Moving can be challenging, and determining which moving company is the greatest fit for your needs is an important part of the process. There is a lot to consider when there are so many possibilities available, and research may become tough due to the many aspects that can influence you.
Whether you’re going to hire Local N Long Distance Movers or some other company, check these criteria for choosing a moving company for your next relocation. With these in mind, you’re unlikely to go wrong.
Do Lots Of Research
The best method to acquire an honest opinion on a moving business is to ask a friend, family member, or colleague for a referral. Thousands of internet reviews may also be found on sites such as Yelp, Google Reviews, Angie’s List, MyMovingReviews.com, and the Better Business Bureau, to name a few.
Take note of how prior customers characterize the movers’ demeanor throughout the entire process and how they dealt with specific situations when you read customer testimonials. If there are only a few unfavorable reviews, take the time to look through them and determine whether the client was being overly picky or directing the blame in the wrong area. If the company has received a large number of bad evaluations, you should avoid doing business with them.
Ask For Estimates
A respectable moving company will do an inventory of all of your things and assess the bulk and weight of your move, either in person or via a virtual survey, before beginning the relocation process for you. The estimator should evaluate all of your storage areas, including cupboards, drawers, garages, and bookcases, before making a final determination.
A significant portion of the moving company’s fee is determined by the weight of your belongings and the amount of space they take up in the truck. Make sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible before proceeding.
Double Check Licenses And Insurances
After you’ve examined possible movers’ reputations, estimates, and added-value services, you’ll want to conduct more research to check that the company you choose is legally permitted to transport you from your previous residence to your new home.
A moving company must be licensed with the Department of Transportation or the Public Utilities Commission to operate legally. If you are moving over state lines or across the globe, even more organizations must approve the moving firm. Many moving companies do not have insurance, so make sure to double-check that as well.
Avoid Paying Large Deposits
Before moving, reputable movers will not demand cash or a significant deposit from their customers. You should only pay when the package is delivered. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you retrieve your possessions from the storage facility. When you do make a payment, make sure to use a credit card to help protect yourself from any fraud.
Be On The Lookout For Packing Fees
If you pack your own belongings, the mover is generally not liable for any damage that occurs during the relocation. If, on the other hand, you delegate the packing to your mover, you may end up paying exorbitant fees for boxes and packing materials, as well as time and effort.
If you opt to have the movers pack for you, make sure to inquire about the packers’ previous experience. Even though most packers are cautious, you want to avoid the possibility of hiring someone who simply dumps whatever they can into a box and then closes it up with no consideration for breakage or damage.
Beware Of Hidden Fees
Do you currently live in a two-story home, or are you planning to move into one? Are you relocating to or from a tenth-floor apartment? There will certainly be an additional price for the movers’ time spent negotiating stairs and elevators.
Do you live on a narrow street where a moving vehicle will not fit? To transfer your items to a smaller truck for delivery, you should expect to pay an additional fee. Check with your moving company about any extra expenses that may apply to your particular case.
Understand The Nuts And Bolts Of Your Contract
Moving contracts can be divided into three categories:
- A non-binding estimate on your contract means that the company cannot demand payment for more than 10% beyond the estimate provided initially. Any overages must be paid within 30 days of the delivery being completed.
- Including a non-binding to exceed estimate in your contract ensures that you will not be responsible for any overages in excess of the initial estimate. The estimate is the maximum amount of money you will be expected to pay for any services provided.
- A binding estimate on your contract is expected to be a fixed price for the move and any additional services or extras that may be required. If you need other services (such as unpacking), you must pay any extra fees within 30 days of receiving the package.
Report All Issues
You have nine months to notify the moving company of any concerns and to make an insurance claim if there are any. That means you’ll be out of luck if you’re unpacking boxes a year later and discover shards of glass.
On moving day, make an effort to open each box and sift through it to look for signs of wear and tear. Before signing the bill of lading, make a note of any issues on the mover’s copy of the document.
Your mover has 30 days to respond to your claim and acknowledge receipt of it. They have 120 days to either deny your claim or make a counter-offer to compensate you upon receiving it.
Conclusion
Given the wide range of alternatives available to make your relocation more manageable, it can be difficult to hit all of the marks while researching each company’s services and offerings. However, try to do your best by asking all the important questions about licenses, fees and never forget to negotiate.
