How to Spot a Good Moving Company

You’ve got a new place, and you’re ready to move in. What now? It’s time to find a moving company. How can you tell a good company from one that’s suspicious?

Everyone’s moving experience is unique and requires individual needs. Whether you’re moving across states or within the same county, it’s essential to determine which moving companies are legitimate and reliable for your next move.

While moving day can be hectic, you can make it easier by researching the right movers to ensure that your transition runs smoothly. Here are eight tips to help you spot a good moving company.

1.  Does It Have a Website and Contact Information?

You’re beginning your search for a moving company. Where should you go? When you’re starting your search, look online for moving companies in your area. For each one that looks like a possibility, make sure it has a website and contact information to determine that it’s a legitimate company rather than a scam. From here, you can check its contact information and learn more about what it offers.

If its contact information is available online, that’s a good sign that it’s reputable. Sometimes a company may have information on its websites such as locations it serves, ratings, and history about the company. If you’re interested in a couple of firms, keep track of those companies you’d want to vet and save their website and contact information.

They should each have a list of services they provide such as local and long-distance options, loading and unloading procedures, and if they offer boxes and supplies should you need the extra help. Not every company has the same services, but their websites should show you what they offer.

2.  Does It Meet Your Needs?

First, evaluate what you need and don’t need from a moving company. Are you living in a studio apartment or a two-story house? Not everyone requires the same accommodations for moving their belongings. When picking a moving company, it’s important to keep in mind what the company offers. Take inventory of all your moving needs so you can choose the best company for you.

Does it have the right truck size for your boxes and furniture? What about extra packing supplies for fragile objects? What areas does it serve and how far will it go to pick up and deliver your belongings? Call to check what services each company has, such as truck sizes, if it can transport larger or fragile items, or if it provides a list of items it can and cannot ship.

Perhaps you need extra packing help such as boxes, tape, or bubble wrap. If the company has them, great! However, check to see what it offers and be wary of higher prices than you could buy those supplies elsewhere.

Just as material needs are essential, so are timely needs. Make sure the company you pick has a schedule you can work with, in addition to a guarantee of a firm time. Companies that don’t respect the scheduled time should be cause for concern.

3.  Does It Have the Necessary Equipment?

Larger companies might offer more services that require heavy-duty equipment to move and transport specialty items. These might include pianos, heavy machinery, computer and IT equipment, unique furniture pieces, and large appliances. Some companies use forklifts or other specialized machinery to move and transport your specialty items.

If you need a company that specializes in heavy-duty equipment, check with local moving companies or franchises to see what they offer. Companies that own special equipment will accommodate your needs more easily than those who rent it since they might be unavailable for specific times or types of machinery.

4.  Is It Credible?

Now that you’ve seen the movers’ website and contact information, go online to   https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move and click on ‘Research Your Mover’ in the middle of the page. Movers in the United States must register with a U.S. DOT number from the Department of Transportation that includes information about the company.

You can search this database to establish its validity for any moving company. Once you find the moving company you’re searching for, you’ll find details, safety, and insurance information, and fleet size. You should also find safety rating data that gives a current safety report, including the number of accidents, overall satisfaction rate, and the company’s ID/operations information.

5.  How Are Its Reviews?

What other people are saying in your area is also another way to check a company’s credibility. Other than recommendations from people you know, reading unbiased reviews online gives a scope of the company’s performances. You can go to Facebook, Yelp, the Better Business Bureau, or Google reviews.

When reading reviews, gather a healthy mix of opinions, especially those who have both negative and positive things to say. That way, you’ll have a variety of opinions in your area.

Hearing recommendations from people you know, such as friends, family, and colleagues, is also a good sign that a company is reputable and professional. Everyone’s moving experiences are different, so listening to positive and negative reviews about the moving company is vital in knowing what you’d potentially be dealing with.

Make sure to keep notes and compile your own thoughts through the process, such as referring to the FMCSA website above for technical information about the company.

6.  Does It Offer Quotes and Walk-Throughs?

If a company offers you an estimate or quote over the phone without previously viewing what items you have, consider it suspicious. A moving company should take an inventory by conducting a walk-through of your home to see the number of pieces of furniture, boxes, and other items you need help moving. After your walk-through, the rep should give you an estimate from three options:

• Non-binding estimates don’t charge you more than 10% higher than the original estimate.
• Non-binding “to exceed” estimates ensure that you won’t pay an amount exceeding the original estimate.
• Binding estimates are the binding price for the entire move, and the company will not tack on additional fees.

Remember to look up your state laws about contracts as they differ from state to state. However, if your state allows for it, binding estimates are the safest way to go. They ensure that you’re fully protected and know precisely what you’ll be paying for without potentially losing money.

If you find that your estimate with one company isn’t suitable, look around for other movers who can offer you the best quality and price.

7.  What Moving Insurance Does It Offer?

When it’s moving day, and the movers are finally there to help you, know that once they’re

transporting your items, they are liable for any damages to your belongings. While some people opt out of insurance, it is essential to protect the value of your personal property during the move. Under federal law in the U.S., movers must offer you at least two types of moving insurance:

• Full Value Protection means that if the movers have damaged, lost, or destroyed any item of yours, the insurance company will either a) replace the item entirely with another piece similar to the one you owned, or give you compensation for the worth of the item, or b) repair the item or give you the money to get the repair done yourself
• Released Value Protection means that any item damaged or lost will result in a 60-cent ($.60) payment per pound to the customer. For many people, this may seem the most thrifty option, especially since you don’t have to pay extra for it. However, you must consider whether this amount will allow you to replace any of your valuables should they get broken or lost.

Make sure to select which insurance is right for you and the items you possess. If you don’t choose an option on your bill for either insurance, the company may assume you want full replacement protection, which will cost you an additional charge.

Read the fine print, since movers may limit their liability and choose not to cover “articles of extraordinary value” (valuated at $100 or more per pound) under these insurances. Movers may also limit their liability on boxes you have packed yourself and for other conditions. Check with the company you choose to insure your belongings to fit your needs.

8.  How Does It Handle Payment?

Finally comes the payment on moving day. Good moving companies will not ask for a cash deposit before arrival. You should always pay on your moving day with a credit card to avoid fraudulent activity. If the company asks you to put down a deposit, be sure to pay no more than 20%. Otherwise, watch out for companies that insist on unnecessarily big deposits or full payment before moving day, or those that refuse to take a credit card.

In addition to payment, make sure you review the contract carefully before signing for hidden fees or charges the company might tack on. If a fee or charge arises that isn’t part of your signed contract, speak with the company to remove it.

Moving day isn’t easy for anyone, but finding a good moving company can make it less stressful. Relocating all your essential belongings can be nerve-racking, so research to find a company that you ultimately feel comfortable with.

While certain aspects are important to consider, such as money and time, remember to check a company’s credentials to ensure that you’re hiring professionals for a safe and reliable move. Choosing a good moving company for you or your family can be challenging. Take the time to gather a few companies to vet so you can end up hiring trusted professionals in your area. Be sure to hire a credible company you trust to handle this big day. And if you have unwanted items, you can easily donate them and help others as well.