If you?ve tried moving before, you know just how stressful – and expensive – it can be. Moving companies should make the process easier, but when we make the wrong choice, things can turn bad so quickly, especially if the decision is made to save cash or time.
The following are five things to take into account into as you choose a mover:
Do your research.
Every now and then, we are told that we must seek recommendations from friends or relatives when searching for a mover. Fact is, this path can be as unsafe as arbitrarily selecting a number from your local phone directory. That?s because we typically trust instead of verifying. You can listen to recommendations but be sure to do all due diligence by spending time to research.
Get estimates in black and white.
For instance, you?ve consulted four movers and received a quote from each of them over the phone or through email. Make sure all final bids are full estimates in writing and all the parameters are filled in as per your talk. Before you can expect an accurate quote from a mover, they should be aware of all the crucial details of concerns your relocation.
Pick a licensed and insured mover.
Of course, you are accountable for the safety of anyone who helps you through the move, such as family or friends. But if you?re working with a professional moving service, this responsibility is placed upon their own shoulders through licensing and insurance.
Ask for the right credentials.
If you?re moving long distance, for example, you have more things to look into when choosing a company to help you. Interstate movers need to have a license issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, whose website allows you to look up licenses. If a they say they have such credentials, let them show proof proof.
Read online reviews posted by customers.
Even if your first few conversations had gone well, research deeper into the company?s customer service history. There are many websites that you can check, but make sure you stick to third-party ones – for example, Yelp, Angie?s List, etc.- where reviews are likely to be objective and reliable. Stay away from marketing websites or even reviews on the company?s own website, which are naturally biased.
Moving is already stressful by itself, so don?t make it harder by approaching the wrong mover for assistance. The good news is it?s not hard to make the right choice, depending on your individual needs, provided you know what you want.