subject: Finding A Reliable Mover To Get Your Possessions To Your New Home Safely [print this page] Moving can be one of the more challenging and stressful events we go through in life. In a few days we must gather everything meaningful and valuable that we own and box it up for transport. And when the time comes to stack all of those things on a truck and transport them to a new home, it's not only exhausting but chaotic. Whether you have a few heavy pieces of furniture you cannot move alone or simply want to spare your friends the obligation of a hard day's labor, there are many moving companies that can help you with this daunting task. If you follow some simple rules, finding a professional company that has credentials, references, insurance, and affordable rates is easy to do.
The first step is perhaps the most simple. Ask the people you know who have moved once or twice in their life. Perhaps your friends and colleagues can recommend a company they used, and/or warn you about one they wouldn't use again.
The next step is research. Check for local movers online and in the phone book. Clearly, there are reputable moving companies that have web sites, but nearly all victims of fraud report having found their moving company on the internet. For this reason, you should locate contact information, service history, and whether or not they are local movers only or can handle long distance. Crosscheck their information with the yellow pages, where many fraudulent companies do not have a listing. Local real estate agents can also put you in touch with moving companies that have offices in your area.
If a website lists contact information, you should ask questions and receive a written response. Once you've narrowed down your search, you'll want to contact them on the phone to schedule an in-house inspection. This is the only real way to get a reasonably accurate estimate. At this point you should also have in mind how much help you need. Do you want them to pack and provide materials? Or do you just need help with furniture and other large items? It is always advised to get at least three appointments with those on the top of your list. Make sure you understand what estimates include and potentially exclude. It's those exclusions that can lead to unpleasant surprises.
Always be on the lookout for the signs of rogue movers. Operations that offer estimates online without visiting the site could be almost useless, but are common. Also, watch out for movers requiring cash or requiring large pre-move deposits. Many scam artists will claim that all goods are covered by their insurance or answer the phone generically with titles such as "Movers" or "Moving Company." Law also requires that all interstate movers provide you with a booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. If they don't have it, you should be concerned. Check for licenses, bonding, training, and business insurance. Any bona fide company should have all of the above.
Once you've selected a mover that seems reliable, you should also do your own research to verify the company. At the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website your potential mover will have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number, which proves the company is registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation.
As the big day approaches, do as much preparation as you can. Organize rooms and help make things flow for the movers. The more organized you are, the less likely you are to misplace your belongings in the process, and the more closely your final tab will resemble your estimate.
