how to find the best moving company

Moving is almost always a stressful experience. Whether you’re moving across town or internationally, it’s never easy to pack up your life and move it somewhere else. Besides the physical and emotional stress of leaving a place you might have lived for years, there’s the burden of finding a reliable and reputable moving company that can get the job done within your time frame and budget.

If you’ve ever wondered where to find a good mover, you’re not alone. Of course, you could Google “movers near me.” But you’ll never know what results will pop up. The good news is that there are plenty of movers near you who will make your transition as simple as possible.

How to Find Good Moving Companies

There are many options to choose from when it comes to local movers. You can start by asking friends and family for recommendations or browse reviews online to find a mover that suits your needs. You can also use online moving marketplace websites to find the right mover for your situation. These websites allow you to compare prices and reviews from local movers in your area to find the one that’s best suited for your needs.

When you’re ready to find a mover, you first need to identify your needs. Are you looking for a mover to handle a local move within your state, or are you looking for a long-distance mover that can handle an international move? Once you’ve figured out the scope of your move, you can start searching for the right mover for the job. Remember that the lowest-priced option isn’t always the best option.

Here are some tips for helping you find the right mover:

  • Hire a local mover

If you hire a mover that’s based in your local vicinity, or at least that has offices in your area, you’re less likely to be tricked by an unscrupulous firm that just does business over the Internet. If you’re not familiar with the company, consider visiting the office, looking over the equipment and facilities, and talking with the staff.

  • Verify credentials

If you have questions about whether a company is legitimate, you can verify its credentials. For interstate moves, a mover must have a number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. This indicates the company is licensed for commercial transport of passengers or cargo across state lines. The mover must also have a carrier number from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. 

For intrastate moves, the regulations vary by state. A majority of states require movers to have a U.S. DOT number.

You might also consider finding movers certified by the American Trucking Association’s program. This certification is awarded to moving companies that pass a thorough background check and agree to abide by a code of ethics and some honorable business practices.

  • Get recommendations

You can also find reliable movers by asking around for recommendations. Your friends, neighbors, or family members may have recent experience with movers. Also, you can check online reviews of moving companies.

  • Research each company

 If you’re considering a specific company, you can search the web with the company name and terms like “complaints” and “reviews”. You can also check the company’s report with the Better Business Bureau, which assigns letter grades to many companies and records any complaints and government actions.

Some companies avoid BBB complaints by operating under different names. Find out if there are any other names the company “does business as” and their license numbers. You can learn more about a company’s background by contacting the consumer complaints hotline of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, at 888-368-7238.

  • Don’t make a large deposit

A reputable moving company won’t require a deposit of more than 20 percent of the estimated moving cost. Many won’t require any payment until delivery. Use a credit card for any charges so you can lodge a complaint if necessary.

It’s best to find several companies to compare costs and services. After you find some movers that you like, you can arrange a callback, so their agents can provide you with more information about their services and help you find the right services for your needs. You can also use online moving marketplace websites to find affordable and reputable movers.

Next is the inventory and walk-through. Each company should inventory your household goods to be moved, either in person or through a virtual survey. This is so they know the size and weight of your belongings. You’ll want to be sure to get a written or emailed inventory and check it for accuracy. Based on the inventory and distance of the move, the company will provide a proposal that includes the estimated cost. Be sure to look for any additional fees required, such as moving from a top-floor apartment or moving to a narrow street that won’t fit an interstate moving van.

The written proposal should describe the services to be performed. There are two types of proposals:

  • A binding proposal specifies the exact cost of services
  • A not-to-exceed proposal gives a maximum amount the move could cost; the actual price may be less than this.

The proposal should also specify acceptable forms of payment and when payment is due.

When You’ve Chosen a Moving Company

Once you’ve decided on a mover, the company should provide a moving services contract before work starts. You’ll want to review the contract carefully before signing. Ensure everything is written in the contract, including all fees and your pickup and delivery dates. Also, be sure all of your household goods are listed. If it’s not listed, it won’t be moved.

After the Move

If you’re not satisfied with the move, you have nine months after the move to report any problems to the company and file an insurance claim. So, open each box and check for damage. On moving day, note any problems you notice on the mover’s copy of the inventory before signing it. The mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim, and 120 days after that to either accept or deny it.

All moving companies must assume liability for the goods they transport. There are two main levels of liability:

  • Full replacement value: if an item is lost or damaged, the company must repair it or reimburse you for the cost of repairs or replace it with a comparable item. This is the default level of protection.
  • Minimal protection: Under this level of protection, the mover assumes liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item, regardless of the item’s actual value. This level is more economical, and you must sign a specific form on the inventory agreeing to it.

This post has given you Expert’s Tips to Find a Moving Company For Your Next Move. Once you’ve done that, all that’s left is to settle into your new home. For additional tips and advice, visit Hiring a Reliable Moving Company – 8 Things You Should Consider!


Hiring a Reliable Moving Company - 8 Things You Should Consider!

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