If you’re considering a local move, or across the state but can’t figure out whether to go the DIY route or hire professionals, study the following statistics.
- According to the United States Census Bureau, over 40 million people move yearly.
- 1 million Americans utilize the DIY option themselves and hire a rented truck.
- 35 million people also choose the DIY route but don’t rent trucks.
- Every year, 600,000 Americans pay professionals to help with the move.
The bottom line, relocating to a new place is inevitable. An average American changes home 11.7 times in life, and most opt for a DIY plan. However, research has shown that the psychological implications of a DIY move can be compounding since it increases stress levels and anxiety. Because of this, researchers advise seeking expert assistance.
But, how do you choose a good moving company in America with increasing movers yearly? Read on to find out how to choose the right moving company.
1. Ask People You Trust for Recommendations
The first step in how to choose a removal company is to get reliable referrals. A recommendation can only be considered reliable if it comes from people you trust i.e. your family, friends, neighbors, and other loved ones. Their recommendation will have more value than many online reviews because they have a personal experience with shipping contractors or know someone who has had a good experience with them.
2. Get At Least Three Shippers Contact
Another tip on how to choose movers is to consider different options. Shipping companies vary. So, while asking for recommendations, ensure you get three reliable shippers on your list. This way, you have varieties to choose from after considering their services and cost.
3. Look-Out for Unprofessional Conduct
With the increasing number of shippers across the United States, some are bound to be rip-offs. The best way to avoid their moving scam is to observe their demands and how they conduct themselves around you. The following red flags are frequently displayed by rouge shippers.
- Asking for large deposits
- Request for money to get quotes
- Offer estimates without inventory or thorough walkthrough
- Late appearance during appointments
- Using rented trucks
- Without a license or valuable protection insurance cover
- No professional accreditation
- Word of mouth contracts
- Frequent name switch
4. Movers Should be Licensed and Offer Valuation Protection
As mentioned earlier, a moving company without legal federal registration licensing or one that doesn’t offer valuation covers is a no-choice zone. The US Department of Transportation and even the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) do not recognize a relocation company without a legal license plate from the federal government. Plus, if a mover fails to offer insurance for your belongings, it means you bear the bulk of expenses that may result from damaged or missing items. For this reason, before using the services of your preferred shippers, you should check their insurance and licensing status.
5. Check the BBB Website to Get More Information About Shippers
The Better Business Bureau is quite reliable when it comes to sourcing information about companies, no matter their niche market. It provides you with trusted reviews and information about shippers’ license status, their ratings, and even complaints filed by previous customers against them. No matter the information you need, the Better Business Bureau aggregates useful information that helps you choose the right moving company.
6. Check Mover’s Professional Accreditation Status
In short, know the type of professional qualifications they have. For a relocation company to be considered professional, they should have passed through some form of training and experience that qualifies them as experts. So, if movers claim they’ve been in the business for a long time, request proof of professional accreditation and verify it.
Most shippers will frequently hold accreditation from authorized organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
7. Verify the Address
Address, whether a physical location or contact number, plays a vital role in determining legitimate shippers. Often relocation companies offer residential addresses or that of another company with a similar name. Before investing in shipping services, make sure you verify their physical location.
8. Get Free Quotes
Once you’re sure the address, license, and insurance cover are in order, the next step is to get a local moving quote. But like with other tips in this guide, validate their conduct. Technically, estimates are free. If a relocation company asks you to pay a certain sum to get a quote, rule them off your list. Also, avoid companies that offer estimates without taking an inventory of your belongings or a walk-through of your home. Why? Steps like this help movers determine moving costs. So, if they don’t do it, they aren’t trustworthy.
9. Accept only Written Agreements
While word-of-mouth can be reliable in certain situations, it is not a great idea to draw a contract on it. Shippers are humans and may forget their promises. Some that remember, may renegade on it. To ensure you get the best deal without compromising your finances, get everything from agreements to extra fee clauses, insurance, and valuation claims in writing.
10. Find the Pros of the Job
Relocation companies differ in the services they offer. Before hiring shippers, you want to make sure that the services they offer are what you need. For instance, you should be sure to hire a full-service professional moving provider rather than just typical shippers if you need them to pack, load, and unpack your possessions. Make sure the moving firm has the appropriate tools for your particular demands as well (if any).
Conclusion
Relocating, no matter the distance is tedious. It makes sense why researchers advise using a moving company for the position. A good moving company will reduce stress levels associated with transit, but that is only if you choose the right ones. Before you engage one, use these tips to learn how to pick a good moving company. Don’t forget to research their license, insurance, address, and qualifications to make the right choice.
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