Choosing the Right Moving Company
You must have realized by now how moving house, particularly interstate moving, is a major event for you and your family. And how small problems can derail your move. So it is paramount that you must plan your move and every detail involved, as much as possible. Visualize the packing, the travel, the destination and other elements of the moving process.
One of the key elements of your household moving is the moving company. Here are some guides to help you choose the right moving company:
- Ask your friends, colleagues, relatives and neighbors for recommended moving companies. Check out the Internet for sites that offer recommendations.
- Call the moving companies on your list and ask the following items: if they are contractors for major moving companies, if they own their moving equipment and moving vans, how long they have been in the business and if they are members of trade associations.
- Call the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Better Business Bureau and trade organizations and check whether the companies on your list are licensed or have the necessary permits. Check also if there were complaints filed against the companies.
- From your talks over the phone, you should have already got some ideas about the names of the moving companies that you like. It is now time for the on-site assessment. You should show everything that would be moved, especially if some things are located in places difficult to access.
- Examine the moving quotes. Make sure that all services are included in the estimate. Usually, a move within the state, which is generally less than 50 miles, moving companies estimate by hourly rates plus the costs of additional services. For long distance moving, ensure that items to be moved are described and additional services are included.
- Make your final choice. Make sure documents, receipts and papers contain what you want to be moved and services you have specified.
