About 10% of Americans move every year. If you’re planning on making a move this year, it helps to get organized. You’ll need to pack, donate unwanted belongings, and of course, research relocation services.
Don’t hire the first relocation services company you find online, though. Instead, use these tips to find dependable movers in your area.
With these tips, you can find peace of mind in your choice. You’ll know you can trust your belongings with a trained, trustworthy team. They’ll streamline the moving process, removing some of the stress from your shoulders.
Don’t move on your own! Instead, use these nine tips to find the best relocation moving service available today.
1. Ask Your Inner Circle
Over 90% of consumers read reviews of local businesses to determine their quality. You can too! Start your search by talking to people in your inner circle.
Your friends, family members, or coworkers could point you toward dependable movers in the area. They could save you valuable time and effort. Consider working with your real estate agent, too.
As you talk with people in your inner circle, ask about their experience with the relocation services company. Was the team professional and on time? Did they experience any issues while working with that relocation company?
Ask if they would recommend you choose someone else instead. Why?
Speaking with your inner circle can help you gain helpful insights. You can find a few options to research further. Then, you can use the rest of these tips to vet your options.
If your inner circle can’t recommend a relocation moving service, that’s okay! Instead, start your search online. Google “relocation services near me” and develop a list of options.
While you’re online, visit each company’s Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listing. There, you can find reviews from some of the company’s clients. Make sure to read a handful of recent reviews.
Does the company have any complaints filed against them? Scratch those companies off your list.
Instead, choose a company with a strong professional reputation. These companies have gained the trust of locals over the years. They’re likely doing something right.
A company with a strong reputation will want to maintain that reputation, too. They’ll do everything they can to ensure the highest level of customer service.
Make sure you’re within the company’s service area, too.
2. Look for Years of Experience
Once you have a list of potential options, research each company’s history.
Learning more about each relocation services company can give you peace of mind in your choice.
First, determine how long each company has run and operated. Look for a team that has years of experience in the industry. These companies have learned over time.
A brand new company, on the other hand, might still have a few kinks they need to work out in their operations. They might make costly mistakes when helping you move.
Newer companies might offer their services at a fraction of the cost to draw in new customers. Don’t choose the cheapest available service, though. Instead, find a company with years of experience you can depend on.
An experienced team is less likely to make mistakes (such as breaking something) during your move. They’ll understand the complexities involved with moving. They can leverage their previous experience to make the process easier for you.
As you research each company, make sure to check their Better Business Bureau (BBB) listing. Make sure they’re accredited. They should have at least one positive rating on their profile as well.
If the company isn’t listed with the BBB, scratch them off your list.
Some companies dodge gaining an assessment from the BBB by offering their services under different names. Make sure the company you choose has a local address. You can avoid companies that are trying to avoid the BBB.
If they’re trying to avoid the BBB, there’s a chance they’re trying to hide something.
3. Make Sure They’re Licensed, Bonded, and Insured
Once you find an experienced moving company, you’ll want to make sure they’re dependable movers. First, make sure each company on your list is properly licensed.
Look for moving companies that are members of the American Mover and Storage Association. These relocation services companies comply with federal laws. They’ll make sure to handle your possession with the utmost care.
Make sure each moving company on your list has a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, too. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues USDOT numbers. You can also use this tool to make sure the business is safe and operating legally.
Once you make sure the company is licensed, confirm that they’re bonded and insured as well.
Does the company offer liability insurance? Ask about the coverage they offer. You might want to consider purchasing moving insurance before the big move.
Check to see if the company is an Updater Certified Moving Company, too.
These companies are registered, licensed, and insured by the FMCSA. You can ask the company for proof that they’re licensed and insured before hiring them. Choosing an insured company can give you peace of mind.
Ask if they have any other professional accreditations, too. You’ll have an easier time trusting a company that was vetted by a trade organization.
4. Ask About Their Crew
It’s not enough to find a licensed, experienced team. Instead, make sure you’re hiring dependable movers, too. Ask each company about the members of their crew.
Does the company vet its employees? Make sure the company runs background checks before hiring their team. Choose a team that’s experienced with handling moves.
Make sure their experience is relevant to your move, too. For example, are you moving out of state? What about out of the country?
If you’re moving out of the country, make sure to find international relocation services. You can depend on the team’s experience and expertise with international moves.
Consider choosing a moving company that offers their employees worker’s compensation, too. Otherwise, ask the company about their on-the-job injury policy.
If someone is injured while helping you move, you don’t want them to hold you liable. Instead, make sure the company has its insurance paperwork in order. Choosing a company with worker’s compensation insurance can give you peace of mind.
If there’s an accident, the company will handle it.
Ask the company how they intend on preventing property damage as well. How will the movers protect your new or previous home? They should make an effort to protect corners, floors, walls, and banisters during the move.
For example, they might use moving blankets, corner guards, and other protective materials.
If they don’t use these materials, ask what other precautions they’ll take.
If you have glass-fronted furniture or antiques, you’ll want to make sure the movers will make an effort to protect your belongings.
5. Speak With Previous Clients
Before hiring relocation services, ask each company on your list for at least three references. Then, speak with some of their recent clients. You can ask their clients:
- Did you experience any issues while working with these movers?
- How were those problems resolved?
- Did the movers seem experienced and knowledgeable?
- Was the team on time?
- Was the team friendly?
- Were they efficient and organized?
- How far did you move?
- Would you recommend the same company to a friend?
Remember, you can also head online to find customer reviews.
Speaking with the company’s recent clients can help you gain an insider’s perspective. You can learn from someone who was once in your shoes.
6. Consider How They Calculate Quotes
Each moving company will have its own unique pricing structure.
Take the time to get at least three quotes from relocation services in the area. Gathering three quotes will help you determine the local average. Then, ask the company how they calculate their quote.
Make sure you know what you’re paying for before you sign a contract. Otherwise, one company might seem more expensive than the other until you review their services.
Ask about binding versus non-binding estimates, too.
Binding estimates guarantee the total cost. Non-binding estimates, on the other hand, could increase based on the weight of your move.
Don’t forget to ask if there are any extra fees and surcharges you’ll need to worry about, too. For example, some companies will charge more for flight or elevator charges.
7. Look for Discounts
Ask each relocation moving service if they have any promotions or discounts available. For example, some companies have discounts for veterans or students.
8. Consider Their Services
Before choosing a relocation services company, ask about their additional services.
Some companies offer packing and storage services. They can shrink-wrap and label your possessions before the move.
Choose a company that offers the services you need.
9. Watch for Red Flags
Before choosing from your list of dependable movers, make sure to avoid red flags. For example, avoid companies that:
- Ask for a cash deposit before your move
- Show up late to give you an estimate
- Can’t answer your questions
- Show up in a rented moving van
The company should arrive with their own equipment. They should sound confident in their abilities, too.
Get a Move On!: 9 Tips for Finding Dependable Movers
Don’t hire the first moving company you find online. Instead, use these tips to find dependable movers you can trust. With these tips, you can find peace of mind in your choice.
You can move feeling confident that you have a dependable team there to help!
Ready to make your move? You can trust your dependable San Francisco moving experts.
Request a free estimate from our team today to get started.