When hiring professional movers to move your belongings, choosing the best company is essential. A few key factors to keep in mind include checking reviews and recommendations, evaluating insurance coverage, and looking for hidden fees.
Check Reviews
One of the most effective ways to find a trustworthy moving company is to ask for referrals from friends and family, as well as colleagues at work. These recommendations will often provide a trustworthy insight into a company’s customer service, how quickly they respond to questions or concerns, and the overall quality of their work.
Online reviews are also a useful tool for evaluating a company. Whether you’re reading comments on Yelp or Google, look for common themes in the feedback: whether customers were happy with the level of communication from the moving company and how their belongings were handled during the move.
Evaluate Insurance Coverage
A reputable moving company will carry both general liability and cargo insurance that covers the cost of replacing or repairing items that are lost or damaged during transit. This coverage is important because it ensures that you’re protected in case any damages or losses occur during the move, whether or not the movers are at fault.
Make sure the movers you hire are licensed and insured by checking with the Better Business Bureau or, for interstate moves, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You should also avoid any companies that require large deposits upfront or require that you pay with cash, Michael says. If you have to put down a deposit, it’s best to do so on a credit card, so you can dispute the charge if necessary.
Ask for an In-Home Survey
A good moving company will take the time to survey your home before providing a quote, and they’ll be honest about any potential issues that could affect your move. They’ll also give you a clear idea of the size and scale of your move so that you can plan accordingly.
Compare Moving Rates
Beware of moving companies that offer low initial rates but then add on a bunch of extra charges on moving day, Michael warns. Those additional charges include administrative fees like the mover’s requirement to supply a Certificate of Insurance to your building, mileage fees for moves that are longer than a certain radius from their base rate, and “complexity” fees for moves that involve multiple flights of stairs.
Ask about Guaranteed Delivery Dates
Some movers will promise to have your shipment at your new home by a certain date. However, this isn’t a guaranteed delivery date, and it’s unlikely that a pushy customer service rep will disclose the fine print to you in advance.
American Van Lines (AVL) is a top-notch long-distance mover with rave reviews and custom packages that are tailored to your specific needs. Its sales team works with you to walk you through the quoting process, and their guaranteed price is based on your exact moving needs and services. They also run all of their movers through an extensive screening and training program that includes background checks and drug testing.