If you are considering relocating, you should start planning for a smooth move before you even start packing. Always be on the lookout for a great and reputable moving company. They may also end up doing the packing for you.
I know you probably think that you can Google “moving company.” Sure, you will end up with many moving companies, but are you ready to hand over your prized assets into any stranger’s hands? So how do you go about choosing a mover you can trust? Someone who knows the worth of your belongings and makes it their priority to protect them at all costs? Well, lucky for you, the following handy tips should provide you with information on what to look for when hiring a moving company;
Check their reputation
Before making any decision, the first thing that you should find out is how reputable the company you want to hire is. Not only does it save you time but also your money as well. What’s even better is that most companies with an excellent reputation charge high rates. No one loves a company that makes them overpay for a crappy service. So, if you are looking for a mover, do it based on their reputation since you also want someone you can trust with your worldly possessions.
The level of experience
You wouldn’t let an amateur take care of your moving needs because something is bound to go wrong. A company with experience counts a great deal. Likewise, a track record shows their ability to deliver when needed. Look for a company like Premiere Van Lines, which has been in the industry for some time and has helped people with different moving needs. Some things you want moved are irreplaceable and only a company that has dealt with them before will know how to move them. They will take care of your belongings since even insurance can’t help you get some items back.
Avoid companies that ask for a large deposit
Most reputable moving companies don’t demand cash or large deposits before moving. If anything, you should pay once your possessions have been delivered. Paying in advance has some undesirable consequences since you lose control of when you will see your belongings again. So, if you find someone that’s asking for a large deposit, then that is already a red flag, and they may not be trustworthy. However, some legit companies need a deposit upfront before providing their services. So when you have to pay, always use a credit card to protect you from any fraudulent activity.
Get references
Many people require moving services since its one of those activities that you can’t do it by yourself. As such, your friends, colleagues, or family members may have hired a moving company in the past. Ask them to give you recommendations based on how they were served. You will end up with a list of potential movers, and you can choose one that you feel will meet your needs. You can also ask the moving company to give you references of at least three people that they have served from your location within the last three months or so. Get in touch with them and ask direct questions about their experiences with the moving company. The good thing with references is that they tell the truth without being biased.
Check if they are licensed
The last thing you can afford to do is work with a company that is not authorized to engage in moving services. Not only are you putting your belongings in danger but also have no one to blame if you get duped. For instance, if you want to move your things from one state to another, then there is a license for that. Ensure the company has one, and it’s legit.
Likewise, if you are looking for a moving company to move your stuff within your state, they need a state license. It shows they have the permission to carry out their activities within the set regulations. Keep in mind there are various databases to search the validity of different licenses, so make use of them as much as possible.
Check if they have won any awards or accolades for quality service
It’s not every company that can be the best, but finding one that at least has something to show for their work is a significant boost. A moving service that has not won any award, chances are they won’t start with you. It means something is lacking and should not be on top of your list. On the contrary, if a company won something in the past, it shows how good they are, and you can rest assured you will get served well. You can also ask for letters or recommendations since no one can give a glowing review if they were over-promised, and the service was over-charged and under-delivered.
Ask questions concerning the contract
Never get into anything if you are not sure. The contract you enter into should contain the rates and charges, the company’s liability of your possessions, dates for the pickup and delivery, and any other relevant details. Ensure you read the document carefully without worrying about making the company wait. Understanding everything included in the contract is crucial since that’s the only thing that determines how you will get served. If anything is unclear or looks fishy, don’t hesitate to ask questions to avoid moving company scams, which is a growing trend.
At some point, you may want to move, and when you do, you’ll need the services of a moving company. You have to know that moving scams are pretty rampant, and you have to take your time to be sure whoever you work with is legit. Never make the mistake of trusting a random stranger with your belongings since you never know their true intentions. Please do your research and only choose a company after you are convinced that they are right for the job.