By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
Of course, the first step in choosing the right moving company is to determine which services you are going to need. If you are looking to have someone professionally pack your belongings, load, and unload them for you, a moving company will save you time and possibly your back, too. Hiring professional movers is also a good choice if you are moving a good distance rather than simply across town, although the pros can help with local moves, as well.
If you are transporting vehicles such as motorcycles or boats, need a few things stored for a while during your move, or need some items assembled and disassembled, some moving companies offer services for these things, too. Check a company's website or give them a call to learn more.
Once you know what you will need for your move, you are on your way to researching and finding the moving company that can meet your needs.
Finding out that you have hired an unlicensed moving company that may be less than trustworthy can be a disaster on moving day. Finding a professional mover who is reputable, licensed, and insured is a must. The good news is that you can check the FMCSA website to ensure a moving company you are interested in has been licensed by the federal government.
Experience is also important. It is generally better to go with a more experienced company that may charge a little more than to risk an unknown mover who offers you a very low estimate for their services.
Making a list of possible moving companies in your area that are experienced and licensed will give you an idea of where to research next.
It's not enough to make sure your moving company is licensed, but at least the next part of your homework is also easy: researching companies' online reviews will give you an idea of what your experience with a particular company might be like. You will get an idea of the cost, service quality, and speed.
Most moving companies will have customer testimonials on their website. These are great, but you will also want to do your own research on neutral websites such as Google reviews. If a company has a lot of negative reviews, the issues will likely show up here.
If you know of anyone who moved recently, especially in your area, asking for referrals is a good idea. You will also have the chance to ask questions about their experience, cost, and scheduling.
Knowing how much a move will cost upfront will help you to budget for moving day and will also help you avoid any unpleasant surprises. Many movers can give you an in-home estimate, or can do an estimate via video chat, if you prefer. These estimates tend to be more accurate since your mover will be able to see exactly how much furniture they are moving, how difficult the move will be, and how much time it will take. Always make sure to get this estimate in writing, should a problem arise in the future.
Once you have quotes or estimates from a few companies, it is time to compare. The lowest quote, however, is not always the best. Make sure your quotes include what services you are getting for your money.
It is a good practice to go with your gut. If something seems off, it may be best to move on (pun intended) to the next moving company on your list. Reputable movers need to be licensed and insured. Quotes that seem too good to be true are another possible red flag.
When you are moving, there are a lot of details to consider, and your moving company will be one of the biggest factors into whether your change of residence goes smoothly or turns into a nightmare.
With the right professional moving company, your move will run much more smoothly, and you will have more time to enjoy the experience of settling into your new home. If you have questions, contact us at A-1 Freeman Moving Group. We are happy to help.
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