Choosing the right moving company for your relocation may seem difficult, but if you follow these simple tips you can ensure a smooth transition from your current home to your new one.
Referrals Matter
Don’t just look up moving companies with a Google Search or check the phonebook and choose a mover at random. You need information you can trust from someone who has experience working with a mover in the past. An easy way to do this is to ask friends and family or co-workers what company they used for their last move. Another excellent resource is your real estate agent, and of course the ever-helpful Moving.com’s Find a Mover service. Any of these should provide you with more than enough reliable information.
The Rule of Threes Applies
Request in-person estimates from at least three companies. Your estimate needs to be made onsite by personnel from the mover, otherwise you and the mover run the risk of under or overestimating the cost of transporting your stuff.
Pay Attention to “Red Flags”
Here are some examples of dishonest moving company practices:
-Asking for a cash deposit before the move
-Unprofessional appearance/behavior when they arrive to make the estimate (late or on time, uniform or street
clothes, offer credentials upon arrival, inability to answer questions about the move.
-Rental moving trucks or vans and equipment: real professionals own their vehicles and gear.
Check Their License and Insurance
The U.S. DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration assigns specific DOT numbers to all interstate movers with a valid license. Visit https://protectyourmove.gov and check to make sure your mover’s DOT number (and license) are valid.
Check If Their Business Address Matches a Business Location
The address on their website or business card should match an actual business location If it doesn’t, or worse matches a residential address, that’s a massive red flag the moving company in question is not legitimate. All in all, checking up on prospective movers and getting multiple estimates is always a smart move. Check out
your moving companies online and in person before committing any money or signing any agreements.
