On the Move? How to Choose the Right Moving Company

Moving homes or office spaces can be stressful. One of the most nerve-wracking aspects about it is finding a moving company you can truly trust. There’s nothing worse than finding broken and damaged items in your boxes or amongst your furniture after all the hard work in packing them up. Just as bad is receiving an extra, unexpected bill from the movers that wasn’t on the quote.

There are loads of excellent established and reputable moving companies to be found. All you need to do is put a plan into place to get hold of the right one for you.

Here are five tips to follow:

1. Word of Mouth

When it comes to moving and storage, getting referrals directly from other people is one of the best ways to find the right company for you. Talk to your coworkers, friends, and family members about moving company recommendations. If someone you know has moved recently, ask them how they liked their moving company and if they can recommend them. Estate or rentals agents are also a superb source of information.

2. Shop Around

Don’t ever go with the first moving company you come across. It’s best to get in at least three quotes from different moving companies before you decide on hiring one. The best way to get an accurate estimate is by having a moving company representative come to your home and get a sense of how much stuff will need to be moved.

3. Listen to your Gut

Going with your gut feel about a company will usually lead you in the right direction. If something feels off, it probably is. Look out for red flags when you are getting quotes.

Most companies don’t ask for a deposit before moving day, so if one of your estimators does, this could indicate they aren’t legitimate. Also, if they show a lack of professionalism during the quotation, it is a warning sign to watch out for them. If they arrive late for a meeting or seem unsure of whether they can handle your move or not, it could be a red flag.

Professional movers will also have all their own vehicles and equipment. If a company seems to be hiring vans and other items, they could be disreputable.

4. Check the Movers Have Their Paperwork in Order

Typically, established movers will be registered or licensed to perform their job and fully insured. If you’re moving out of your state, you need to make sure the moving company is licensed to do so as well. Most professional movers are also Better Business Bureau accredited.

If you do not find your potential moving company on such databases as these, then do not hire them.

5. Choose a Company with a Verified Address

When doing your research, check out moving companies’ addresses. You can look online or check on their business card. A company will typically have their business premises in a trading area. If they are listed under a residential address, it shows they are not as established and reputable as you need them to be.

A Few Final Thoughts

Finding the right moving company takes a bit of legwork, but it is well worth it in the end. Remember to do your research well and select a company that is recommended by others and which is fully licensed and accredited. Also, remember to go with your instincts — if a company’s vibe feels good or bad, you’re most probably right about it.