Selecting a responsible and trustworthy moving company is perhaps the most crucial part of planning and executing a successful move. Think about it; you’re entrusting the entirety of what makes up your house in the hands of people that have to safely pack it, load it, and transport it to another location. This demands that you put a lot of consideration into picking a moving company.
Most first-time movers aren’t sure where to start looking for a moving company, and it can feel intimidating beginning the process of searching for when and figuring out what things you need to consider before hiring them. Picking a moving company doesn’t have to be a long and daunting process. Instead, it only requires a couple of contemplations. Consider us a helping hand because we’re breaking down how to choose a moving company in as little as five definitive steps.
Start with word of mouth.
Looking up moving companies online usually doesn’t end well for people, which is why hesitant people about to move houses want to have solid and reliable sources to approach moving companies. The most efficient way to do this is to ask the people around you. Friends, family, and neighbors will all collectively have the contacts of at least a couple of good moving companies that they can vouch for firsthand.
Use these referrals to build up options. Remember that one of the rookie mistakes people make when choosing a moving company is to simply hire the first company they come across. Take your time and have at least three to five movers lined up before settling on one. You have to conduct your own little investigation before a moving company is in the clear for being chosen for your move.
Check for credentials.
Most moving companies will promise you the moon and stars, and while the promise of a smooth and professional experience is a sign of good marketing, it isn’t enough to choose a moving company. Check their licensure and also take a look at their insurance policy. What you’re after is making sure that the moving company you’re considering is everything it claims to be. Unfortunately, moving scams are very common, which is why confirming everything in advance is a reasonable move.
You can also check for the moving company’s performance record online and find feedback from other customers too. Other accreditations and logos need to be looked into too. A lot of moving companies want to attach unwarranted accomplishments and certifications to their name, which is why it’s always a good idea to make sure that the moving company you’re considering can put their accreditations where their mouth is.
Go through the technicalities.
Not reading the contract that a potential hire moving company provides you with is an absurdity. You need to look into their insurance policies, how they compensate for damage, whether they ask for a deposit, and so on. These aspects are very important in communicating how professional and reliable a moving company is. Remember that reputable and professional moving companies do not ask for a deposit beforehand, so beware of any scams that might be coming your way.
Other considerations like a company’s adherence to time and schedules and the measures that they take to ensure safety during a move are all things you need to consider when selecting a moving company. Keep in mind that the little knots and frictions that you’re thinking of overlooking right now can build up and become real obstacles during the move, and moving is already stressful enough as it is.
Recognize reasonable estimates.
After you’ve made sure everything else about a moving company adds up, it’s time to look into one of the major factors that are going to determine whether you’re going to work with a moving company or not: the financial side of it. Moving is expensive, so it’s natural that you’ll be looking for a company that’s charging within your affordability. But beware when a company’s estimates appear just too good to be real. Some clever moving companies incorporate a lot of hidden estimates that eventually build up to have the entire move cost an arm and a leg for you.
This will create a lot of friction and confusion for you and eventually strip you of the little faith you have in moving companies in the first place. Make sure to read through the fine print and identify any hidden costs that might threaten to pop up later on. Also, have a detailed discussion with the moving company to go through the financial aspect of the contract. Surprises are the last thing you need or want during a move, so actively do everything you can to avoid them.
Check their customer support.
The way a moving company treats its customers and entertains their queries and complaints say more about them than anything ever will. Take your time to do an online and physical perusal of how the moving company you’re considering hiring responds to its customers. You’ll find depictions of this up on their website or in the review section where customers have penned down their experience.
If a moving company truly values its professional relationship with customers, it will do its best to live up to the promised moving experience. A moving company that downplays issues faced by customers and takes hours and days to get back to you for queries is just bad news. All of this is an insight into the way you’ll be treated by them in the future. Don’t shy away from testing a moving company every way you can before you make the decision to hire them.
Here’s the bottom line:
Choosing a moving company is only as hard as you make it. If you stay focused and have a clear, laid-out plan about what things to look for, you’ll find the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Luckily, you have a set of indicators already placed out step-by-step for you!