8 Things to Look for When Choosing a Moving Company

Transferring your belongings is only one of the phases of a house move – but it is also one of the most important ones. So, although you might feel overwhelmed by the myriad of tasks and documents to fill out and complete, you should not overlook the importance of finding a reliable, experienced, and trustworthy moving company. 

But how can you be sure that your dearest belongings, heirloom, and valuable items will be in safe hands? Searching on Google “moving company near me” might be a starting point – but make sure to take a step further and find a professional company that ticks the boxes below!

Start by Looking for Recommendations From People You Trust

If you are not sure how to start your search, asking your family and friends for recommendations can be an excellent option! The people you trust can provide the social proof you need to make a decision and offer personal, unfiltered accounts of their experience with a certain company. 

Take Time To Review a Moving Company’s Online Reviews 

Whether you are unable to find recommendations from those around you, or you are looking for additional information, online reviews are a precious resource that should not be overlooked. 

A great way to start is by reading Google reviews. These are often plenty and useful, but they are unverified. Once you have shortlisted a few companies, consider looking on websites such as Trustpilot to find reviews posted by verified clients. 

Check a Company’s Accreditations, License, and Insurance

After finding a few prospective movers, consider spending some time researching their websites. 

Start from the “About Us” page to better understand their ethos, value, and experience, then scroll to the bottom of their website’s main page to look for accreditation, license number, and insurance coverage. 

Learn More About the Company’s History and Track Record

No matter whether you have bought or rented the property you are moving into, the moving company you choose to hire can make a difference in how well your belongings, possessions, and furniture are treated throughout the journey. 

To get a clearer understanding of how a certain company operates, look into its history, track record, and equipment available. 

Moving Long-Distance? Hire an Experienced and Reputable Mover That’s Also Affordable

No two house moves are exactly the same, and finding a moving company that matches your needs is crucial. 

So, whether you are moving to the next state or you are getting ready to relocate abroad, you should look for affordable moving companies in the US that have the necessary experience and expertise in the kind of move you are looking to face. 

Get a Feel of Their Communication Style

Moving projects are notoriously lengthy, resource-intensive, and complicated. Because of this, setting your expectations of the communication style and quality of your moving company is critical. 

Before hiring a certain mover, ask questions such as:

• Can I contact the driver directly?
• Who will be my point of contact throughout the move?
• How long will it take for the move to be completed?
• What kind of insurance policy do you hold?
• How can I file a claim if one or more of the items get damaged or lost in the process?

Look Into the Specifics of the Contract (i.e.: Non-Allowable Items and Timeframes)

After getting a precise estimate or quote for the moving project, be sure to ask about certain specifics. For example, each company will have a list of non-allowable goods or substances, which often include flammable or explosive materials, such as gasoline, fireworks, and oxygen bottles. 

Ask your moving company about what items they will be able to move and which ones are excluded from the contract. Other parts of the contract you should discuss include timeframes and whether external third-party service providers will be involved in the process (for example, to transport large or cumbersome items). 

Know Your Green and Red Flags!

It is often too easy to feel overwhelmed by the huge choice of moving companies and professionals out there. However, knowing your red and green flags can help you navigate the process of making a decision. 

Some positive signs include the fact that your moving company uses an inventory checklist, is able to provide the details of their insurance policy, uses written contracts, and makes their customer service hotline available 24/7. And, don’t forget to trust your gut feeling!