Looking for a Moving Company? Here's How to Choose One
If you're moving soon, you know that finding the right moving company is essential. But how do you choose one when there are so many out there? How do you know if they're reputable and honest? What should you ask before hiring them? In this article, you will get some tips on how to choose a moving company that is right for your needs.
Get Referrals
The Big Apple offers a ton of moving companies, so referrals can help you a lot to narrow down your search. People who choose among the many moving companies in New York City tend to compare quotes and suggestions from friends and family members who have recently moved. Ask friends and people who recently moved for the contact information of the movers they used.
If you don't have any personal referrals, you can search for companies online. However, it is important to be aware that not all testimonials are authentic. Do your research and look for a company that has been in business for a while and has good ratings. You can also go through the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website to check if there are any complaints against the company.
Do Background Checks
Moving means that you are handing all your valuables over to a company that needs to safely carry them over to your new place. This is why a background check on the workers is essential.
Research their criminal history. This will help to ensure that none of the workers have a history of doing bad things with people's belongings. If some of the workers had been arrested for theft before, you don't want them working with your stuff.
Also, check former places of employment. If the company doesn't have a good history of taking care of people's belongings, then they probably won't take care of yours either.
Beware Of Red Flags
There are certain red flags that should make you not want to hire a certain moving company. These are the following:
The company does not have an office or warehouse space.
The company is not licensed or insured.
The company asks for a large deposit before the move.
The company does not offer a written estimate.
Their vehicle looks unprofessional or unsafe.
The workers are not uniform.
The workers do not have identification badges.
The workers try to rush you or do not answer your questions.
The company does not provide a contract.
If you see any of these red flags, it's best to move on and find another moving company. It's important to do your research and read reviews before choosing a moving company. You don't want to end up being scammed or having your belongings damaged in transit. By being aware of these red flags, you can avoid being taken advantage of by dishonest movers.
Know Your Specific Needs
You need to know your specific needs in order to choose the right moving company. If you're only moving a short distance, for example, you may not need a full-service mover. If you have a large and heavy item that needs to be moved, you'll want to find a company with experience in handling big items.
After you've explained the specific needs to the movers, make sure they're up to the task. Ask for a moving quote and references from past customers to ensure you're getting the best possible service.
Read Reviews
Reviews and testimonials can be a great way to get information about a moving company. They can give you an idea of the quality of service offered, as well as what to expect during your move.
Be sure to read reviews from a variety of sources, including both online and offline platforms. This will give you a more well-rounded view of the company. Additionally, look for reviews that are recent and unbiased.
If you're reading negative reviews, take them with a grain of salt. It's possible that there may have been some sort of misunderstanding or that the customer was not completely satisfied with their move. However, if there are several negative reviews and they seem legitimate, it might be best to steer clear of that company.
Make Sure They’re Licensed And Insured
You must check if a business is licensed and insured. Licensed businesses have to follow a certain set of rules, so you can be sure they’re qualified for the job. Plus, if something does go wrong during your move, insurance will cover it. You don’t want to end up paying out-of-pocket for damages caused by an unlicensed business.
To check this, just do a quick Google search of the company’s name plus “licensed” or “insured.” If you don’t find anything, that doesn’t necessarily mean they aren’t licensed or insured, but it does increase the chances that they aren’t. So, if you can, try to find this information before hiring them.
Moving companies are an important factor when making this kind of change in your life, and you must get referrals to narrow down the search. Do some background checks and know which red flags to avoid. Make sure that they can satisfy your personal needs and read online reviews about the companies you're considering hiring. Finally, make sure that the company is licensed and insured. Your belongings will arrive timely and safely with these tips!
