Relocating can be a daunting task, and finding the right moving company is key to a successful move. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the right one for you.
In order to make an informed decision, it is crucial to do your research and consider several factors when choosing a moving company, such as:
- Reading online reviews
- Checking the company’s licensing,
- Verifying their insurance coverage
- Making sure that they meet all the regulations in every jurisdiction associated with your specific move
These three factors can help ensure that you choose a reputable and trustworthy moving company that will handle your belongings with care.
By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what to look for in a moving company and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, you’ll be prepared to make a confident and informed decision.
Factors to consider when choosing a moving company
Let’s go into more detail about the three factors we mentioned above.
Reputation and reviews
The reputation and reviews of a moving company can provide valuable insight into the quality of their services.
Reading online reviews is an easy way to get a sense of what other customers have experienced when working with a particular company.
However, it is important to keep in mind that not all reviews are created equal. Some may be fake or paid for, while others may be overly positive or negative.
When interpreting online reviews, look for patterns and trends. If multiple people mention similar issues or negative experiences, this is a good indicator that there may be a problem with the company.
On the other hand, if the majority of reviews are positive and customers report good experiences, this is a good sign that the company is reliable and trustworthy.
Here is an example of a positive review of NexMuv:
However, keep in mind that some online reviews can be fabricated.
In addition to online reviews, it is also a good idea to ask for referrals from friends and family members who have recently moved. Personal recommendations can provide valuable insight into a company’s services and can help you feel more confident in your decision.
That being said, even with a referral, you may not get assigned the same moving crew as your friend or family member did. Additionally, the recommended mover may not be compliant to service your move because no two moves are the same.
Licensing
A moving company that is licensed has gone through a rigorous process to meet certain standards and requirements, which helps to ensure that they are operating legally and ethically.
When you choose a licensed company, you can have peace of mind knowing that they are subject to regulations and oversight.
It is also important to verify a company’s licensing. You can do this by checking the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website.
This site will tell you if a company is licensed and insured, and provides other information about the company’s operating authority.
An important note here is that you need to perform additional checks on the moving company. Even if a mover meets FMCSA regulations, they may not be compliant with state, county, or even city regulations.
Insurance
A good company should have several types of insurance: liability insurance, valuation insurance, bodily injury, and property damage insurance.
Liability insurance protects your belongings in case they are lost or damaged during the move.
Valuation insurance provides additional coverage for the value of your belongings.
It is important to choose a company that has adequate insurance coverage to ensure that your belongings are protected.
You can verify a company’s insurance coverage by asking for a copy of their insurance certificate. You should also make sure that the company’s insurance coverage is up-to-date and active.
How to get quotes from moving companies
Getting accurate and competitive quotes from moving companies will help you make an informed decision on which company would be the best fit for you.
In this section, we will explore the two main ways of getting quotes from moving companies – online quotes and in-home quotes.
1. Online quotes
Online quotes are a convenient and fast way to get a rough estimate of how much it will cost to move your belongings.
You can easily request quotes from several companies in a matter of minutes, without having to leave your home.
Here are some of the advantages of using online quotes:
- Convenient and fast
- No need to leave your home
- Can request quotes from several companies
And some disadvantages of using online quotes:
- Quotes may not be accurate
- Cannot estimate the quality of the company’s services
In fact, most (if not all) moving companies don’t provide an accurate online quote. The number you get is a ballpark figure at best and is subject to change by a lot over the course of the moving process.
This is why NexMuv developed on-the-spot pricing backed by innovative technology. We don’t do credit checks, our quotes are locked-in, meaning there are no hidden fees or additional costs, and we even offer different financing options.
Finally, when comparing quotes from different companies, it’s important to keep in mind that the lowest price may not always be the best option. Movers can legally change the pricing during the moving process, so the lowest price may not necessarily stay low by the end of your move.
Be sure to read the fine print and understand the services included in each quote.
2. In-Home Quotes
In-home quotes are (potentially) more accurate and provide a more detailed estimate of the cost of your move.
During an in-home quote, a representative from the moving company will visit your home, assess your belongings, and provide you with a quote.
