5 Things to Keep in Mind in Order to Ensure a Positive Moving Experience

04 Mar 5 Things to Keep in Mind in Order to Ensure a Positive Moving Experience

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Moving is a hassle. That’s it. It’s as simple as that. No matter how you slice it or play it; moving takes its tole both physically, financially, as well as emotionally.

With that being said, though, who you’ll hire to do your move will significantly impact your moving experience; either positively or negatively. Hiring an experienced, reputable, reliable moving company will decrease your stress greatly and ensure that your moving experience is as smooth as can be. While hiring an inexperienced or dishonest moving company will add a tremendous amount of unnecessary aggravation; turning your move from a stressful but positive experience to a terribly negative nightmare.

And since we, at Reputable Moving, aim to take the stress out of your move… Here’s a short list of warning signs to look out for when hiring a moving company in order to avoid disaster.

1. Reputation:

The first and foremost thing to look out for is the moving company’s reputation. Start with a quick online search and read the moving company’s reviews on forums like Google+ Reviews, Yelp, Facebook, and the BBB. I mean, with fake reviews being so prevalent , from companies and their competition , you can’t rely totally on online reviews, but it’s a good way to start.

Oh, and don’t just go by a numerical star rating; read through the actual reviews. This will give you a real feel for their true customer moving service. All moving experiences could be different; local vs. long-distance, a large move vs. a small one etc. Reading the actual reviews will give you a good idea of what the moving company might be good at.

Now, realize, that looking for all positive reviews may not always be realistic. Especially since people are usually more likely to write a review after a negative experience rather than after a positive one. So look for some positive ratings, and read through the negative ones to see if it’s consistent and how it may pertain to you. Meaning, if they have negative reviews regarding long-distant moving and you’re moving locally, well, then, it may not effect you at all.

However, while you don’t have to worry about a few negative reviews among positive ones; all and only negative reviews is a warning sign. It’s one of those red flags to be careful about. Especially if the negative reviews are related to all different aspects of their services, as apposed to one aspect; that shows an overall lack of reliability as apposed to one fault. If all bad reviews is the case, I would say, take the warning; this may not be the right moving company for you.

2. The Basics:

When looking up your potential moving company, make sure that the basic elements are in place; this is an indication that they are a legitimate, reliable company.

Make sure that a physical business address, contact information and a listing of some basic services that they provide are included and easy to find on their website and Google Business listing. Also, look at the company’s website to see that it’s professional looking and easy to navigate. A lack of any of these elements are clear warning signs that this moving company may not be reputable.

Another crucial piece of information to check for is a DOT number, which is a number indicating that the company is registered with the Department of Transportation and is used to monitor the fleet’s safety. All moving companies are required to be registered with the Department of Transportation for interstate moves and, in many states, for local moves as well. This information, as well, or the lack there-of should raise suspicion.

In addition, moving companies usually use every opportunity to market their brand, displaying their logo on their trucks, boxes and attire, due to the highly competitive nature of the moving industry. Therefore, a lack of branding, like a blank, discreet truck is not just a lost opportunity, but it’s a warning sign that something is not right.

One more component to check for is to see if the moving company is listed on the list of Pro-Movers with the American Moving and Storage Association. Being included on this list is further validation of a legitimate moving company.

Making sure that these basic elements are in place before hiring a moving company, will ensure that you hire reputable, reliable movers.

3. Estimates:

When pricing out moving companies; if you get several quotes that fall in the same ball park, while one stands out as significantly lower than the others; this should raise your antennas. What this probably means is that they’re giving you a lower initial flat rate but there will be additional fees on moving day that will add up to a much higher final price than you were expecting. So a significantly lower moving rate is usually a sign of suspicion.

This is why reputable moving companies will generally send a representative down in person to take inventory of your move and give you an exact initial estimate. A more accurate upfront estimate will avoid the pitfall of incurring additional fees on moving day, which are unexpected, unprofessional, ultimately dishonest and can rack up a big bill quickly.

Another red flag is a moving company that asks for a large deposit upfront. Taking an uncharged credit card to keep on file in order to reserve a moving date is legitimate, called for and commonly done. But taking a large deposit upon scheduling your move, is suspicious and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Experience:

Being able to answer your moving questions is another clear sign of a reputable moving company. Ask your potential moving company your moving questions and see if they can be of help to you. Ask them how furniture and delicate items are packed? Find out what services are included in the move? Ask how long the move will take? Ask about pricing for local or long-distance moves? Find out about insurance coverage for lost or damaged items?

A reliable moving company will be able to answer these basic moving questions. If a company can not help you with these questions, it should definitely raise suspicion regarding the company reliability.

There are so many scams nowadays, in all industries, as well as in the moving business. With the internet available, it’s easy to put up a front to a phony business. Therefore, when searching for a reputable moving company, make sure to bear these warning signs in mind and use your innate sixth sense to make sure you hire a reputable moving company. This will ensure that your moving experience is as positive as possible.