Choosing the right moving company
Choosing the right moving company can be a difficult task, if you don’t know what to look for and what to be a wary of. Moving Explorer advertises only reliable moving companies from every area to help take the guesswork out of choosing a company. However, it is still valuable to know what questions to ask before scheduling your move.
Choosing the company that offers the lowest rate is not always the right decision and it may be more prudent to base your decision on other factors. Make sure that your moving company has the appropriate licenses to operate trucks and other equipment and insurance to cover your property, home, and their employees. The company should offer additional services you might need, such as hoisting, piano handling, packing supplies, packing labor and storage.
When you compare estimates between companies make sure to compare them ”apples to apples”, meaning that you compare the price for each individual service. One company’s flat rate may not cover all the services you need. If you are moving out of state, compare the volume by Cu. Ft and weight. If other services are involved, make sure they are included in the estimate and ask about discounts or coupons before signing the contract. If you are moving locally, compare the number of movers, trucks, hours and the rate per hour. Asking these questions will help you to find any hidden fees before you are charged.
It is also important to ask whether a company’s estimate is a binding estimate or a bulk part estimate. Some companies will offer competitive bulk estimates which may vary greatly from the actual cost when the move is complete. Seeking binding estimates from each company will help to protect you from unexpected costs and will ensure that you stay within your budget.
Most moving companies, in the U.S. are listed in the Better Business Bureau and we recommend that you review a company’s profile and pay close attention to any complaints. It is not unusual for most companies to have some minor complaints listed in their Better Business Bureau profile, so it is important to review the entire profile. However pay close attention to repeated complaints as they may be indicative of poor service. Look for a company with a friendly and responsive customer care department and you will have a better chance of solving any issues that may arise.
For interstate moves, you can find more information and review profiles at the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) website. It is also a good idea to review a company’s references before signing a contract. The DOT provides references for many moving companies and most moving companies will provide you with a list of client references if you ask.
Carefully reviewing all of these factors together can help you to choose the right moving company and to have a successful move.