Here’s what you can expect during an in-home quote:
- A representative will visit your home
- They will assess your belongings
- They will provide you with a quote
You can prepare for this visit by:
- Having a list of items you plan to move
- Making sure your home is accessible
- Being present during the quote
However, even with an in-home quote, traditional moving companies find ways to drive up the price of the move and overwhelm the customer with additional costs they can feel compelled to agree to.
NexMuv takes a completely different approach to surveying what you want to move by implementing video surveys.
With a video survey:
- Both parties (the company and the customer) have a video record of the belongings that are supposed to be moved and their state (so that there is no conflict over whether something got damaged in transit or not).
- Integrity of the moving process is maintained.
- There is no chance of changing the original moving price. We hire third party independent surveyors for this part of the process, meaning the pricing of the survey is separate from the moving price, reducing the chance of bias.
When comparing quotes from different companies, be sure to ask about their services, experience, insurance coverage, and compliance.
Questions to ask moving companies before hiring them
Asking the right questions can help ensure there are no unpleasant surprises before, during, or after the move.
Here are some important questions to ask a moving company before hiring them.
General questions
Before hiring a moving company, it’s important to ask about their experience and history in the industry.
This can give you a sense of their level of expertise and whether they have a proven track record of success.
Some general questions include:
- How long have you been in business?
- What kind of training do your employees receive?
- How do you handle claims or disputes?
It’s also important to ask about the company’s processes and procedures to get a better understanding of how they operate.
- What is your process for packing and loading items?
- How do you handle fragile items, such as antiques or electronics?
- How do you ensure the safety of my belongings during transport?
Questions about insurance and liability
When moving, it’s essential to have insurance coverage and liability in place to protect your belongings.
Before hiring a moving company, ask about their insurance policies and liability coverage to ensure you’re protected.
- What type of insurance coverage do you offer?
- Is there a limit to the amount of coverage offered?
- Who is responsible for damage during the move?
It’s also important to verify a company’s insurance coverage and liability. Ask for proof of insurance and check with the insurance company to confirm the coverage is valid.
Questions about price and cost
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a moving company. It’s important to ask about pricing and costs to ensure you’re getting a fair and accurate quote.
- What is included in the quote?
- Could there be any additional fees or charges?
- Can you provide a breakdown of costs?
When comparing quotes from different companies, it’s important to ensure you’re comparing apples to apples. Make sure to compare quotes based on the same services and level of coverage to get a fair comparison.
Tips for a smooth moving experience
Here are some basic tips on how to prepare for a move, work with your chosen moving company, and deal with common moving issues.
Preparing for the move
Preparation is key to a smooth moving experience.
Before the moving day, there are a few important tasks you should take care of to ensure that everything goes smoothly.
- Start packing early: Packing can be time-consuming, so start as early as possible to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Make a list: Write down a list of items you want to move, what you want to donate, and what you want to throw away. This will help you keep track of everything.
- Label your boxes: Label each box with the contents and the room it belongs in, this will help the movers know where to place each box in your new home.
Working with the moving company
When working with a moving company, communication is key.
- Provide a clear list of items you want moved: Make sure the moving company knows exactly what you want moved, this will prevent any misunderstandings on moving day. (Though if a survey is conducted beforehand, like our virtual surveys, then the company should have the complete inventory list of what to move.)
- Ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask the moving company.
- Be present on moving day: Make sure you or someone you trust is present during the move, this will help you ensure that everything is going smoothly and address any issues that may arise.
3. Dealing with common moving issues
Despite your best efforts, moving can still be stressful, and there may be issues that arise.
Here are some common moving issues and how to deal with them:
- Delays: Delays can happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Make sure you have a contingency plan in case of a delay.
- Damaged items: If any of your items are damaged during the move, make sure to document the damage and file a claim with the moving company.
- Misplaced items: If any items are misplaced during the move, make sure to communicate with the moving company as soon as possible to resolve the issue.
VI. Conclusion
Relocating to a new home can be made easier and smoother by choosing the right moving company.
Taking the time to carefully choose a moving company, ask the right questions, and prepare for the move can help ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
By following guidelines from this article, you can find a moving company that is reliable, trustworthy, and able to meet your needs and expectations.
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