Here is our unbiased advice on how to make a smart choice in movers. We want you to be happy with your decision and your experience moving whether you ultimately choose to move with us, or not.Be cautious and do your homework. Here’s where to start:

 

 

Ask friends and family
Your friends and family, or even the management at your new building, are the best place to start your research. Who did they use to move? Was the experience positive? Was the pricing fair? Beyond immediate contacts, be sure to read reviews online. See what other people have to say about the companies you are considering.

 

 

Make sure the mover cares about the details
Moving is a details business. Make sure the moving company you choose to work with truly understands your move in advance. If they don’t ask a lot of questions or offer to send an on-site estimator (for larger moves), they might change the terms of the agreement on move day when they encounter “unexpected surprises.”

 

 

Will they send a representative to your home?
The mover often needs to view your household contents to accurately assess your moving cost. Moving companies base their fees on several factors: weight, volume, number of rooms, the degree of difficulty involved, and the time and labor the move will require. An in-home visit can help the mover accurately assess the situation.

 

 

When it comes to pricing: if it looks too good to be true, it probably is
When comparing prices, try to compare apples to apples. Some movers charge by the hour and some offer a binding estimate or all-inclusive price based on inventory. It’s up to you which style is more comfortable, just make sure a “lower” bid is actually lower. Stay away from a company that only gives you non-binding estimates. There is a chance the quoted price will increase significantly when your move is over. Insist on one guaranteed price, in advance, and in writing.

 

 

Check their credibility
Be a detective. Is their website informative and accurate? Is their address a real address? Make sure they are actual movers and not a broker looking for a cut of the deal. Is the company licensed and insured? Ask for the mover’s Department of Transport (DOT) number. Cut-rate movers will almost always lack permits, workers compensation, and licenses established by law to protect the consumer from fraud and liability. Licenses have to be purchased, approved and renewed. They ensure that you will be covered by basic insurance and that you will have a clear grievance process if a dispute arises.

 

 

Professionalism is important
Do they sound and act professionally when you speak to them? Trust your instincts. Go with the company that you have a good feel for; that you feel you could trust with your personal belongings. After all, you’re inviting them into your home.

 

 

What kind of training do their people undergo?
Experts are able to use their experience to anticipate and head-off potential problems. A good company will train their workers intensively in driving, packing, and, most importantly, customer service.

 

 

Local moving companies are best for moving within your city
Make sure the company you are dealing with for a local move is based in your city. If they are out-of-state, they are not subject to operating under  State laws and you’ll be unprotected.

 

 

Further information is available at an excellent website maintained by the U.S. Department of Transportation at www.protectyourmove.gov.

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