Finding a reputable mover is important whether you’re moving locally or long distance. This will help ensure your belongings get to your new home safely and in one piece.
The key is to find a company that meets your needs and doesn’t charge too much. That means avoiding scams like companies that give you a low estimate, then claim they’re overloaded and will only let you leave once you pay more.
Get Multiple Quotes
Obtaining many moving estimates from several movers can give you a better sense of the costs associated with your relocation. Choose the best option that fits your budget and avoid moving scams.
Before committing to any moving company like moving services St. Louis Park, MN, you should get at least three written estimates. In addition to the prices, you should look at other factors such as services offered, experience, and reputation.
Starting the process six weeks before your move date is a good idea. This will give you time to shop and find a provider that fits your budget.
Another factor to consider when comparing moving quotes is the number of flights of stairs the company will have to climb. This can be quite costly and should always be included in the quote.
Check the Company’s License and Insurance
One of the essential aspects of choosing reliable moving services is ensuring the company has the right licensing, registration, and insurance coverage. These are important because they protect your items and the movers if something happens during your move.
Liability insurance, for example, will pay for the cost of replacing any damaged or lost belongings. In addition, there are valuation insurance plans that will cover the full value of your possessions.
A moving company’s license should be checked to ensure it complies with federal regulations on transportation and safety. Those who offer cross-country moves must have a DOT number issued by the Department of Transportation, which serves as a license for commercial vehicles transporting passengers or cargo in interstate commerce.
Licensed movers must also carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation. If a mover does not offer these policies, look for another company that does.
Ask for References
A reference can be a big help when deciding on a moving service. They can give you an honest opinion of the company’s work and professionalism.
Ideally, your references will be responsive to your requests for information. If it takes them more than a day to respond, look for another reference.
Professional references are generally former bosses or supervisors who know your strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. They’ll also be able to speak to your work ethic and how you interact with other people.
Personal references are more common early in your career or when looking for social positions. These can be former coworkers or even friends.
Check the Company’s Reputation
You may decide to cooperate with a firm based on its reputation. A wonderful approach to learning what customers say about the business is reading internet reviews.
A moving company with a strong and positive reputation in the industry will always be able to deliver an excellent experience for its clients. Using a reliable moving company can save you time and trouble.
Determining whether they accept credit cards and how they handle the payment process is also important. Many reputable moving companies use pre-authorization and chargeback protection.
If a moving company asks you to pay in full upfront or wants you to deposit money into an escrow account before they start working, this is a sign that they might be untrustworthy. You can always ask for references if you need clarification on the company’s reputation. They may give you an honest opinion about the company’s service quality and management style.