Choosing the right moving company is no walk-in-a-park! There are so many movers to hire but so little credibility. You could easily choose the wrong moving service at a detriment to your valuables and peace of mind. The last thing you want is to have your items broken, damaged, or even missing. Or to have to deal with terrible customer service and a ridiculous bill. That being said, follow these tried and true steps to choose the best movers.
1. Get a Good ol’ Referral
You can hardly go wrong with a solid referral from trusted individuals! Asking your friends and loved ones for moving company recommendations is easier than spending hours on your phone searching for one. Plus, people who have worked with or are familiar with moving companies won’t point you in the wrong direction. You can also ask your real estate agent for a referral.
2. Don’t Ignore the Red Flags
You can often tell a horrible moving service or a good one from the start (especially during the estimate). Generally, reputable moving companies don’t require a cash deposit before the move. However, if the moving service appears desperate to get the money before delivering, they may not be legit.
Additionally, it would be best to observe the potential movers’ professionalism when working on the estimate. Are they well-behaved and professional to a fault? Or are they unprofessional and badly behaved? Do they pay attention to details and keep to time, or do they show up late and appear unsure? Your answers will determine who to work with and who to dump!
3. Don’t Stop at the First Estimate
Don’t just approve the first estimate you get from the first moving company you contacted! Instead, get three different estimates from three different companies before you make a decision. Insist on an in-person estimate because no professional moving company can give you an accurate estimate without physically evaluating your stuff.
4. Enquire About Professional Accreditation and License
The best movers are those that are licensed and insured! And the better ones are those accredited by a recognized trade association. The U. S Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Association, gives licensed interstate movers a U.S DOT number. As such, you should request this number to verify the company’s credibility. Trade associations also assess moving companies before issuing a membership seal. One way to know if a moving company can be trusted is to look out for the American Moving and Storage Association’s ProMover logo.
5. Confirm the Adress
Ask for the mover’s business card so you can run a background check on them and verify their location. You can also look through their website for their listed address. Confirm that the address is listed and registered under the company name and not a residential name.
The Takeaway
Choosing the best movers Vancouver is easy peasy if you follow the right steps. Carry out due diligence and get referrals from trusted individuals. Don’t forget to listen to your instinct as well; if a moving service seems too good to be true, it usually is!
