Tips for Hiring the Right Moving Company
Here are a few tips for hiring the right moving company for your next move.
1. Check to See If They Are Licensed.
Finding a trustworthy moving company can be a tough task, and one way to start looking is to search for moving companies that are licensed. USDOT requires moving companies to carry a license for interstate moving, and many states have requirements that vary from state to state.
In North Carolina specifically, moving companies are required to have local registration for moving trucks and drivers. There is also the Interstate Moving Number required by the USDOT. Reputable companies will be licensed fully according to local/state/federal regulations. Otherwise, there is no reason to take them seriously.
In addition to carrying a license, you can check out the USDOT website and look up their license number to see if there are any complaints. This will give you a better idea about the legitimacy of the moving company in question.
2. Check Into Their Insurance Coverage.
Insurance is a big deal when hiring a moving company. A company should have at least some form of liability insurance required by local regulations to operate. In addition, there should be upgraded insurance packages for better protection of your belongings.
3. Find Recommendations
Finding recommendations shouldn't be too hard. Have a friend that has moved recently? Reach out to them and ask them about their experience with the moving company that they worked with. There are several things that you can ask.
- How was the overall experience?
- Would you hire the moving company again?
- Were there any hiccups during your move?
- Did the pricing closely reflect the original quote?
In addition to reaching out to friends and family, it is always a good idea to check customer reviews across multiple review sites. A quality moving company should mostly have positive reviews. Make sure to read across the gamut of reviews and check for any red flags.
4. Ensure That Pricing Is Easy To Understand.
Rates and fees in any service industry can become confusing very quickly. It is super important to fully understand what you will be charged for in a move. The best way to ensure that your pricing quote is as accurate as possible is to get in-person written estimates.
When working with a mover on an estimate, make sure to show them all of the belongings, boxes, furniture, etc., that you will be moving. This will allow them to work up an accurate estimate that you can hold them to if they try to overcharge you.
In some cases, there may be additional fees such as fuel surcharges, equipment fees, and extra stops that could be added to your bill. Make sure that you go over that with your estimator so that you have a solid understanding of how their company works.
As a side note, make sure that you understand the three types of moving contracts that many companies use.
- Non-Binding Estimate: This means that the company cannot require payment over 1-% of the original estimate.
- Non-Binding to Exceed Estimate: This ensures that you will not have to pay for any overages above the original estimate.
- Binding Estimate: This is a guaranteed price for a move, along with any additional services and fees.
5. Moving Inventories Are Life Savers.
Reputable moving companies should take inventory of everything that they will be moving, along with rough measurements and weight. This is important for two reasons. First of all, by having a complete moving inventory, you can check back at the end of a move to ensure that your belongings made it safely to where it was supposed to go.
A moving inventory is also important for the sake of insurance. Without a complete moving inventory, lost or damaged items may not be able to be replaced.
6. Compare at Least Three Companies
Finally, it is important to compare at least three companies when considering hiring a moving company. Make sure to include all of your research, such as pricing, recommendations, and legal information, before choosing. If one company shines above the rest, then give them a call and get to work!
Appalachian Movers Transport.
Moving can be stress-free and joyful if you live in Asheville or Hendersonville, North Carolina, thanks to Appalachian Movers Transport. Since 2004, we have been Asheville and Hendersonville's top moving business. We provide virtually every form of relocation you can imagine, including residential, commercial, auto, and other moving services.
Contact us today for a free estimate for local or long-distance, residential, or commercial moving!