8 Tips to Find the Best Movers

The whole idea of trying to find a good mover can appear daunting to most people. The moving process in itself is very expensive let alone stressful and can easily become a nightmare if one is not cautious. Again, with a bunch of movers available today, it is a miracle if scams and shoddy practices are not encountered. Rogue operators are everywhere and it is therefore advisable to stay alert and informed about the whole moving process. So how then can one trace a trustworthy moving company? Here are some tips:

1. Start Local:

Checking a company’s reputation is crucial and hence the need to ask around. Are there local real estate agents, friends or coworkers that can be consulted? One can also check the phone book for any moving companies with nearby offices. Taking time to find a mover shields you from the many scams that some sites are associated with. Brokerage services for household goods that offer to find moving companies for people should also be avoided at all costs. This is because they are not governed by the laws that must be followed by movers.

2. Initial Screening:

After coming up with a list of possible movers, it is time to go online and do a fast background check. There is the option of calling the moving association to ensure the said company is a member. This means the company abides by the organization’s tariffs. Membership here is voluntary. Whatever the vetting choice is, as long as any possible shadiness is ruled out, membership to the association should not rule it out.

3. In-house estimates:

After online vetting, at least 3-4 companies are left. Here is where appointments are set up for the companies to come over and conduct an in-house estimate. If they will not come over, one should just find another company. It is advisable to enquire if the company plans to do the move by themselves or are planning to sub-contract the move to another company. If it is the latter then they should be reconsidered. Visiting their offices is also necessary to ensure every detail about them is in line. Ensure the company’s trucks have a permanent mark of the company’s name. As an estimate is given, questions should be asked about any differences in pricing. This is because the difference may be because of what services a particular company offers that another does not. It could also be because of the insurance amount included or belongings valuation. Blank paperwork or one that has not been fully explained should never be signed.

4. Compare the bids:

After all estimates are in, there is need to compare the bids. Check the high bids to know where extra costs stem from. Be wary of the company with low bids. If there is something that is unclear, it is good to call and get clarification. There should be no fear of negotiating for the best possible rates in a case of a number of reasonable bids. In a market with a lot of completion, majority of movers work with price.

5. Evaluate the contenders in detail;

With the gathered information, get back online. To begin with, confirm that all of them are incorporated in the state at hand and also how long they have been running. This can be by checking with the office of the secretary of state or calling the government pages number from the phone book.

6. Ensure proper license and legal insurance:

Enter the company’s DOT number in safersys.org website and click “search”. If it is accurate, information about the company appears. This include name, address and phone number. Check if they are the same ones you have.

7. Find any complaints against the company:

Call the consumer complaints hotline and enquire about any complaints made against the company. If possible, one should go to the company and see the available facilities.

8. Now select the mover:

After coming this far, some confidence about any company that has been run through develops. Details and dates of the move should be confirmed and a signed order obtained.