Are you getting ready to move to a new home or apartment? If you are, you may be looking at hiring a moving company to help you load, transport, and unload your belongings. However, before you sign that contract and agree to the moving services, read these tips so that you can hire the best moving company for you and your family, and avoid getting overcharged.
1. Get Referrals and Read Reviews
When possible, getting a referral from a family member, friend or co-worker is preferable to searching for a moving company online, but if you don’t know anyone who’s moved recently with the help local movers, make sure you read the reviews. Also, pay attention to the lower reviews, including 1 and 2 stars. If the individual listed certain problems with the company, you may experience the same thing, and depending on the problems, like losing your furniture, overcharging or arriving extremely late, you may not want to hire them.
2. Make Sure the Company Is Licensed, Bonded and Insured
If something happens during the transport of your items, you’ll want the moving company you hire to be licensed, bonded, and insured so that you get reimbursed for anything that’s damaged. This information should be clearly listed on the company’s website. In many instances, you can find it on the home page or about us page, but it may also be listed on the services page.
3. Ask for an Estimate and Get It in Writing
Always get an estimate from the moving company you are considering hiring and get that estimate in writing. You should be able to clearly see all of the services listed and the charges associated with the services. If you do not see something on the estimate that you think should be included, always ask for clarification.
4. Make Sure You Know What Your Getting and What’s an Additional Fee
Before hiring a moving company, make sure you understand what’s included and what an additional fee is. Many moving companies offer a variety of services from loading and unloading to packing and unpacking your items. Some moving companies also offer storage services if you can’t move into your new home or apartment right away. Make sure you understand the package you are buying and the included services as well as anything that might be an extra fee, like storing your items for a few days or a month.
5. Be Wary of the Request for a Cash Deposit
While supplying a small cash deposit in order to secure your spot on the schedule is acceptable, be wary of moving companies that want most of the cost of the moving service upfront. These companies may be fraudulent, which means you won’t see them on your moving day. Instead, you’ll be scrambling to find a new mover and out your deposit money.
By utilizing these tips, you’ll be ensuring that you hire a trustworthy, reputable, and professional moving company for your next move, and helping ensure that your move goes as smoothly as possible.
