Moving is an exciting time in anyone’s life. Whether you are moving to the United States for the first time, checking out a new city in your home state, or planning on a inter-state move, one of the first steps is finding your next place of residence. Once you have signed along the dotted line, it will be time to find a trusted moving company.
How Do You Find A Trusted, Professional Moving Company?
Like many things in life, finding a reliable moving company starts with a little research. However, hiring a good moving company doesn’t end with the research. You will need to take a few precautionary steps throughout your move to ensure that your valuables arrive safely at the end of their journey.
Tip #1: Hiring a good moving company starts with trusted reviews.
The beginning of your moving company research should start with friends, family, and colleagues. These individuals can steer you in the right direction. Next, you will need to turn to online reviews. Look at the moving company website. Check to see if they have any customer testimonials. If the company does have customer testimonials, check these reviews against Yelp and Angie’s List reviews. Make sure that all reviews are authentic and showcase the qualities that you expect from a moving company, namely: trustworthiness, reliability, loyalty, safety, and careful drivers.
Tip #2: Avoid the “name switch” dilemma.Â
All too often businesses will be sold or simply change names to gain a fresh start. Be sure to check that your chosen moving company has a local address, local contact information, and is both licensed and bonded. Ensure that employees answer the phone with the full name of the business. If you are concerned or want to learn more about the company’s history, then you can check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Tip #3: Review all contracts and look for trusted association affiliations or memberships.
The best moving companies will be members of certain moving associations. For unbiased opinions and reviews, check with the American Moving and Storage Association. Before signing any contract, be sure to ask the moving company for references. Finally, when it is time to sign your moving contract make sure that you read all of the fine print. For example, a “non-binding to exceed estimate” clause on your contract will ensure that you do no have to pay for any overages to the original estimate. In other words, the given estimate will be the maximum amount of money that you have to pay for your move. A “binding estimate” clause on your contract is meant to provide a guarantee price for both the move and any extra services rendered. It is important to note that in the latter instance, you will typically be required to pay any extra fees within 30 days of delivery.
What Precautions Should Be Taken During A Move?
Once you have hired a good moving company, it will be time to actively prepare for your move. The following tips can help you to have a better moving experience.
- During the estimation process ensure that you ask all of the right questions. Accurately establishing a budget for your move starts with a good moving estimate. Make sure that the estimator takes the time needed to properly provide you with a reliable bid. You should also ask if there are any insurance or valuation charges that will be added to the original estimate.
- Don’t let your mover phone in the inventory. Instead of phoning in the inventory, your mover should take the time to write down and label all of your belongings. This list should then be signed by you and the driver at the start and finish of the move.
- Avoid paying large deposits and packing costs. You can save money on your move, and ensure that your valuables are safely stored, by packing your own boxes. Make sure that you clearly label boxes with “FRAGILE” and “THIS WAY UP” language. These types of labels can help movers to more easily identify which items need to be stored carefully, and which items can be placed towards the bottom of the truck.
- Avoid extra fees by carefully reading all contracts. Even the best moving companies can sometimes have hidden fees. Â For example, make sure that the moving truck will have ample parking space on the day of the move to avoid a “parking fee.”
- Immediately report damages after your move. If any of your items are damaged during the move, then you will need to immediately report these losses. It is important that you accurately document the damage through written and photographic evidence. Next, you will need to make sure that the moving company acknowledges receipt of your complaint. Finally, be sure to follow-up in a timely fashion to make sure that you receive the money that might be owed to you for the damaged goods.
Whether you are moving across the country or down the street, the above moving tips will help you to hire a trusted, professional moving company. Throughout the entire moving process it is important that you remember to thoroughly document your journey. Keeping good records will help you to track your valuables before, during, and after the move. Finally, thorough documentation will be a great asset if you encounter any moving issues.
2 Point Highlight
1)Â Whether you are moving across the country or down the street, the above moving tips will help you to hire a trusted, professional moving company
2)Â Make sure that all reviews are authentic and showcase the qualities that you expect from a moving company, namely: trustworthiness, reliability, loyalty, safety, and careful drivers
