It’s time to move and it’s not an easy task at all. . Where do you start? Right here with this guide. Read this guide filled with tips to finding an excellent moving company.
How in the world do you begin to find a home moving company? Not just any moving company. But one that you can trust with everything you own. Your grandmother's china, your wedding gifts, the art you've collected, your wine collection. Where to start?
Do your research
Google search is your best friend. Start googling! (which is how you probably landed on this blog post). Find at least three moving companies with great reviews and services. Get to know them better. We recommend a mix of local moving companies and the big-name ones that most people recognize (Bekins, Atlas, United Van Lines).
Look at their websites. Read their reviews. Ask your realtor if he/she has heard of them. But make sure you check them out. There are lots of resources to use. Here are a few:
- The Better Business Bureau
- AMSA's ProMover program
- AMSA's Mover Referral Program
- Yelp reviews
- Google reviews
When looking for a moving company, you want to make sure professionals are coming to your home. With the ProMover program, members must pass a background check and uphold AMSA's Code of Ethics.
Call them
I know I make assumptions when I speak with someone on the phone. If they can't be nice on the phone, will they really be nice in person? My gut tells me no.
When talking to local or long-distance moving company, find out when they were established. Ask them about their people and teams. I like to find out if they have repeat customers. The more questions you ask, the more comfortable you'll feel with that company (or maybe not. In which case you can cross them off the list of potentials).
Also, find out if they offer a range of moving services such as packing, storage, pool table moving, packing boxes. All the things you will need to move, you'll find a company who can do it all.
Get a quote
All reputable moving companies will come to your house, do a walk-through and discuss different service options. Within 24 hours the relocation consultant will email your quote. Check it
over carefully to make sure it includes everything discussed. If some part of the moving quote is confusing, ask questions.
over carefully to make sure it includes everything discussed. If some part of the moving quote is confusing, ask questions. The in-home evaluation is a free service and one that you want completed in person. Don't let the moving company say they can do it over the phone. Insist on an in-person home meeting. This protects you. There won't be any surprises when the moving crew shows up at your door. No one wants to pay more money after they move!
Do not choose a moving company that doesn't provide you with a free in-home estimate and answer every single question you have.
Recommendations from friends and family
Always ask people you know. If they have recently moved, they can give you advice. If everything went well during their move, call their mover for a free quote.
Another source of information is your realtor. They've been in the home business for a while. They usually have knowledge about at least one moving company.
Don't forget Facebook recommendations. People post daily about their good and bad experiences. If you don't see anything about a moving company, then request a recommendation. Someone will surely reach out and give you a hand.
Subscribe to our blog posts to learn more about moving and storage. Our upcoming posts will talk about the cost of moving, how long it takes and what to look for in a mover.
You can also read our guide book that provides more information about choosing the right mover for you. Click below to download it now!
