Tips on how to select a moving company
Hiring a good moving company can be challenging - not to mention expensive. However, if you follow these helpful suggestions and do some research, you can save frustrations, time and money. Also, these tips will help you avoid the dreaded moving scam.
Tip #1 - Obtain Referrals from Family and Friends: nothing beats a personal reference. Google, Angie's List, etc. are good but they can be faked. Personal references are the best source for hands-on, trusted recommendations. When looking at moving companies, don't just assume the national franchises are the best. Often local moving companies that offer better service at more affordable rates. And don't be tempted to call brokerage companies - they are not regulated by law and don't require a license.
Tip #2 - Perform an Initial Screening: With recommendation and researched names in hand, being your preliminary screening process by checking out websites, looking at reviews, and assessing their BBB rating (and complaints). Look at websites that report moving scams or ripoffs too.
Tip #3 - Ideally have Two to Four Moving Companies to Call for an Estimate: Call your pre-selected companies and ask for an in-house or over-the-phone estimate, based on your description of property that needs to be moved. As about their rates and pricing structure, as well as other policies they may have such as minimums and driving charges.
Tip #4 - If an Estimator Needs to Come to Your Residence, Make Sure He/She Sees Everything: You don't want to incur unexpected and unbudgeted costs because the estimator underestimated the weight and size of your property. So, make sure you show him or her everything, to include garage(s), basement, attic, etc.
Tip #5 - Maintain an Organized System for the Written Estimates. This can also come in handy by demonstrating to estimators that you are keeping track of competing bids.
Tip #6 - Evaluate Quote: Throw out quotes that are significantly higher (or lower) than the others as it is an indication that that estimate is inaccurate relative to the majority. Follow-up moving companies where you have further questions or clarification about the quote. And don't be shy about asking for a discount based on the written estimates stated price.
Tip #6 - Ensure each Company Provides Licensing and Insurance Information: This should be provided in writing at the time of the estimate and should deal their coverage and policy details. You can also research DOT number for each mover.
Tip # 7 - Select a Mover: Now, at this point, you feel confident in your research and due diligence to select the right mover for you. Once you have, schedule your move as well review the details of the move with you moving company.
Lastly, on the day of your move, get a copy of the mover's inventory list to ensure it matches your own. Also, verify they have adequate directions to your home and a phone number where you can be reached if there are any problems.
Following these selection suggestions when choosing a mover can save you time, money and stress. .
Tip #1 - Obtain Referrals from Family and Friends: nothing beats a personal reference. Google, Angie's List, etc. are good but they can be faked. Personal references are the best source for hands-on, trusted recommendations. When looking at moving companies, don't just assume the national franchises are the best. Often local moving companies that offer better service at more affordable rates. And don't be tempted to call brokerage companies - they are not regulated by law and don't require a license.
Tip #2 - Perform an Initial Screening: With recommendation and researched names in hand, being your preliminary screening process by checking out websites, looking at reviews, and assessing their BBB rating (and complaints). Look at websites that report moving scams or ripoffs too.
Tip #3 - Ideally have Two to Four Moving Companies to Call for an Estimate: Call your pre-selected companies and ask for an in-house or over-the-phone estimate, based on your description of property that needs to be moved. As about their rates and pricing structure, as well as other policies they may have such as minimums and driving charges.
Tip #4 - If an Estimator Needs to Come to Your Residence, Make Sure He/She Sees Everything: You don't want to incur unexpected and unbudgeted costs because the estimator underestimated the weight and size of your property. So, make sure you show him or her everything, to include garage(s), basement, attic, etc.
Tip #5 - Maintain an Organized System for the Written Estimates. This can also come in handy by demonstrating to estimators that you are keeping track of competing bids.
Tip #6 - Evaluate Quote: Throw out quotes that are significantly higher (or lower) than the others as it is an indication that that estimate is inaccurate relative to the majority. Follow-up moving companies where you have further questions or clarification about the quote. And don't be shy about asking for a discount based on the written estimates stated price.
Tip #6 - Ensure each Company Provides Licensing and Insurance Information: This should be provided in writing at the time of the estimate and should deal their coverage and policy details. You can also research DOT number for each mover.
Tip # 7 - Select a Mover: Now, at this point, you feel confident in your research and due diligence to select the right mover for you. Once you have, schedule your move as well review the details of the move with you moving company.
Lastly, on the day of your move, get a copy of the mover's inventory list to ensure it matches your own. Also, verify they have adequate directions to your home and a phone number where you can be reached if there are any problems.
Following these selection suggestions when choosing a mover can save you time, money and stress. .