Choosing a moving company is not an easy task. There are numerous companies’ eager to earn your business, but they may not all be trustworthy. It is important that you conduct your due diligence before making a final decision about a moving company. After all, they are transporting your most treasured possessions, and you will want to have them arrive safely and without incident to your new home. Here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing a moving company.

Ask Around

Start your search by creating a list of recommended moving companies. If you have friends or family who has used a moving company recently in your area, request a recommendation. Talk to your neighbors and check out reviews found on the local site.

 

Check Them Out

Conduct an online search for a moving company on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine if there have been any issues reported of the company. At American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), you can determine if a moving company is a member, which is a sign of quality moving company. They also provide helpful information such as free quotes, articles, and other resources. RipOff Report and Moving Scam’s offer reports about scams and complaints about moving companies to provide you with an understanding of their reputation.

 

Call for an Estimate

Once you narrow down your search to about three or four companies, call them for an estimate. They should come to your home and offer an estimate to determine some items you will need to be moved. The best type of estimate is a not-to-exceed estimate or a written binding estimate, which both cap how much you will pay for your move. Non-binding estimates are less desirable, as they almost always are more expensive once the work begins. Make sure to share with the estimator everything you plan to move, including items in the garage, in storage and the yard. Original estimates can be challenged if it appears you did not provide them all your items at the start of your discussion.

Compare the Bids

Make sure the bids from each company include all the same items. If a company provides an offer lower than the others, that may be a “red flag” that there are issues with the company. When there are several bids in the same price range, then you may consider it as an opportunity to negotiate a lower price.

 

Check Licensure and Insurance

While investigating a moving company, inquire if it’s properly licensed or insured. You can search for a company’s USDOT number on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s site known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  By locating this type of credible information, you are guaranteed that the commercial motor vehicle’s insurance status is positive. The company’s “Common” status should be stated as active with no application pending, and you should see a “yes” marked under “Household Goods.”

 

Make Your Final Selection

Once you complete your due diligence, you should be confident about selecting a moving company. Go ahead and sign the contract, and get ready for the big move to your new home!