How to Find the Best Moving Company

Moving is painful, but working with the right moving company can take away many of the hassles and planning involved. When you work with professional movers and reliable moving companies, you can have the peace of mind that your assets and possessions will be in good hands. From last minute moves across town to relocation across the country, here are some simple tips on finding the best professional movers for your upcoming move:

1. Don’t work with moving brokers. Brokers are not representatives of moving companies, but simply the "middleman." Moving brokers are not responsible for any damages incurred from the move. You put yourself at considerable risk if you decide to work with one. Simply ask if the moving company you have selected is a broker or an actual moving company to make the right decision.

2. Shop around. Get at least 4-5 different moving quotes. This helps you get the best price for your move and also ensures that you pay a competitive price. Don’t be afraid to negotiate. Let the moving company know that you're looking for the best price and are ready to shop elsewhere to find a great deal. Many companies will extend discounts and special offers just to keep your business, even for last minute moves.

3. Learn about claims and insurance policies. If items get lost or damaged during the move, you’ll need a way to manage costs. A reliable moving company will have a comprehensive claims policy available that may include detailed reports, policies, and procedures that ensure your relocation will be safe. Finding movers that you can trust involves learning the terms and conditions of the agreement – what’s covered and what isn’t – and making sure everything is in writing.

4. Get in touch with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure the moving company is reliable and trustworthy and that they have a strong track record of satisfied customers. All it takes is a simple phone call or web inquiry to the BBB to find out if you can trust the moving company or need to move on.

5. Ask friends and coworkers for referrals. People who have already used moving companies in your area can be a good resource for finding out which moving company can provide the services you need. This is also one of the easiest ways to find local movers who may charge lower than average rates.

6. Ask for licensing information. Moving companies need to be licensed and regulated by state transportation services and you can request their licensing information directly over the phone. This helps determine if a moving company is a legitimate business.

7. Learn about the range of your estimate. Many people overlook the importance of asking about the actual range of their estimate. If a moving company quotes you at a very low rate, ask about what the average cost of this type of move would be. Since estimates are only an educated guess at the costs, you could be paying a much higher actual price.

8. Read up on complaints and testimonials. If the moving company or relocation service has a website, do a simple online search to track down a few testimonials and customer feedback. Learning from other people’s experiences can help you make the right decision.

Take a little time to research a moving company before you hire them and chances are good you’ll enjoy the move.

• Add new comment