Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Moving Company
It’s no secret that moving can be a stressful experience. Packing up your entire life and relocating to a new locale is difficult, time-consuming and generally not something people relish having to do. Given the considerable time and effort that go into the moving process, seeking out ways to make moving less cumbersome is perfectly understandable.
This is where reliable moving companies enter the equation. The right movers will be able to assist you with every step of the process and provide much-needed peace of mind. To ensure that you wind up with a moving company that’s helpful, flexible and accommodating, put the following pointers into practice.
Confirm That the Company Is Licensed and Insured
Any moving company you give your business to should be insured and licensed by the state and federal government. If a company lacks either of these qualifications, it should serve as a huge red flag. If your movers lack insurance, you’ll be financially responsible for items that are lost, damaged or broken throughout the moving process. Additionally, if they’re unlicensed, this should tell you all you need to know about their work ethic and business practices.
Fortunately, there are many easy ways to confirm whether a moving company is licensed and insured. In many cases, companies make this information available on their websites. Should a website visit prove unfruitful, a simple phone call to the company in question can provide you with the answers you seek.
Seek the Opinions of Third Parties
Of course, being licensed and insured doesn’t necessarily make a moving company infallible. There are countless companies that meet these qualifications, and not all of them are pleasant to work with. As is often the case when selecting a product or service, word of mouth can prove invaluable in the search for a good moving company. Soliciting the opinions of friends, family members and neighbors is a great way to determine which local movers are reliable and which ones to avoid.
In the digital age, seeking third-party opinions has become easier than ever. There are countless consumer feedback websites and message boards that provide detailed customer testimonials free of charge. Social media can also prove helpful in your quest. For example, placing a company’s name in Facebook’s search bar should provide you with a bevy of relevant customer feedback. Whether you’re on the hunt for moving companies in Washington or the best burgers in Wisconsin, the internet can be a valuable ally.
Look for Companies That Provide Written Estimates
When weighing your options, limit your choices to companies that provide written estimates. Prior to making a commitment, these companies will visit your home, take stock of your belongings and provide you with a detailed estimate. You’ll want to get this estimate in writing to ensure that the final cost isn’t dramatically altered once the work is completed. Should a company present you with a bill that far exceeds the estimate, you’re within your rights to request a detailed rundown on things that have changed since the original estimate was compiled. Furthermore, make a point of avoiding companies that require cash deposits. This is often an indicator on unprofessionalism or outright moving fraud.
Request Multiple Estimates
As a general rule of thumb, you should request estimates from at least three different moving companies before making your final selection. In addition to giving you a feel for pricing, this will provide you with an opportunity to meet with representatives from multiple companies and determine their respective levels of professionalism. As an added bonus, if certain companies know you’ve been seeking bids from other movers, they may provide you with special discounts to secure your business.
While relocation is often fun and exciting, the actual moving process is anything but. Packing up everything you own, transporting it and unpacking it is tedious, stressful and often anger-inducing. However, by enlisting the aid of a reliable moving company, you can make the experience considerably less aggravating. Of course, not every moving company is equally accommodating, so when selecting the right movers, it pays to be discerning. Utilizing the previously discussed pointers can go a long way in ensuring that you choose a moving company that meets your needs.