Finding a reliable moving company is essential to ensuring a smooth and stress-free move. A good mover will handle your belongings with care, arrive on time, and provide clear communication throughout the process. Here are some tips to help you find a reliable mover you can trust.
1. Get Recommendations
Ask Friends and Family: Start by asking people you trust for recommendations. Personal referrals are often a great way to find reliable movers, as friends and family can share their honest experiences.
Consult Local Real Estate Agents: Real estate professionals work with movers regularly and can often recommend trustworthy companies in your area.
Look for Online Reviews: Websites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) can give you a sense of a mover’s reputation. Look for movers with consistently positive reviews and avoid those with frequent complaints.
2. Verify the Company’s Credentials
Check for Licensing: Reliable movers should have proper licensing. For interstate moves, check if the mover is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and has a valid USDOT number. For local moves, confirm any state or city licensing requirements.
Look for Insurance: A trustworthy moving company should offer some form of liability insurance. This ensures that, in the event of damage or loss, your items are covered. Movers who carry insurance and offer extra coverage options are often more responsible and reliable.
3. Request In-Home or Virtual Estimates
Get Multiple Quotes: Contact at least three companies and ask for estimates. A legitimate mover will often offer an in-home or virtual survey to give you a more accurate quote, rather than just estimating over the phone.
Watch for Red Flags in Pricing: Beware of unusually low estimates or vague quotes. Moving companies that offer “too good to be true” prices may try to add hidden fees later or provide subpar service.
Ask for a Written Estimate: Reliable movers will provide a detailed, written estimate outlining all costs. Look for clarity in their rates for packing, handling, and transporting your belongings.
4. Ask About Experience and Special Services
Years in Business: Find out how long the company has been operating. Movers with more years in the business often have a better track record and more experience handling different types of moves.
Special Services: If you need additional services (like packing, handling delicate items, or moving specialty items like pianos or artwork), check if the mover is experienced in these areas. Reliable movers should be transparent about any extra fees for special services.
5. Check Their Professional Affiliations
Look for Membership in Industry Associations: Movers who are members of reputable organizations, like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or the International Association of Movers (IAM), are likely more reliable. Membership often means the company abides by specific standards and ethics.
Check the BBB Rating: A Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation or high rating indicates a commitment to customer satisfaction. You can also see if any complaints have been filed and how the mover responded.
6. Understand Their Payment Terms
Avoid Large Deposits: Reliable movers typically don’t require large upfront deposits. If a company asks for more than 20% as a deposit, it might be a red flag.
Clarify Payment Methods: Ensure they accept credit cards or checks, which can offer extra payment security. Be cautious of movers that only accept cash, as this can be a sign of an unreliable or less established business.
7. Confirm Their Policies on Liability and Insurance
Ask About Liability Options: Movers are required to offer two types of liability coverage for interstate moves—Full Value Protection and Released Value. Understanding your options will help you make an informed decision and protect your belongings.
Consider Purchasing Additional Insurance: If you have high-value items, additional moving insurance might be worth considering. Some homeowners’ insurance policies also offer coverage during moves, so check with your provider.
8. Read the Contract Carefully
Review All Terms and Conditions: The contract should include details about pricing, pick-up and delivery dates, and the mover’s responsibilities. Make sure you fully understand what’s included and look for hidden fees.
Check the Fine Print: Watch out for extra charges that may be buried in the contract, such as fees for moving large items, flights of stairs, or delays. A reliable mover will disclose these costs upfront and provide clear terms.
9. Monitor Moving Day Etiquette
On moving day, watch for professionalism and attention to detail. Some signs of a good mover include:
- Proper Identification and Uniforms: Reliable movers usually arrive in company uniforms and drive branded vehicles.
- Efficient Loading and Care: They should handle your items carefully and efficiently, taking extra care with fragile or valuable items.
- Communication: A good mover will communicate clearly with you throughout the move, updating you on any schedule changes or issues.
10. Trust Your Instincts
Sometimes, your gut feeling is the best guide. If anything about a mover’s attitude, pricing, or communication seems off, it may be best to look elsewhere. Reliable movers will typically make you feel secure and informed from the start.