Picking the right mover can determine the success of your move. How do you pick a mover that is reliable and trusted that will do the best job for you?
- Research. It is important to be able to compare services with several companies to better find the one that is best for you, in services offered as well as price. You can check online, the yellow pages or ask for referrals from friends who have used moving services recently.
- Reliability. Make sure that the mover that you are considering has been licensed by the DOT (Department of Transportation), bonded and insured company. Check with the local Better Business Bureau (BBB) to inquire if there are complaints listed in the moving company’s record.
- To go or not to go. Decide exactly what will be moved and what will be sold, given away or discarded. Also, decide what will be packed by the moving company and what will be packed by you. Please note that if any of this changes on moving day, it may affect the total cost. It is also important to mention any unusual circumstances on either end of the move such as parking issues, access to the location, any time-of-day restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators at the location.
- Get estimates. Explain all of your requirements to the moving company. The clearer you are as to what is going on the truck and your needs, the more accurate your estimate will be. Make sure to ask how long a company’s estimate will be valid and what type of estimate it is, binding or non-binding. Also ask for references.
- Loss or damage coverage. Understand clearly the amount of protection that is provided. While all licensed movers are required to provide liability for the value of the items that they are transporting, there are different levels of liability and they may not cover everything.