Many people may not know that moving companies are so much more than just packing and delivering your belongings. There are a variety of moving services provided by these companies, including: moving supplies & equipment, packing services, truck rentals, household goods transportation, local storage services and more.
Selecting the right moving company for your needs isn’t an easy task. According to a recent report from the Better Business Bureau, about seven thousand moving service providers get complaints. Some of these complaints range from charging for unworked hours and arriving late to more severe concerns such as alleged lost or damaged items. To avoid such issues, it is in your best interest to choose a reliable moving service provider. Here are essential things to consider when comparing movers.
The Reputation of the Moving Company
If you can ask Close family members, friends, or colleagues about moving company recommendations, this would be a great way to get an honest opinion regarding a certain service provider. You can also do online research on different review websites such as Google My Business Listings, Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and more. These are some of the websites where customers leave reviews about the services they get.
Once you read the reviews provided by previous customers of a given company, it is essential to pay attention to how the customer describes the company’s attitude throughout the entire moving process and how they handled various issues. In case you find negative reviews only, it is recommended to read them over and take note that the specific client may have been too picky or is just blaming the company for the things it’s not responsible for. Consider working with a moving company that has an excellent reputation in terms of timeliness and overall client experience.
Get a Quote
Getting an estimate is one of the best methods to compare the total cost of potential services provided by different moving companies. In addition to reputation, it is recommended to opt for a company that offers excellent services at an affordable cost. For this reason, you should compare quotes from different companies in terms of reputation and cost and choose one that impresses you most in terms of the services on offer, cost of their services, reputation, and other factors.
Find the Moving Experts you Need
Do you have specialized furniture or other items that require specialized knowledge to pack and transport? For example, do you own musical instruments such as the piano? Do you have gym equipment or sports equipment? Do you have pool tables, grills, and other recreational equipment? Most of these items require specialized knowledge to pack and transport, which is why you should hire a moving company with highly specialized employees to handle such items. When getting a quote, be sure to inform the service provider about your moving needs.
Most trustworthy moving companies often refer to these services as added-value services. Other popular added-value services include an offer to provide a professional cleaning service during the shifting process, the use of a rigging system, the use of specialized crates to transport valuable or delicate items, and more.
When hiring a moving service provider, it is essential to consider your moving needs and hire a company that can handle your needs successfully. This is why you should also ask about the specific services they provide long before you choose the specific company you want to hire.
Find out if the Moving Company is Licensed
Now that you have compared different prices and services offered by different companies, it is time to narrow down your search by finding out whether the prospective moving companies are licensed to provide the services they do. It is essential to mention that any moving company must be licensed by the Department of Transportation or any other relevant authority to provide such services.
For people moving overseas or cross-country, find a moving company that has been approved by more agencies within your country or the specific country you intend to shift to. Also, keep in mind that some moving companies don’t use insurance cover. This is why it is advisable to find out if a specific company you intend to hire has an insurance cover before hiring.
Check for Various Red Flags
It is beyond doubt that there are scammers who pose as moving companies. People often relocate these days because of employment and other issues, which means the demand for moving services is increasing. Unfortunately, this has created an opportunity for fraudulent people to pose as moving service providers and steal from unsuspecting customers. To ensure that you’re working with a legitimate moving company it is essential to consider some essential facts.
For example, there is no reputable and legitimate moving company that will ask you to pay a deposit long before you meet someone, sign a contract, and shift to a new location. If the mover wants you to make an online payment long before you meet them or your shift, this could be a red flag. Also, it is essential to review the company’s professionalism during the moving process. Be sure to check their reputation online and reviews from previous customers. Another way of differentiating a legitimate moving company from fraudulent service providers is to check their licensing information, insurance, and other important documentation.
Barry Lachey is a Professional Editor at Zobuz. Previously He has also worked for Moxly Sports and Network Resources “Joe Joe.” He is a graduate of the Kings College at the University of Thames Valley London. You can reach Barry via email or by phone.
