Choosing a good moving company is very important for a successful move. No matter if you’re moving within your city or moving elsewhere, you should select your movers carefully to look after everything you own.
These are the major factors to keep in mind when selecting a moving company:
Reputation and the amount of experience can help you gain trust from customers.
Reputation and background in the moving business are the important details to look at first when choosing a company. Make sure companies you search for have many reviews and satisfied customers. Check the references of friends, family and coworkers, plus online reviews, before deciding on a moving firm.
Check the length of time the company has been in business, because this often reflects their skills and dependability. Moving companies that have handled lots of moves, for example https://mooverschicago.com/chicago-moving-services/commercial-moving/, know how to make different types of moves go smoothly.
Must be covered by licensing and insurance.
Checking if the moving company has the appropriate licenses and insurance is very important. The rules change according to where you live and the kind of move you make.
- For relocation within a province, check the local provincial regulatory body to find out if the company is licensed.
- If you are moving far from your province, choose a licensed mover from the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) or Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- When dealing with moves to or from the United States, confirm that the company own a valid US DOT number from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
It’s possible to confirm a company’s DOT number on the US DOT database. It is important that the company is well insured, covering all the main issues such as:
- Insurance for liability caused by business activities
- Cargo insurance
- Workers’ compensation
You are required to have $0.60 per pound per item as the bare minimum liability insurance for loss or damage in Ontario. Yet, you should ask about different insurance choices if you own items worth a lot or if you look for a better coverage plan.
Services Offered
Check the variety of services local movers provide and see if they match your requirements. There are companies that do particular kinds of moves such as helping people relocate their homes or businesses. Some movers give you the extra help of packing, unpacking, storing or handling fragile or unusual belongings.
For senior citizens or people with special needs, choose movers who regularly handle such relocations. Using a company that covers all services can make your moving easier by taking care of everything at once.
Giving clients quotes and deciding on pricing
Obtain detailed estimates from a range of movers to check their prices and their services. Companies might estimate the cost of a small move using the phone or an online quote calculator. So, if you need a large move, it works best to schedule a home visit or remote video estimation for an accurate quote.
Do not trust organizations that demand a big down payment or have greatly reduced rates, since these might be indicators of trouble. It is important to make sure that any quote you get details all the possible fees.
Customer Service and Good Communication
When choosing a moving company, good communication and personal service should be very important to you. Check their response to your first question and how promptly they respond to whatever you need help with. A dependable mover is expected to clearly explain what they offer, how much it will cost and their rules.
Choose companies that assign someone to help you during the process and keep giving you updates on your move. At this level, communication reduces stress and makes for a smoother time moving.
The items protected and their value are covered.
Get to know the different types of protection insurance the moving company has available. Basic lost or damaged coverage is usually covered in the quote, but it may not be enough for your valuable possessions. It may be helpful to purchase increased coverage or greater carrier liability for a greater sense of comfort.
Job Seeker Wizard also helps through certifications and affiliations.
Search for movers that have important certifications and join organizations related to the industry. Some certifications you should evaluate are:
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA) has issued a license to the company.
- Licenses issued by the Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Any moving company displaying the AMSA Pro Mover Credential is certified by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA).
Being a part of such groups like the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM) proves that a company is devoted to using the best practices and meeting the industry’s expectations.
A good place to look is at other people’s test results and feedback.
Check feedback from various customers to get an overall view of the company’s work. Try to find similarities in the feedback, especially in what is said positively and what is criticized. One negative review is usual, but when similar complaints keep coming, it’s something to doubt.
Supplies and facilities
Check what equipment and resources the company has to see if they can complete your move effectively. Items to consider in this category are the upkeep of their delivery trucks, the quality of their boxes and tapes and how thorough staff members are. A moving company with the right supplies and equipment is more successful at completing your move on schedule and safely.
Additional Considerations
- Check that the moving company gives you a contract that outlines every detail about the move and its costs, timings and what is included.
- Find out what the company does when delays, damage or unplanned problems arise.
- Ask about what will happen when you have a loss or damage to your possessions.
- Review if the company includes guarantees or warranty offers for their services.
Conclusion
When you choose a moving company, be sure to investigate and think through a number of aspects. When you review a company’s reputation, licenses, insurance, services, fees and customer support, it will help you pick the service that is best for you. Be sure to get various quotes, ask lots of questions and trust what your instincts tell you while picking a mover. Having the right team take care of you will help you experience a carefree relocation.