Every year, around 40 million Americans pack their backs and move. Whether you’re headed to a new state or just across the city, having quality movers is a crucial part of the process.
Here are seven tips to ensure you hire reliable movers.
1. Ask Around
One of the best ways to find reliable movers is to reach out to your friends and family and ask for their recommendations. If they’ve moved recently, see what their experience was like.
This is a great time to ask specific questions. What did they pay? Was the company professional? Getting a first-hand account can give you confidence in making your decision.
2. Do Your Research
While getting the opinions of your personal network is a great start, you’ll still want to do your own research.
Make a list of companies you want to check out, and then spend time going through their websites. Are they a brand-new company, or do they have a respected reputation?
3. Check for License and Insurance
You’ll also want to make sure that the company you want to hire has a license and insurance. Moving companies are required to both, so this should be easy to confirm.
To check about licenses, you can look up the company’s unique USDOT number no the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website. For insurance, ask the company to show you proof of insurance.
4. Want Reliable Movers? Read Reviews
A quick Google search, for the best moving company in Las Vegas, can give you access to top moving companies along with reviews of what people thought of their services.
Facebook, Yelp, and local neighborhood platforms like Nextdoor can be other great resources when it comes to finding reviews. You can also use the American Moving & Storage Association as a resource.
5. Consider the Cost
Try to make calls and speak to a person at each company. While you may not get an exact rate, you can better understand how the moving service charges. Most movers charge by the hour, so check on whether there’s a two- or three-hour minimum.
Remember, avoid companies that ask you to pay large deposits, and always inquire about extra fees.
6. Schedule a Walk-Through
For major moves, make sure you’re hiring a company that will do a walk-through of your home. This will not only give you a chance to meet employees, but it will also give you a more accurate price estimate.
It’s also a great chance to ask any remaining questions you may have about your move.
7. Keep an Eye Out for Red Flags
While research can go a long way to helping you find a reliable moving company, you’ll still want to watch for warning signs. Some things to look for are the condition of the company’s moving vans. It’s also important to find a physical address for the company.
Make Your Move
Hiring reliable movers is key to making sure your relocation goes smoothly. If you do your research before choosing a company, you can feel confident in whichever service you go with.
For more helpful home tips, check out the rest of our site.