By Gina Cappiello www.123Movers.com
When looking for a mover, don’t just choose any moving company with a sleek logo and low prices. Do your research! Sure, research can be extremely frustrating (especially while planning a move), but it is paramount when choosing a moving company. Here are some research tips to follow when you’re looking for a moving company:
Find their licenses and insurance
Moving companies in states that regulate moving companies require all of the companies to have licensing from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to operate. These companies should have a Motor Carrier (MT) and DOT authorization number that can easily be found online. If your state does not regulate movers, you can still research their practices through the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Also, keep in mind that the DOT does not regulate intrastate moves (moves that happen between states), which is why it is imperative to do your research.
Read reviews, write-ups, and recommendations
The best way to find honest feedback about a moving company is through reviews. Some moving companies will have their own employees write positive reviews, so be wary of a company with many similar sounding positive reviews from one or a few different sites. Utilize a variety of moving company reviewing sites, message boards, and blog entries to get a good idea of what a specific company is like before deciding on one. Also, speak with friends and acquaintances for recommendations on moving companies. The recommendations you receive are guaranteed to be honest since the information is coming from your trusted circle.
Get an in-home estimate
Most moving companies will give potential customers a no-obligation free in-house moving quote. This is the best way for them to not only give you an accurate estimate, but also is a great way for you to get an idea of the company you may be working with. This is the best time to ask questions, too, so don’t hold back and ask away. While they answer, listen objectively and observe their body language for any red flags (shifty eyes, nervousness, awkward stances, etc). Since 80% of a message is communicated non-verbally, it is important to observe the surveyors and go with your gut about the first impressions.
These helpful tips should get you started on the process of finding movers and will guide you to the best moving company for your moving job.
