Moving Guide – Choosing The Right Mover
Your family is getting ready to make a major change in their lives—you’re moving to a new home. Everyone is excited about the change, but you need to know that you’re going to have some good, reliable help to get you from house A to house B. Choosing the right mover can be a streamlined process, if you know what you’re looking for in a company.
Choosing the Right Mover is a Must
There are literally hundreds of moving companies to choose from. You want to make sure you choose the best. Where do you start? Choosing the right mover can start with a referral from a trusted friend, family member or co-worker. If someone has had a great experience with a moving company, you’ll likely hear about it. Start by finding 2-3 different companies, so you can get an idea of a fair quote.
Beyond the referrals, choosing the right mover will entail interviewing companies that have a good reputation and are known for delivering excellent customer service. You also want a company that’s been around the business for a while. If you need additional companies to contact, choose the yellow pages or internet to find reputable companies. You can also contact the Better Business Bureau, www.bbb.org, to find out what companies not to contact. If someone has filed a grievance against a moving company, the BBB will be able to tell you why.
There is a lot of information you’ll want to obtain about the company before you make your decision. First, have them come to your home and conduct an in-home survey. Most companies will do this free of charge and with no obligation. Steer clear of companies who charge for this service. The in-home survey will allow them to assess how many items and boxes you will have in order for them to provide you a reasonable quote.
Once you have the quotes in hand, you can compare what you’re being charged by each company. Do they have a daily minimum? How are you charged after you’ve met the minimum? How many people will be moving your items? Are you charged per hour or per item?
Also, you’ll want to know how they are licensed, bonded and insured. The Department of Transportation provides each moving company with a hauling authority number; make sure you keep a record of that number in your files. At the very least, make sure they are recognized by the DOT as a moving company.
Important, as well, is who the workers are that will be moving your belongings. Does the company use only full-time employees or do they contract out? It’s usually better if they’re full-time, so the company knows exactly who is moving your items. Make customer service a priority. Pay attention to how you’re treated from the moment you make your first contact with the company. You want to know that your move is important.
Making the Right Choice Makes the Difference
Choosing the right mover can be the difference between courteous, follow-up phone calls and tracking down a customer service representative or wondering when your belongings will arrive and contacting the driver through an advanced GPS system and tracking your items. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you’ve chosen a company that cares about your move and makes a point of keeping in contact with you.
After all is said and done, choosing the right mover is really doing what works best for you and your family. If you’re prepared and organized, made the important phone calls and done the research, you’ll feel like you’ve gotten the best customer service in the business—which is really all that matters.