Hiring a reputable moving company in 2016, or any year for that matter, is a big decision. After all, these are the people who will pack and take your possessions long distances to your new home. When choosing a moving company, it pays to be prepared. Follow these tips to make a good decision:
- Research the company. Ask for recommendations from family and friends, and then look up each company to see their Better Business Bureau and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ratings and complaints. Any company you consider should be licensed and will readily provide the information if they are in compliance. Be sure to read online reviews from past customers or ask the company for references to hear experiences from other people in your situation.
- Get multiple estimates. Professionals recommend you get written estimates from at least three moving companies. Make sure these estimates include everything, from the labor hours to mileage and cost of moving your amount of belongings. Be wary of estimates that are significantly lower than others—you may be sacrificing good service and safety for a rate that is probably too good to be true.
- Ask questions. Once you have your options narrowed down to a few contenders, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Make sure you are clear on what is included in the service, how long they have been in business, their process for packing and moving your belongings, their schedule for your move, and more. Choosing a moving company is a big decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly, so make sure you are completely clear and comfortable with any company your choose.
- Consider insurance. Before signing a moving contract, make sure you know what kind of insurance is included in your package. If you have expensive or irreplaceable belongings, you might want to add more insurance coverage in case anything happens.
- Watch for red flags. If the company demands a large amount of cash or a large deposit up front or if they are unclear about the delivery schedule, walk away. Other red flags include a company that rents (not owns) its equipment, movers that are unprofessional or late, or a slowness to respond to your questions.
Taking the time to carefully research and consider your moving options can make a big difference in the long run and in the success of your move.
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