METCALF MOVING BLOG
How to Find a Reputable, Efficient Moving Company Near You
When you must relocate, the one thing you can count on is that moving will be a challenge. With so many things that can go wrong, it’s always best to hire professional help.
But how can you find a moving company you can trust? Find out here.
This short checklist details all the steps you need to take to find a moving company that won’t let you down. We’ll teach you how to browse for reliable companies and then narrow your list down to the best available options.
To find the best movers near you, follow these easy steps.
1. Identify Locally Based Companies
Make sure you research movers that have an actual location in your area. Never work with movers who only have a presence on the internet, which is often a red flag.
Check the moving company’s website and the online Yellow Pages to make sure they have a physical address in your community: a residential address, no address, or a P.O. Box might indicate the business is not legitimate.
2. Check Their Background
Seek out a company that has at least a decade of experience. The company’s years of experience in the moving and storage industry will illustrate the quality of its services.
Once you’ve started a list of local movers, dig a little deeper. Check a company’s reputation and qualifications with professional organizations such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
Also, verify an active license by looking for a U.S. DOT number on their website. All legitimate moving companies will have an active operating authority and adequate insurance.
3. Read Online Reviews
Researching information about a moving company through its website will provide you with an idea of who they are, but the real assessment comes from customer reviews. Reading customer reviews on sites like Yelp, Angie’s List, and Google will give you an insight into how they conduct business and if they will meet your needs. These testimonies are generally very reliable, especially when you compare reviews from different sites.
4. Gather Recommendations
Get testimonies from your friends, family, and neighbors. Ask them who they’ve used in the past and who they’d trust to move their belongings again. These personal recommendations hold a lot of weight.
5. Secure Estimates
Lastly, get a minimum of 3 in-home virtual survey moving quotes to compare. Reputable relocation companies will comply with federal regulations requiring an in-home estimate, which can be done by video call. Be careful of estimates provided over the phone or internet without a visual survey of your home.
Make sure the estimator sees/knows everything you’re moving. For example, if you’re taking any of the major appliances with you, don’t forget to tell them. It is easy to accidentally overlook things in the attic, basement, or storage. A good mover will ask you specific questions to price the move accurately and appropriately prepare for the job.
Also, ask how the estimate is priced and how the final price may increase.
Find a Moving Company with This Checklist
Even though moving is a challenge, finding a good moving company doesn’t have to be. Plus, hiring reliable help will significantly reduce the stress of moving day instead of adding to it.
If you need a reliable, experienced moving team — contact us. We are professionals with more than 100 years of moving experience to get the job done right.
