10 Tips to Help You Choose the Right Moving Company

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Moving from one location to another is full of hassle and stress. It's not an event where you call for a service provider, and the rest is done. Even when moving locally, experts say that you should sell furniture and other items as much as possible and buy brand new stuff upon arrival. However, if you decide to move your belongings, hire the right moving company. Here are some tips to help you choose the right moving company.

Have Multiple Estimates

A mover's rate can vary based on the company's location, their reputation, and how busy they are. Try to get multiple estimates from different companies in your area. But ask them to give calculations based on an in-person inspection of your house or via video survey. Never take a moving estimate on a phone call. An in-person inspection is essential for getting precise quotes. Other than that, some companies may charge you more than your budget, and you can choose the most accurate one from different options.

Ensure The Company Is Legit

There are a lot of scam companies. And you don't want to end up being scammed. So make sure the company is authentic. If you can spare some time, pay a visit to the company. Are their trucks appropriately labeled? Search on SaferSys Web site to ensure if their given address matches with the website's address. You may ask your state's transportation authority to check if their license is up-to-date.

Read Online Reviews and Ratings

Don't forget to check online reviews and ratings from customers. A good moving company will do everything to keep its online reputation by offering the best services to its customers. So look into a trusted website to see how people reacted to their services and their ratings. Stay away from companies with many negative reviews and low ratings.

Never Cash In a Large Deposit

Stay away from moving companies that ask for advanced cash-in. Generally, prominent companies don't ask for a cash-in or a large deposit before moving. Instead, you should pay after you get the work completed. You will lose control over your move if you pay earlier. In addition, you might lose your belongings if the company is a scam. Finally, always deposit using your credit card to avoid fraud even if you want to spend.

Pay Attention To Your Contract 

Before you put your signature on the contract, read everything in it carefully. Watch for the mover's estimate on the form, and check they have reasonably added all the necessary costs. Next, see if any items are missing from the record. For example, suppose you forgot to list your mini-fridge; you will lose it forever if it gets missing. You can't complain about any loss or damage if it was not listed on the document. Finally, and most importantly, never sign any blank contract. 

Have an Insurance

It is better to keep your valuables protected even if you don't want to use the insurance offers from the movers. As accidents may happen at any time, they will bring you losses. Usually, moving companies provide two types of valuation coverage. 

The first one is Full Value Protection. The benefit of insurance is that if the movers lose or damage any item, they have to repair the item to the same condition or replace it with another one of the same quality. 

Another one is the Alternative Level of Liability when it's cheaper, covering 60 cents per pound. For example, suppose you lost your TV, which weighs 20 pounds and costs $400; if it is lost or damaged, you will receive only 12 dollars (60 cents x 20 pounds). Insurance provides minimal protection for your valuables. 

Reduce Packaging Costs

It's better to pack things by yourself. In this way, your items will be safe with your careful packing. But if there is any damage during transit, the mover usually will not take any responsibility. 

Moving companies generally offer packing services. But you may end up paying an exceedingly high price for boxes and packing materials along with time and labor. Always ask about how they do the packaging and the packer's experience. In such a manner, you may be able to save your belongings from any unwanted damage.

Look Out For Any Additional Cost

Are you moving from a 2-story house? Or is the apartment you just bought on the 8th floor? If your old and new homes are both on the ground floor or first floor, then it's okay. But if it's not, then movers may end up charging extra for stairs and elevators. Other than that, if your street is narrow for a moving van, they might charge you extra bucks for transferring your stuff with a smaller truck. In any event, get a clear view of everything from the movers.

Report Any Mess

After your move, open each box carefully and look for any problems that might have occurred during transit. Write down any issues with the moving company's bill of lading before you put your signature on it. If you open your box a year later and find any problem, you can't report your problem and claim compensation. You have to say any issues within nine months for an insurance claim. 

Watch Out For Red Flags

Beware of the company having these issues:

• Ask for a large deposit.
• No written estimates.
• Request you to sign a document that is blank or incomplete.
• Problem with the physical address

Follow the tips mentioned earlier to enjoy moving without any scams and problems. Sparing a few minutes might save you from any unwanted loss.