When planning your move, it is definitely worth your while to put time and effort into choosing your moving company. There are a lot of different moving companies out there, both legitimate and “rogue.” Choosing the wrong moving company can turn your move into a nightmare. The right moving company can reduce stress and provide peace of mind.

First, ask friends for recommendations. Find moving companies in the phonebook or on the internet. Select three moving companies, and request moving quotes from them. Have a representative come to your home and give you a written estimate. Don’t pick a mover based on price alone. Like everything in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Here are some things to consider besides price.

Consumer Ratings

Check with Better Business Bureau to see if a moving company is BBB accredited, what their BBB rating is, and what consumer complaints have been registered against them.

Licensing Verification and Safety Records

An interstate mover’s United States Department of Transportation license and Motor Carrier numbers should be easily found on the mover’s website. You can then verify their license, and check their complaint history on www.protectyourmove.gov. (A local mover is not regulated by the same requirements. You can check with local or state agencies for information relating to local movers)

Check an interstate company’s safety record at www.safersys.org, a website of the US DOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA).

The American Moving and Storage Association’s website can also provide useful information on moving companies. www.moving.org.

References

Ask the mover for references from customers, especially if you didn’t get a personal recommendation from a friend or relative. Then call the references to hear what people have to say about their experience with the moving company you are considering.

Other Questions to Ask

1. Is the mover able to do the move when you need, and how long will it take? Get this in writing. Booking early is the best way to be sure that the mover will be available for you when you need, especially if you plan on moving during busy season.

2. What type of payment does the mover accept (cash, credit card, personal check, certified check etc.), and when is payment expected?

3. Will there be additional charges if your belongings need to be carried up flights of stairs?

4. Will the movers take apart and reassemble furniture?

5. What type of liability does the mover provide for loss or damage? (This is independent of additional insurance that you purchase.) How will claims be handled? Purchasing insurance from MoveInsure guarantees the protection of your belongings and a quick and easy claims process should they sustain damage or loss. For more information, see the MoveInsure Comparison Chart. 

By doing your homework and asking questions of moving companies, you will be able to choose a reputable company that best suits your needs.