It could be challenging to select the best moving company. The BBB reports that lost or damaged property accounted for the bulk of moving company complaints, however others included invoicing for hours that weren’t really performed, showing up late, and failing to honor estimates.
Moving day is stressful enough without worrying about your possessions being broken or costing more than intended. You should thoroughly research potential moving companies to prevent this.
You may avoid a lot of trouble by spending a little extra time. These are the seven fundamental steps we use when choosing a moving company.
Collect Referrals
Get free moving quotes to start. Next, get referrals for a moving company in Santa Clarita from friends, family, and coworkers. Ask for a referral from your real estate agent if you are dealing with one.
Make use of the Rule of Threes
Never go with the first estimate you are given. Request in-person quotes from at least three different companies instead, as no company can give you a precise estimate without seeing your belongings.
Watch out for warning signs
Be on the lookout for warning signs throughout the estimate. For instance, the majority of reliable Santa Clarita Moving companies won’t request a cash deposit before your relocation. The moving company could not be legitimate if the mover seems to be frantic for the cash up front.
Additionally, observe how professional or unprofessional the movers seem while giving you an estimate. If they are tardy, don’t seem confident in their abilities, or can’t respond to your questions, find another business.
Additionally, watch out for movers who show up in a hired moving van. A well-run company will have its own tools.
Verify the mover’s insurance and license status
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation assigns a U.S.
DOT number to authorized interstate movers. If you’re relocating out of state, look up the moving company’s license on the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov website and ask for its U.S. DOT number; you’ll need it if you ever need to make a claim against the company.
Contact your neighborhood consumer affairs office if you intend to remain in the region. There is a list of regional agencies in the FMCSA’s contacts database.
Ask the Better Business Bureau for advice
Look out the moving company’s BBB rating online, which is free to do. Pick Santa Clarita Moving Company with a solid rating or those are recognized by the BBB. Search for a moving company that is BBB-accredited if the one you’re using is not.
Make a request regarding professional certification
Trade organizations inspect businesses before approving them for membership or a stamp of approval. Look for a moving company that displays the Moving and Storage Association’s logo. To identify approved providers, you can also visit the aqmsnationalmoving.com website of the Moving and Storage Association.
Examine the Address
Find the mover’s address online or in the phone book after requesting a business card or visiting their website. Verify if the moving company’s address is listed and registered under the business names. Avoid using any address that is listed under a household name.
Selection Criteria for a Reputable Moving Company
Of course, if you want the change to go smoothly, you need work with professional movers. With these tips, it ought to be a little less difficult.
Look into the mover
Verify the mover’s insurance and registration. Interstate movers must have a USDOT number, according to FMCSA. Different laws apply to movements inside one state. You can get in touch with your state attorney general as well as the consumer affairs office in your state, county, or municipality.
As well as contacting the Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies, you can use the FMCSA search tool database. You may also get a list of reliable movers from organizations like the American Moving and Storage Association.
Obtain referrals from friends and family. Check the moving company’s references. Tell them you need a list of three local customers who have moved within the last three months. Make direct inquiries regarding their experiences by giving those clients a call.
Read the leaflet titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and get a few quotes. In case your belongings are misplaced or harmed during the move, the contact information is also included in this booklet. Additionally, interrogate the mover (more on that later).
Prepare a thorough moving inventory
A trustworthy moving company will do a physical or digital inventory of all your belongings. This entails looking through each room as well as all of your storage spaces, including bookcases, cabinets, drawers, and garages.
The inventory should also include any items that are being moved from outdoor spaces.
This is due to the fact that the moving company’s estimate mainly depends on the weight and volume of your possessions in the truck. If you don’t want to bring any of the items to your new home, let the estimator know. It is essential to get a precise estimate.
Obtain an estimate in writing
Compare the prices you are given by several moving companies. As was previously said, the estimate need to be based on a physical assessment of your household goods. We advise getting at least three quotes from various movers.
An understanding of your moving estimate
There are three different types to consider:
- The corporation is prohibited from requesting more than 10% more than the original estimate, according to a non-binding estimate on your contract. Within 30 days after delivery, any additional fees must be paid.
- You won’t be held responsible for any price increases that surpass the non-binding to-exceed estimate in your contract. The maximum amount you will be required to pay for any services rendered is the estimate.
- A legally binding estimate is intended to be a set cost for the relocation as well as all add-ons and services. You must pay any additional expenses within 30 days of delivery if you need additional services (like unpacking).
Moving Savings Advice
Moving could be expensive, even if you handle everything yourself. You can adopt the following cost-cutting measures:
- To get ready in advance, create your own moving checklist or utilize ours.
- Rent a moving truck rather than hiring professional movers.
- Instead of employing full-service movers, consider renting a portable moving container.
- Take into account a hybrid move, which can mean hiring a moving company for the day of the move that merely provides manpower.
- Pick a weekday between October and April as your moving date to save money.
- Obtain free moving supplies and boxes.
- enlist the help of family and friends.
- Clean up, sell, and give
