How to Choose a Moving Company in 5 Steps

Relocating to a new state means there will be plenty of tasks on your to-do list. Once you’ve decided where to live, overwhelmed and preoccupied with so many decisions to make while organizing your move, there will be many things you forget to do. One of the most crucial ones being checking if a relocation company is legitimate. To avoid the most common relocation mistakes of rushing to hire cross-country movers, take a look at our guide and find all essential steps that will help you stay away from relocating scams.

Step #1: How to Find a Good Moving Company?

After you’ve decided to move to a new home, the next essential step is to find reliable long-distance movers and schedule the relocation day. And no matter if you’re relocating to another state alone or with your family, this is an essential step to follow.

As expected, your search will start online, typing in the browser – long-distance movers near me. However, once you get the results, the real search process will start. To move efficiently and avoid any potential inconveniences, there are many details to consider before signing the contract. What is the first available date, do they offer a storage unit, what would be the total cost and many more. Here is what to keep in mind when choosing a long-distance moving company.

Check Online Recensions and Reviews On Popular Third-Party Websites

Before you contact the crew, make sure to check what other customers say about the long-distance moving services they used. This research includes not only checking the website of specific relocation professionals, but also of popular third-party websites like Better Business Bureau, TrustPilot, Yelp, or Google Recensions. In case that the mover is rated poorly, this should be an indicator to surpass it. On the other hand, if the recensions are pretty positive, then you should definitely consider contacting this mover and asking for a quote.

What Types of Services Does the Cross-country Moving Company Provide?

One of the best and most useful tips on how to pick a moving company is to explore if they provide all types of assistance you need to organize the move. After all, the whole point of hiring movers is to streamline the process of relocation. So, picking the team that can organize every step of your move is definitely the best solution. Moreover, if they can provide you with a few different services, it usually means discounted prices which can be the cheapest way to move out of state.

Are They Specialized in Shipping Cars Too?

Finding a team that can provide you with top-notch cross-country moving services, and is specialized in auto transport too, is the easiest way to organize a successful move. Furthermore, when combining those services, many companies will provide you with discounted prices for car shipping. So if you want to save money to move and still relocate your four-wheeler, there is no better option to do it. Also, when using a few different services, you’ll be offered free usage of the storage unit for one month, and there is no reason why you should miss taking advantage of it!

What Appliances Will They Accept on the Truck?

Don’t forget to ask the mover what appliances they can transport. No matter if you want to move a stove, refrigerator, or washing machine, the true relocation specialists should have all the equipment to be able to safely transport it. If they refuse some ordinary appliances, it could indicate they are not prepared enough to deal with your house move, so don’t hesitate to skip using their assistance.

Step #2: How to Choose a Moving Company? Avoid Companies That Are Not Licenced!

If you ever wondered how do I choose a reputable moving company when there are thousands of them – here is the answer! Check their credentials, and avoid companies that are not fully licensed. Here are some pieces of information to explore before confirming the quote and signing the contract.

Checking the USDOT Number Is Must-Do to Be Completely Sure You’re Dealing With Experts

There is no better way of being sure you’re dealing with professionals than checking if the crew is fully licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – since this is the most authoritative institution for the industry. To explore this piece of information, you can access the mover search tool through the FMCSAs website. In a few minutes and clicks, you’ll get the necessary data. Here all the users can find the complete company’s records on safety and complaints.

FMCSA established the system for customer protection, providing a possibility for them to report fraud or any bad experience with a broker or car shipping business. Deceived customers can file a Moving Fraud Complaint or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) and report the problem. Once they report the fraud, the FMCSA will start working on a case, and if necessary fine the fraudulent business.

Check if Professionals Are Accredited By AMSA

There are a number of accreditations and awards the American Moving and Storage Association provides to its members. So, if you find that the crew is a member of AMSA it is a certain indicator they are dedicated to improving their quality of service, and employees qualifications too. AMSA’s Code of Ethics is something that all members are following, so this is another reason why you should pick professionals that are AMSA’s members.

Step #3: Be Aware of Other Indicators Showing the Relocation Specialists Are Worth Of Your Trust

Aside from USDOT numbers, licenses, and accreditations, there are a few more indicators to show whether the team is worth your trust. Once you contact them, ensure to ask and explore these pieces of information too.

Years in Business – For How Long Have the Relocation Experts Been in the Business?

More years in the business means more experience, which means the higher chances you’ll get quality service. There is no better way of attaining the experience than resolving a number of different problems and knowing what to expect with every next customer. So, the longer the crew is in the business, the greater chances they are experienced in resolving and preventing any potential problem.

The Area That Firm Covers, and the Type of Relocations They Are Specialized in Organizing

Another tip on how to find a moving company to cover all your needs is to explore the area it covers and the type of relocations they are specialized in. If the crew is specialized only in local relocations, and you require cross country moving services, then you should keep on looking for another one. Also, if they don’t cover the area you’re relocating to, it won’t be a perfect fit. So, when in the researching process, don’t forget to ask the representative about these details and avoid any potential misunderstandings.

What Types of Insurance Do They Provide For Your Possessions Protection?

By law, every relocation business is obliged to provide insurance policies for the protection of the belongings in case of damage. The basic policy – mandatory liability coverage reimburses 60 cents per pound of damaged goods and is included in all quotes. The extra paid third-party policy guarantees reimbursement in the full value of damaged goods and is applicable only to the possessions packed by a professional crew.

There is also an insurance policy intended for shipping a car. Generally, covered values for vehicles are $100,000 on an open trailer or $500,000 on enclosed trailers. Those reimbursements are granted in case of any external damage on the open road. So, ensure to check thoroughly with the crew what is included in the quote.

Step #4: Don’t Hire Movers that Refuse to Perform In-Home Estimates

The only certain way to set the relocation budget is to know the size of your move. To stop guessing how much do movers cost for a 2 bedroom apartment, the best way is to schedule an in-home estimate. When professionals come to your house they can even advise you on how to do a home inventory to keep your costs low and help you set a packing schedule for relocation. In case they are refusing to perform an estimate, it is a certain indicator something is wrong.

Step #5: How Much Money Should You Spend on Moving? Compare the Quotes of Several Firms

The total cost of the move is definitely the most decisive factor when determining how to select a moving company. For that reason, comparing relocation quotes is a must-do. There are many ways on how to keep your costs low, and one of the most effective ones is downsizing the household. This can be done by deciding what to get rid of when relocating and what to keep when relocating.

All this is necessary to do if relocating from house to apartment when you are limited by the living space you have at your disposal. To prepare for movers and downsize the number of items on your inventory list, ensure to declutter home and donate unwanted items. You can also sell them, or throw them away because redundant stuff will only increase your costs.

Is it Cheaper to Hire a Moving Company or Organize Everything By Yourself?

Although it might seem like hiring relocation companies is always more expensive than organizing everything on your own, it is quite different. The greatest advantage of having reliable relocation specialists by your side is that all costs are transparent. Meaning you won’t have to worry about hidden and unexpected fees.

Also, as we have already mentioned, when combining a few different services a customer always gets discounts and better deals, which automatically reduces the total costs. Not to mention all the time you save when hiring relocation specialists to handle your move. And as we all know, time is the most valuable asset we have.

Ready to Make the Right Choice and Move to Your Dream Home?

Now you know the basic steps on how to pick reliable relocation specialists and avoid stressful situations. We are sure that making the right choice about your mover will be easier. Even if you want to move during coronavirus, it will be possible to do since movers are essential workers. So, make sure you do thorough research before confirming the quote and relocate seamlessly to the next dream home.