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Things You Need to Ask Moving Companies Before Hiring Them

Moving companies are all over these days. Unfortunately, as much as there are legitimate moving companies, there are also scammers who have infiltrated the moving market. It is very important for you to choose the most reliable among the many moving companies in your area. Remember that you will be entrusting your precious possessions, expensive appliances and furniture and important belongings to strangers - you must choose the right strangers to do that for you.

Things You Need to Know When Choosing Moving Companies

When choosing among moving companies, it is best to ask a few questions to each of them. You have to know whether they are legitimate or whether the company will meet your needs. It is always recommended that you ask for referrals of good moving companies from friends and neighbors. Get a list of five moving companies and survey them one by one. You have to verify whether these moving companies are duly registered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration or the US Department of Transportation. You can check online for this if you would like. Second, you can ask two or three of the moving companies in your list for rates and estimates. Moving companies usually base their rates on weight for long distances, and on a per hour rate for short distances. The estimate must be dated, must include all the necessary charges and the method of payment. You also have to check the nature of the estimate - whether they are binding or non-binding. You should prefer a binding estimate wherein charges could not be higher. Be wary about additional fees that some moving companies charge on top of the basic fees. Make sure you ask them about extra charges which may include parking fees, fuel surcharge, storage and handling fees, packing charges, flight and long carry charges, among others. The third most important thing you have to ask moving companies is their insurance provisions. Moving companies have different insurance policies, so it is best to ask detailed questions about it: how much they cover, and how much additional cost it will cost you.

Characteristics of Good Moving Companies

• Presented here are the characteristics of good moving companies for your referral. If you have finally chosen a mover to help you, make sure that they have most of the qualifications below:
• Legitimate moving companies have a registration with the Department of Transportation.
• Good moving companies provide you details about their nature of business - if they are subcontracted by a larger moving company, they should provide you details about their subcontractor.
• Good moving companies should provide packing service, storage options, and impose very minimal fees for additional services. They should not conceal hidden fees or charge you extra for services you will not avail.
• Great moving companies have well experienced movers who are able to handle your belongings with utmost care and protection.
•  The best moving companies provide binding estimates, though non-binding estimates are generally not too bad either.
• The mover you choose must have an insurance policy that is valid and fair. On an average, the company must also offer you (at some additional cost) more than 60 cents per pound to cover possible damage.
• Moving companies must openly provide you with references in case you need to ask other clients about their service.
• Good moving companies provide wrapping services for free and packing materials at a discounted rate.
• The best moving companies guarantee a specific delivery time that you have agreed upon, with a certain window or allowance.
• They should also offer some reduced rate if you are flexible and willing to work within their time frame in terms of pick up and delivery times.
• Most moving companies have pending complaints against them; this is very normal and should not be a cause of much concern. However, you have to check to see whether they resolve them or they just leave everything unsolved.

Remember that good moving companies should be willing to help you and provide good services. If you ask them as much questions and they patiently accommodate you, then you can probably assume that they offer good service. Again, it is very important that you wisely choose the right moving company to help you through this very difficult time. There are indeed a number of moving companies all around today and choosing one should be an informed choice, not a random one. You must invest some time in choosing the right company to entrust your belongings. Knowing the right questions and asking for the right information are equally important to help you make the right choice.




 

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