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When the need to move residence or office arises, it would be inexpensive to just do it yourself.  But this is so demanding and cumbersome a task that the best option is to delegate the whole move to a professional moving company.  What happens is that getting professional movers turns out as stressful as when you do it by yourself.  Much of the reason why moving house often becomes stressful and traumatic is the abundance of moving companies that are less than honest and reliable.


How to choose a forthright and reliable moving company is in fact one of the most frequently asked questions in a website dedicated to relocation activities. So how do you find a moving company that you can trust to handle all your possessions with care and dispatch without bleeding of hard-earned cash?

 
Here are some pointers on how to find a moving company that deals on the level:


1) Search online.  Most companies have websites that list their services, service history, destinations they will move to, and an estimate of its cost. The web is a fine place to get background information and to start compiling a list of potential companies.

 

2) Ask around.  Most people you know have moved once or twice in their life, so ask friends, family and colleagues if they can recommend a company, or if there's a company they don't recommend.  Both lists are invaluable when choosing a mover.

 

3) Contact the BBB.  Find out from the Better Business Bureau if any of the companies on your initial list has generated any reports. The information you get will usually contain any grievances filed and if the grievances were resolved successfully.  Read the report carefully, and if you're thinking of using a company who had a grievance filed, ask them specifically about this case and how it was resolved. Depending on the severity of the complaint, you may choose not to pursue this company.

 

4) Go for experience. Try to find moving companies that have been in business at least ten years, and do not hire a moving broker.  The margin of error is smaller when you deal with experienced companies.


5) Find a friendly sales representative. The sales should be friendly and give you a positive feeling by understanding your specific needs and clearly explaining the services the mover can offer you.  He or she should also be readily available to answer your questions and be willing to provide you with an email and cell phone number in case you need to reach them on the weekend or during an emergency.


6) Know the costs and services. As with any service, you don’t ever want to put yourself in a situation where you’re buying something you don’t fully understand. A mover should be able to give you a customized quote based on the unique circumstances of your move, whether it’s around the block or from coast to coast.  If you’re not comfortable with what you’re getting and how much you’re going to pay for it, don’t sign a contract and go find another moving company.


7) Ask for references. It wouldn’t hurt if you ask for customer references or testimonials that attest to the company’s quality service. Good companies are eager to share their “successful moves” and will likely include them in their initial sales and marketing materials. Look for recent references that were given within the past 12 months. You want to receive the same quality service enjoyed by customers who wrote the testimonials.

 

 

8) Look out for red flags.  There are warning signs if the mover’s telephone is answered with a generic "Movers" or "Moving company," rather than the company's name.  You should also be forewarned if the moving company demands cash up front or a large deposit before the move.  

 

 

9) See the mover’s premises.  The offices and warehouse of the moving company must be in good order.  If these are in poor condition or non-existent, it is the wrong mover for you.

 

 

10) Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This is a booklet that movers are mandated by Federal regulations to provide their clients before any interstate moves.  If the mover cannot supply a copy, it’s your lookout.