Moving house is hectic.
You’re not just tasked with scheming how to pack your belongings, but you also need to worry about having enough money to cover the process. But, that’s the least of your problem.
Logistics is the biggest trial when relocating. You’ll find some movers that offer cheap quotes that are too superficial. On the other hand, you’ll find ones that offer more expensive estimates but seem trustworthy. How then do you know which to choose?
This article teaches you everything there is to know about how to pick a good moving company.
10 tips on How to Choose Shippers
1. Request for recommendations from people you trust
One of the finest tips on how to choose a removal company is to request or ask people you trust for instance, your family for recommendations. A recommendation from friends and family means they must have used their services or know someone who has, and they trust them. This way, you an easily wade off moving scams.
2. Find three shippers
The rules of the three state that you should not depend on one transport company. Rather, get at least three shippers you can trust before making a final selection. It’s always best to follow this rule because most relocation companies will have higher estimates that can be disastrous for your finances. If you choose up to three companies, you give yourself the chance to compare their advantages and demerits to make a choice that would favor you.
3. Watch Out for Red Flags
Shipping companies with too-good-to-be-true estimates cannot be dependable. If you plan on hiring a relocation service, make sure to watch out for clauses and signs like:
- Low offers. Any quote or bid that is unusually too cheaper than the standard estimate is to-good-to-be-true. So, toss them out. A low bid estimate signifies a fraudulent act, or shippers don’t know what they’re doing.
- Large upfront deposits. A reliable shipper will never request you transfer large deposits until they render the expected services. If you discover a shipping company such as this, never engage them.
- They use leased moving vans. When hiring licensed transporters, they should have their van. If, after discussing logistics with movers and you find they use rented vans, find another shipper.
- They are not professional. If the moving team always turns up late for appointments, keeps getting confused with information, changes name frequently or has a residential location listed as the company’s address, avoid hiring their services.
4. Search for Licensed Movers
Another tip on how to choose a long-distance moving company is to research their license and insurance status in the state. Most transporters aren’t licensed to work in your chosen state or country. So, you need to contact the state transport department before hiring them.
Usually, movers with a name change will always fall victim. So, they often change their name to avoid getting spotted by regulatory bodies. The perfect way to confirm the license standing of the transporters is to check with the US Department of Transport (DOT). They give you every information concerning movers license status.
5. Check with the BBB
If you will need to check up reliable reviews on shippers but don’t want to do so on their platform or other online reviews, the most reliable ways to get an honest review is through legally structured agencies like the Better Business Bureau. Simply visit their webpage and you’ll find hundreds of reviews to read up. The US Transport department (DOT) will also provide honest reviews like the BBB.
6. Ask About Professional Accreditation
Online search o google or yelp won’t always give you the reliable information you need to pick a good shipper. Instead, check if the transport service has specialized certificates or accreditations recognized by the executive body of the state.
7. Verify Movers Address
It’s essential you verify their address for any transport company you’ll select. Research their location on Google Maps, check to know how many years they’ve been in business to know if it corresponds with the info they provide you. Also, probe the residents for more information to know if the agency has been operating from the address they provide.
8. Get Estimates
Once you’ve gotten at least three reliable companies, ask for their moving quote online and compare. You can also request an in-person quote if you prefer that option. If the shippers request that you pay before offering an estimate, rule them out. No reliable company will request for half payments on estimates before offering one.
9. Get everything in writing.
Before you accept mover’s policy, ensure that you have everything in writing. Don’t accept oral quotes or contracts, as most shippers won’t stick with unwritten contracts. Get in writing the overall cost of transporting your items. This way, all liabilities won’t fall on you.
10. Get the experts or the job
The last trick on how to choose the right moving company is to determine the moving service you will need. Some shippers only organize local moves, while others focus on long-distance and cross-country shifts. To find the most reliable services for your needs, it’s important you know the possible hours the journey will take. Ask yourself several questions like the country you intend to pack to or d you have large items that demands specialized equipment?
Conclusion
Changing home is a demanding life experience. Unfortunately, it will get wearisome and maddening when you choose the wrong relocation company to help you through the change. The good news is, that these tips mentioned above will help make the process more favorable. Hopefully, you can choose responsible shippers and avoid moving scams with these tips.
