Moving from one home to another, even if it’s located in the same city or town, can be a trying experience. It’s particularly trying on the pocketbook, which is why so many people choose a mover based on cost.
Judging a mover based only on their low bid can land you and your precious valuables in a lot of hot water due to negligence. There are specific things you need to look for in a mover before hiring them. Cost, while important, is just one of these items. But it’s not the most important.
According to the professionals at Jared’s Moving (JaredsMoving.com) a licensed, reputable mover will meet all your moving needs. They should be experts in their field and therefore help ensure your relocation is handled with care and stress-free. A mover should possess years of good service so that no matter the distance, customers can trust them to get the job done quickly, painlessly, and most of all, professionally.
That said, how do you go about finding a reputable moving company? Move Advisor states that the moving industry in the U.S. is diverse, with more than 7,000 moving companies that operate at close to 14,000 locations all across the nation. Despite fraudulent “rogue movers,” finding the most reliable company is not unachievable so long as you employ the right strategies. A good start is to focus on insured, licensed, and BBB-accredited moving companies. Only then should you compare moving cost estimates to help in selecting the best option for your wants and needs.
Telling the Difference Between Good and Bad Movers
One sure sign of a bad mover is said to be a non-identifiable or unmarked truck approaching your home. The identification of a good mover usually involves certain red flags or signs. It’s important to use the flags or indicators to distinguish trustworthy companies from bad or fraudulent ones to ensure a seamless moving experience.
Here are some important signs to watch out for:
Sign 1: Answering the Phone
Good Movers will answer the phone promptly. A bad mover will answer the phone with “Moving company” or “Mover.” Or he will make you leave a message.
Sign 2: Estimates
A good mover makes an onsite inspection to gather the data for an accurate bid. A bad mover will give you a quick quote over the phone or via email without onsite inspection.
Sign 3: A Good Website
A good mover boasts a comprehensive, easily navigable website that bears their ESDOT number, insurance, registration, and local address. A fraudulent mover has no website. Or, if they do, it’s not a professional site.
Sign 4: Warehouse and Office
A good, professional mover maintained local offices and warehousing. A bad mover usually operates out of his home or even apartment.
Sign 5: Request for Deposit
A good mover will request a fair deposit, which consists of 10-15 percent of the estimated moving cost, preferably by credit card. A bad mover will request a much larger cash deposit.
Sign 6: On Moving Day
You know you have hired good overs when they arrive in well-maintained, branded panel trucks. Bad movers will arrive in unmarked rental trucks.
Move Advisor stresses that a person planning a move needs to be vigilant in identifying these signs to contract the most trustworthy mover possible and to avoid a scam that can cost you thousands in hidden fees and broken, irreplaceable valuables.
Bear in mind that the more satisfied clients a cross-country or local mover has earned because of their professional, high-quality service, the easier it’s going to be for you to locate that moving company. But how exactly?
In most cases, it boils down to the awesome power of online reviews, which can be backed up by recommendations from other trustworthy people.
Here are some steps to take to ensure a smooth move:
Online Reviews
MyMoving Reviews: This is said to be a good and genuine read, especially when it comes to customer moving reviews. A prospective mover can utilize the 5-star rating system to gauge the overall satisfaction and home in on detailed reviews for more specific insights.
The Better Business Bureau or BBB
For Checking Complaints and Ratings: The BBB posts customer reviews and ratings, plus genuine complaints. In the end, it will help a person make a more informed decision about their upcoming move.
Personal Recommendations
Consult Trusted People: It’s a best practice to seek out advice from co-workers, extended family, and friends who’ve recently gone through an arduous moving experience. Personal experiences can shed some interesting and fortuitous light on a moving company’s trustworthiness and professionalism.
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