4 Things To Know Before Hiring A Moving Company

By Tina Casarotto on April 17, 2019

Moving can be a daunting experience, especially when it entails hiring a moving company. You are entrusting your possessions to strangers with the expectation of them arriving safely at your new home.

Moving assistance can also be expensive. According to the latest statistics from The American Moving and Storage Association, the average cost of moving within the same state is approximately $2,300. You may be tempted to simply take the lowest bid, but is this always wise? What can you do to protect yourself and your belongings?

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Beware of Scammers!

Licensing & Insurance

While interstate movers are regulated by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), companies moving household and commercial goods within a state are regulated by that state’s laws. While these laws vary from state to state, your mover should be licensed and insured. Don’t just take their word for it. Ask for their license number and then check to see if it is valid by going to your state’s Department of Transportation website.

Inspections & Estimates

Both residential movers and commercial movers should first do an onsite inspection. They need to know what they will be moving as well as the number of items to be moved. This will affect the size of the vehicle and the number of people needed to load and unload it. If they refuse to come to your home or business or they tell you they will give you the total once they have everything loaded, take your business elsewhere. Once you are given an estimate, be sure to get it in writing. This will help prevent surprises later on.

Location, Location, Location!

A legitimate business should have a legitimate address and contact information. Check the moving company’s website. Does it have a real local address along with its licensing information? Visit the office and check its condition. Is it in poor condition or nonexistent? When you call the phone number is it answered with a generic, “Movers” or, “Moving company?” Even if these things seem to check out, is the truck they send on moving day a fleet vehicle with a permanent logo of the company, or is it a rental?

The Contract

While a deposit may be common, never hand over cash or give a large amount of the final cost before the move. Also, make sure to read over the contract before signing it. Check for “surprise” fees or blank spaces that could be filled in later without your knowledge. If the move arrives and says you have more stuff than was stated, stop the move. Before you allow them to proceed, ask for another written estimate.

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