How to Choose a Reputable Moving Company
MB
August 9th, 2023
1. Figure out what type of movers you need.
Every moving company has a specialty. Some companies specialize in interstate moves, some focus their efforts locally, and others focus on moving delicate objects like pianos or safes. The first thing you need to do is evaluate the scope of your move.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself (and then verify with a moving company):
Is my move local, or am I moving across the country? Will I require an interstate moving company? Would a local company be able to complete the job?
Are there any items that require special equipment or skill to move? Some might include pool tables, pianos, hot tubs, etc.
Do I require other services like packing, trash removal, or a cleanout?
2. Find potential movers and evaluate their credentials.
A simple Google search might seem ideal for picking a good moving company. However, try to be systematic with your search so you can compare different movers. We suggest creating a blank spreadsheet to organize the results and fill it with as many moving companies as possible before you get sick of the process.
For each moving company, create a column for each of the following:
Where From. In this section, write down where you found the company. You could write Google or something like “personal reference.” For personal references, note who referred you and what that person had to say. When you look back at your spreadsheet, personal recommendations will tend to hold more weight, and you can opt to call these companies for a quote first.
Years in Business. New companies might be less expensive, but companies that have been in business for a long time are less likely to be flight risks.
Areas of Service. Can this company accommodate both where you live now and where you’re moving?
License and Insurance. Find out if the company has licensing and insurance information on its website. Interstate movers should have the Department of Transportation (DOT) licensing and insurance information listed.
Accreditations. Are there any specialized accreditations or certificates on their website worth mentioning? Some include the American Moving and Storage Association.
3. Read online reviews for the top 5 companies.
Good, honest reviews are the most important things to look for in a moving company. Don’t choose a moving company without this step, and don’t just trust the testimonials listed on the website because these can easily be faked or fabricated. We suggest narrowing your spreadsheet down to the top five choices.
4. Request in-person estimates.
Once you have a good sense of the online reviews and presence of your top 5 moving companies, the next step is to get in-person estimates. This means asking the moving company to come to your place, assess what you need to move, and then give you a cost estimate based on that. You should get at least three estimates, and these should be in person and not over the phone or through email. It is challenging to accurately assess a move without seeing the size of the house and belongings. During the estimate, ask for proof of their license and insurance.
www.prairieselfstorage.ca (403) 995-9008
Prairie Self Storage
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