How to Choose a Moving Company
There are plenty of moving companies out there, but that doesn’t
mean they’re all good. That’s why knowing how to choose a moving company
is so important. The following tips will help you choose the company that’s right
for your needs:
- Determine first whether you want to use a full-service mover or containerized shipping
that allows you to pack your belongings into a “pod” and have them shipped.
- Ask around to see if your friends and relatives can recommend companies they’ve
used and/or research moving companies online to
develop an initial list.
- Once you have a list of moving companies, check whether each is in good standing
with the Better Business
Bureau and are members of the American Moving & Storage Association. It’s also
a good idea to check with any moving industry trade organizations in your state.
Keep in mind that even good companies sometimes have complaints, so grievances aren’t
necessarily a bad sign. If those complaints haven’t been resolved to the customers’
satisfaction, however, that’s a bad sign.
- Check with the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration web site to make sure each company
has a U.S. Department of Transportation registration number. If you’ll be moving
from one state to another, be sure to check whether each also has an interstate
transport license.
- Once you’ve verified your list of moving companies by doing the steps above, call
each one to get estimates. If the phone is answered with a generic message like
“movers” or “moving company,” the company may have been sold to rogue or scam movers
who use multiple names to avoid prosecution. This is a clear red flag, so remove
any companies that do this from your list. Also, if any of them refuse to give you
a written estimate based on an on-site inspection of your home and belongings, move
onto the next company.
- When you’ve narrowed down your list to a final candidate or two, visit their facilities.
If they look dirty, disorganized or like they just moved in; steer clear. The same
goes for if the premises have no signage or signage from another company. These
are strong indicators that they may be one of the many rogue moving companies that
prey on movers by giving low-priced estimates and jacking up the price after they’ve
loaded their belongings.
Knowing how to choose a moving company and doing thorough research should weed out
all but the very best companies. But just in case a rogue mover happens to slip
through, here’s a sign you should watch for on moving day: If a rented truck or
a vehicle with another company’s name on it shows up, don’t allow your possessions
to be loaded. Rogue moving companies often use rented vehicles
or trucks from another company, so having the wrong logo or no logo on a truck is
cause for concern. Call the police if necessary, but whatever you do, don’t give
them access to your belongings.
Saveology Planner
Control your moving cost and timeline. Use our moving calendar to track your move and remember all important dates.