Relocating residences is an inevitable event for most individuals throughout their lifetime. Whether it involves transitioning to a new college, commencing a new employment opportunity, or settling down to start a family, the process of moving can often result in considerable stress and exhaustion.
Acquiring the services of a dependable moving enterprise may entail a higher cost in comparison to self-hauling possessions. However, it need not exceed your budget. Moreover, the convenience of not having to manage the process yourself may justify the additional expenses. Generally, the cost range of do-it-yourself moves falls within a few hundred dollars for local relocations and several thousand dollars for long-distance moves.
When considering truck rental, packing equipment, gasoline expenses, and miscellaneous expenditures, securing the services of a trustworthy moving enterprise may, in fact, prove to be a cost-effective alternative. However, this only holds true if the hired company is reliable and renowned for their services.
We suggest perusing our informative guide on identifying an authentic moving company before committing to any contractual agreement. This will enable you to move into your new abode seamlessly, without any complications.
Prior to soliciting a cost estimate from a moving company, there are various measures that can be undertaken to avoid wasting time on an untrustworthy establishment. One such approach includes conducting an online search to assess their credibility. Established and reputable moving companies typically maintain a website and an authentic physical address. However, it is prudent to verify that the listed address is legitimate and not merely a P.O. Box or a storefront. Additionally, it is advisable to engage the services of a local moving enterprise as it provides the opportunity to gather feedback from community members or visit the company’s office in person.
Distinguished moving companies are typically registered and possess certificates validating their business operations. For instance, an enterprise like International Van Lines has a reputation for reliability and adheres to all obligatory standards. Moving companies that function across state borders are mandated to register with the Department of Transportation, while 33 states necessitate moving companies to also register with the DOT. This necessitates that the company acquires a license acknowledging their commercial transport vehicles engaged in interstate commerce. DOT-licensed movers are required to display their identification number on their website and in all promotional materials, which allows for prompt verification.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) assigns carrier numbers to moving companies, which can be verified to ensure the legitimacy of the company. The FMCSA mandates that moving companies provide cost estimates free of charge, hence if a moving company fails to comply with this regulation, it could indicate a fraudulent operation. The American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) is another regulatory organization that grants certification to moving companies, affirming their authenticity. To obtain certification, companies must undergo comprehensive background checks and pledge to uphold the association’s standards. Engaging an AMSA member moving company can provide assurance of their reliability and authenticity.
A reliable moving company that is registered with FMCSA is obligated to furnish potential clients with free estimates, rendering this an effective method of shortlisting suitable candidates. These estimates are provided after on-site assessments, during which the movers gauge the scope of the move, determine whether any specialized items require transportation, and consider other factors to provide an accurate estimate. Obtaining at least three written estimates following an in-house appraisal is recommended. Suspicion arises if the estimate provided appears too low compared to other contenders. Similarly, a company that offers estimates solely over the phone without visiting the premises suggests fraudulent practices.
Comparing different moving companies allows one to distinguish between trustworthy service providers and those who may cause damage without compensation. To effectively evaluate these contenders, a checklist may be utilized to enable a like-for-like comparison. Here are some of the questions that should be incorporated to aid in determining the best fit for your needs:
• Was the initial contact with the company representative professional, responsive, and courteous?
• Was it easy to schedule a home consultation, and did the representative arrive on time?
• Did the representative answer your questions and address any concerns during the home assessment?
• Are the moving trucks in good condition and recent models?
• Is the company available on your preferred dates, and what is their estimated moving time?
• How many years has the company been in operation?
• Are all workers legal, experienced, and insured?
• What additional services does the company offer, such as storage, professional packing, or packing materials for oversized items?
• Is the company licensed?
• What insurance or liability coverage does the company provide?
In the current digital age, it has become convenient to screen prospective service providers, such as moving companies. One can search the internet or review sites to explore the company’s online presence and reputation. If there were any complaints or negative feedback against the company in the past, they are likely to appear on such sites. Additionally, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can provide insight into any complaints filed against the company.
When hiring a moving company, it’s common for them to request a deposit to secure your booking. However, any deposit amount over 20% of the total estimate should be viewed with suspicion. Reputable moving companies typically only require payment upon delivery. If a deposit is requested, avoid giving cash, as this could make it difficult to recover your money if something goes wrong. Unfortunately, in some worst-case scenarios, a disreputable moving company may try to extort more money from you by withholding your property. If this occurs, contact the police immediately as it is illegal.
Having equipped yourself with the necessary information, initiate your search using a convenient website that provides quotes from various reliable moving companies. Reputable moving companies enable you to bypass the unnecessary hassle and quickly access multiple moving companies with a single search. Once you receive a few decent quotes, refer to the checklist provided above and ensure that you receive high-quality moving services at a reasonable price.
