Just because a company has the biggest, brightest ad in the yellow pages, or a flashy website…doesn’t mean they are always the best company to hire. This is true with many businesses, including moving companies.
We have seen some huge yellow page ads for companies that we discover don’t even have an actual office space, only transient trucks parked in a lot somewhere.
Tips for hiring a mover:
Give yourself time. The best companies are busy, and often can’t be booked last minute. If a company is available to move you on short notice, this can be a red flag.
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Get quotes from at least three companies, and ensure they actually send a staff member to your home. You want the most accurate quote and no surprises on delivery, and having someone visit your home and take a visual inventory, and/or measurements etc makes a big difference.
Don’t always choose the company with the lowest quote, sometimes you get what you pay for. Base your decision on price, references, Better Business Bureau rating, and how comfortable you feel with their staff.
So that leads me to my next point, research the company. Check the BBB website for complaints and ratings. Ask for references. Google the company name with the word “complaint.” It’s amazing what you can find on google sometimes.
Talk to friends and family for a good reference. Who have they used to move, and liked? There are many horror stories out there, but also many great companies.
Get extra insurance for moving day. Talk to the company about buying extra insurance and what it covers. Sometimes your home insurance policy will cover moves as well, give them a call. If they drop your TV, or lose grandma’s china…you will be so glad you have that extra insurance. Broken and lost items, and overcharging are the number one complaints I receive about moving companies.
Take inventory of your belongings as they are being loaded or packed. Mark boxes clearly.
Get everything in writing. Make sure your contract is detailed, and read all the fine print BEFORE you sign. Both you and the company representative should sign.
Try not to pay cash. If you have no choice, get a detailed receipt.
Once the move is complete, check your boxes and belongings promptly. It’s important to catch and report any lost or broken items as soon as possible after the movers have handled your items. This is also important if you are having your items put into a storage unit. You don’t want a nasty surprise when you go to get your belongings weeks or months later. If too much time has passed, it becomes more difficult to pursue compensation.
Moving companies are always in the top 10 list of complaints on my Troubleshooter hotline and email, and it’s usually the same for the Better Business Bureau.
Take steps to protect yourself. Hire carefully for a happy move!
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