Features of a Reliable Moving Company

Selecting the right moving company with the best movers possible is essential to a smooth relocation experience. Whether it is a long distance move or a local move, a name brand outfit or student movers knowing the right things to ask and look for should be considered.

Ask Around

Everyone has a positive or negative moving story. Corner friends and family and research their experience with their choice of movers. Be sure and ask the following questions:

• Were they on time?
• Did they give you all the materials they promised?
• Was anything damaged and if so did they cover it?
• Were there any hidden costs?

Get a Quote

Once you have your list, set up some appointments. Most moving companies will offer you their on site estimate free of charge. When their rep comes over take a good look at them. Take note:

• Are they neatly dressed?
• Courteous?
• Respectful of you and your space. (Did they offer to remove their shoes if coming in from inclement weather?)
• Is their tone that of a representative that wants your business or are they simply burnt out and just going through the motions?

These people will not be at your move they are simply sales people and most will do their best to charm you into giving them your business. Keep your guard up. After all this is a business transaction so cut through the niceties as best you can and find out the bare bones of the operation.

NOTE: make sure everything you are told is on paper and don’t be afraid to ask the sales person to point it out.

What to Ask

A moving company can approach questions of reliability in two different ways. Either they will basically tell you that they will get you from point A to point B as quoted or they will describe how they pride themselves on superior service and professional workers able and willing to make sure your experience is as stress free as possible. Ask the representative:

• How will you make sure my experience is stress free?
• Will you guarantee me an on time window of start and finish times?
• Will I be the only move that day or will your movers be rushing through my move to get to another job or come from a previous job and drag through mine?
• How many free boxes will you drop off that I can use?
• How many men will actually be moving and how many will be in the truck?
• Am I responsible for any parking tickets your team accrues?
• What kind of team do you have?
• Are they workers on salary or a stable of freelancers? (This is important when it comes to a possible loss of property as it will be easier to track items when the staff is on salary.
• Are you insured, licensed and accredited?

Best Companies

National moving companies such as Mayflower, Atlas, Bekins and National are all equipped for long distance moves. They are usually staffed with salaried employees used to the ins and outs of every moving experience.

Local movers can be found in your phonebook or even on such sites as Craigslist. If employing a local company be sure to follow the above advice.