How to make sure your move is worry free
The first step is finding a truly reputable company. You can start with the internet and use other sources such as neighbours, friends and family. The goal should be to find a minimum of four established companies that have been in business and can provide references.
Call the companies and schedule a time for the movers to visit and provide a quote. After you have received a few different quotes, narrow the choice by the impression the moving company left you with. If a mover says they will not visit your home to provide an estimate, continue the search.
Ask the Right Questions
Be sure to ask the right questions to the movers you have chosen. You can find out if they will be doing the move in-house or sub-contracting. It's very important that they are not selling the contract to a third party. You can be direct and ask questions about the quotes you have received to the movers.
What services are included with this estimate?
Will you be doing the move yourself or through a third party or sub-contractor?
How much does your insurance cover?
Be careful and make it a point to check that the moving companies workers are bonded and insured. Find out if they have an in-house claims agent or if the insurance claim is through a third party. Knowing the staff is bonded gives you peace of mind. A move can also be stressful for the movers and sometimes they make mistakes. A company that has full insurance is more reliable. You can ask questions about what happens if something breaks and what the claims process entails. The process should be clearly explained before signing the contract.
Make sure you verify the company name, number of years in business, address and licence. You can get further reassurance by visiting the company office and making sure that it exists and is legitimate. Keep your eyes on the company vehicles and storage area. A professional mover that is well established in the industry will have proper logos on vehicles.
A company that has a good reputation should also provide you with references that you can call. If the company is rude and says this is a privacy concern, you should beware. Make sure you check the references and actually call them.
Do not make the mistake of hiring a company that provides you a quote simply based on cubic feet and don't sign agreements until you are confident with the company.
Narrow your choice
Check the internet and ensure you have been given the correct information. You can check the BBB and other resources like Google + for reviews. There are also websites and message boards that have been created by people who have been scammed by a moving company. Check the internet and make sure the moving company you are considering is not mentioned in any of the reports online. The steps you take now will have a big impact later.
Once you have chosen the mover you like best, make sure that you are clear about the moving rate. We have heard stories involving promises of a great low rate for top notch service. However, on moving day the company comes to your door, packs all your valuables and then presents you with a contract for a higher price. In this situation the customer usually chooses to go ahead and pay more.
People who are crooked misrepresent themselves in various industries, not just moving. In this case a shady moving company will know that you have a lot on the line and that your move is time sensitive for you and the other parties involved. Make sure your contact is clear and complete. Reputable companies will put everything on paperwork so that details are crystal clear. This should include complete information regarding the charges.
A final word of advice
A legitimate company will never demand a large cash deposit when booking the move. Most established and reputable movers get paid after they have finished. Do not ever feel pressure to pay upfront. A salesperson who is aggressive and demands an upfront deposit is an indication of a non-professional.
The more you plan the easier it will be to choose the right mover. Think ahead if you have the flexibility. Many of the trustworthy long distance moving companies could be booked up if you wait too long so five to seven months in advance is ideal. The main point is not to wait to the last minute. This will make it more stressful and you are more likely to make poor decisions.This advice can help prevent you from being the victim of a long distance moving scam. Since moving involves taking everything you own from one city to another, it's important to be diligent and choose the right moving company. If you take the right precaution moving can be a very smooth experience.
