Deciding what moving long-distance moving company to use can be challenging. The industry commonly receives complaints and negative reviews because property becomes damaged or lost while in their care. Unfortunately, they also receive complaints about being late, charging more than the estimate, and providing poor customer service.
When you hire a moving company, you trust that they will do their job to the best of their ability. But, when they fail to do the least amount, word spreads. This results in new customers being skeptical of them.
Moving is tough enough as it is, and when items arrive broken or missing, the process becomes worse. Therefore, you want to take time to find the long-distance movers that offer the best customer service and will treat your things like their own.
Don’t Go With the First Company You Meet
Before you make a decision, get at least three estimates. These estimates should be in person, at your home where a representative can see your things and understand exactly what needs to be done.
If you only do an estimate over the phone or an app, you are likely to make a mistake in the number of things that you need help packing and moving. When the movers see your home, the stairs, and the doors, they can give you the most accurate estimate. You can also see how they interact with you, so you have a better idea of their trustworthiness.
Only Hire Movers Who are Licensed and Insured
Movers should be licensed through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If they are properly licensed as interstate movers, they should be able to show you their U.S. DOT number. You can also verify the license through the government’s website: ProtectYourMove.gov.
If something goes wrong with the move, you can use the license number to officially file a complaint and claim. Movers who do not leave the state do not need the same licensing that an interstate mover uses.
Ask For Referrals from Friends and Acquaintances
When it comes to hiring a moving company, referrals are almost as important as getting estimates and checking license numbers. If you have friends or family who have recently moved, talk to them about the company they used, what worked, and what went wrong. If you do not know people who have moved recently, talk to a real estate agent whom you trust. You can also ask your social media contacts. Do not ask the moving companies for referrals, because they will only give you good ones.
Know What to Look For
There are several red flags to look for when you interview companies and get estimates. If the mover requests more than a small deposit, they might be looking for a way to get your money and run. You should never give a cash deposit. A reputable long-distance moving company will not ask for cash.
Another common red flag is the group’s professional demeanor. If they arrive late for an estimate – where they make a first impression – imagine what they will do on moving day. If they aren’t sure of how to pack and move common household items, then do not hire them. On moving day, if they arrive in a rented moving van, you should cancel the move and find a different company.
Professional movers will show up wearing clothing with their company’s logo. They should also drive a moving truck that bears that logo. They should give you a written estimate on paper with a company letterhead on it. You should receive a business card from the person who arrives to deliver an estimate. And during the estimate, they should take time to measure doorways and large furniture items.
A high quality moving company will make your safety their number one priority. This includes not only doing a background check on their workers and having procedures in place to ensure that all your things arrive in the new city in one piece, but also thinking of the danger of the Coronavirus pandemic. There are a lot of different things moving companies have to weigh when considering this, so be sure you discuss it with them prior to your move to make sure you are able to move safely during Covid.
Trust Your Gut
A frequently overlooked decision-making skill is intuition. If something seems wrong during the estimate or even on the day of the move, then you can pause the situation and figure out how to make it right. Your things will be on board, and you want to be sure they arrive in the same condition in which they left.
Moving isn’t rocket science, but it does require some skill and concern for others. If you feel like something is wrong, it probably is.
Hire a Company That You Can Afford
Sometimes the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Some movers will lower the price so they can get jobs, but they do not always provide the best customer service or treat your items with respect. You don’t want to overspend either, because you aren’t getting anything other than peace of mind and a safe move. Take the time to find a company that fits your budget and makes you feel comfortable about the entire process. Remember that if you add services like packing and unpacking, your estimate will increase. You can ask companies for several quotes, both with and without extra services, so you know exactly what to expect.
