{"id":314101,"date":"2024-08-28T16:46:02","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T20:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stage.bhgrelife.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=314101"},"modified":"2024-09-03T10:50:18","modified_gmt":"2024-09-03T14:50:18","slug":"how-to-choose-a-moving-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stage.bhgrelife.com\/bhgrelife\/how-to-choose-a-moving-company\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Moving Company"},"content":{"rendered":"

Choosing a moving company can be a challenge. It\u2019s often difficult to know what you need and the questions to ask\u2014and how to avoid falling victim to the schemes moving companies sometimes perpetrate on unsuspecting customers.<\/p>\n

There are a myriad of charges that come with moving a household\u2014fees for supplies, labor, transportation, and other related items and activities. Many moving companies have unusual policies (like charging double travel time) that can be confusing or not adequately disclosed. So, how do you navigate all of this without losing precious time, money, or sanity? What\u2019s the best way to understand exactly what your move requires and the services a moving company offers, and then choose a mover that best meets those needs?<\/p>\n

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says that most moving company complaints stem from consumers being upset that the mover damaged items, arrived late, billed for unworked hours, or didn\u2019t honor estimates (bait and switch).<\/p>\n

Your goal is to find a moving company that\u2019s transparent in its offerings, does what it says it\u2019ll do, and charges correctly when the job is done. If you can locate a company that does all of this\u2014and hopefully goes above and beyond\u2014you\u2019ll find that gem that every homeowner hopes for.<\/p>\n

Moving is stressful. You don\u2019t need to add more to your already-loaded plate by getting wrapped up with companies that provide unwanted problems instead of trustworthy service.<\/p>\n

Before you hire your next mover, take the time to read this guide on how to choose a moving company. Review the things you should look for in a mover. Go through our tips on choosing a reliable moving company and familiarize yourself with common scams to avoid.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Get Referrals\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Ask friends, family, and neighbors who they\u2019ve used to move their belongings. If you\u2019re working with a real estate agent, get referrals for moving companies with an outstanding track record.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ask for Quotes\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get quotes from at least three movers. Ask them if they charge by the hour or a flat rate (if a flat rate, how many hours of service do you get and what do they charge for overtime?)\u2014and inquire about how many movers the company will assign to your job. Is there a fee for miles, gas, or travel time? What supplies does the mover provide (are there any mandatory charges for blankets, bubble wrap, moving dollies, etc.)? Do they need to see your belongings before giving a guaranteed quote? There are other price-based questions you can ask, depending on your specific scenario, but this should get you moving in the right direction.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Look for Red Flags\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Most moving companies won\u2019t charge a deposit before moving your items, so avoid those that do. A mover shouldn\u2019t be anxious to get money from you. Movers who are vague and don\u2019t want to answer questions should raise a huge red flag. Note the professionalism of all company representatives you talk to. Ask movers if they own or rent their van or truck (a reliable moving company will own a van or truck).<\/p>\n

\u00a0Ensure the Mover is Licensed and Insured\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

All licensed interstate moving companies must have a U.S. Dot number issued by The United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). If you\u2019re moving out of state, you can verify the company\u2019s license through the FMCSA\u2019s website. You can also view the company\u2019s DOT number on the FMCSA website. Are you moving within the state? Investigate any company you\u2019re considering by looking up its business profile through your state\u2019s local consumer affairs agency.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Check the Better Business Bureau\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Research all potential moving companies by reviewing their BBB ratings and any complaints against the providers (don\u2019t consider any companies that don\u2019t have a BBB profile or rating). Ideally, the company you choose should have BBB accreditation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Inquire About Trade Association Accreditation\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Go to the moving company\u2019s website and look for an approved seal or logo that distinguishes the mover as part of a related industry trade association or organization. Good movers will probably have the American Moving and Storage Association\u2019s ProMover logo on their website or marketing materials. You can also look up moving companies on the American Moving and Storage Association\u2019s website to see if they\u2019re members in good standing.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>Verify the Company\u2019s Address\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The moving company you choose should have a brick-and-mortar location and the mover’s address should be listed as business\u2014either in search engine listings or moving company directories. Don\u2019t consider any mover with an address that points to a residential property.<\/p>\n

\u00a0More Tips for Choosing a Reliable Moving Company\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t stop your investigation after moving through the guidelines above. Before signing a moving contract, do the following:<\/p>\n