decides the mode of resolution, it is a better policy than released value protection.
Released Value Protection: Released value protection means that you are eligible for 60 cents per pound reimbursement for all your items, be it a paper clip or your most expensive electronics.
Do you have references?
Ask for references of past clients so you can find out their experiences with the mover. It is also a great way to gauge the quality of services you will be getting.
Can you provide a binding quote or a not-to-exceed estimate?
A binding quote is a fixed estimate that your mover guarantees depending on the weight of your items. If you agree to a binding quote, you will pay exactly your mover’s original quote. In a not-to-exceed quote, your mover won’t charge extra if your items’ weight exceeds the original estimate. Since a not-to-exceed quote is popular with long-distance moving, you should consider it when choosing a moving company for a long-distance move.
Other questions you need to ask are the company’s cancellation policy, acceptable forms of payment, and restrictions on how and what to pack. Also, confirm whether they pack specialty items like electronics if you have them. By asking the relevant questions, you get all the answers you need to make an informed decision on whether to hire the company or not.
Tips to Choose a Moving Company in 2021
- Remember to never do business with companies that operate under multiple names, as it may be a tactic to avoid assessment.
- Also, ensure that all your agreements are in writing and that your contract includes all your items. In case of loss or damage, you have proof of the inventory.
- Lastly, if you want to cut costs, you can do so by packing your items yourself instead of seeking help from your mover, as it may lead to additional charges.
Use the above tips as part of your consumer checklist when choosing a moving company and you won’ have problems picking reliable and professional movers.