Sometimes, finding a reliable moving agency can be just as hard as finding a new home to live in. You have to do a lot of researching, asking around, then having interviews and in-home estimates, and finally choosing the one that suits your needs and budget the most. Yes, this entire process can be overwhelming for many. But it is something that just has to be done. If you chose the first agency you come across, who knows what might happen. Maybe they will rip you off. Or, even worse, they might be a fraudulent moving company. So, in order to avoid all of these and save yourself from troubles, keep on reading. Here is our guide on how to choose a reliable moving agency.
Get Recommendations
First things first, you must call all your friends, family members, colleagues, neighbors, or anyone who moved recently. Ask everything. Talk about all moving experiences, their move to Miami for example. Moreover, if something bad happened, do not give up on that particular moving agency just yet. Ask the people you know what happened. Do not focus on why the problem occurred, but what did the moving agency do to resolve that specific problem. Bear in mind that accidents happen all the time. Especially when dealing with a process as complicated as relocation. Also, do not forget to ask about additional fees and final prices. Knowing all these details will help you find a reliable moving agency in no time.
Go Online to Choose a Reliable Moving Agency
However, if none of your friends, family members, or other acquaintances have moved recently, and you can not get recommendations, do not worry, there is another solution. That is, going online. So, take a day off, make some coffee and open your laptop. In order to find a reliable moving agency, you must do some online research. Check every moving agency that you can find in your city or area. First, start by checking their website. Every company must have its own website. If they do not, something is probably wrong. Also, check their comments section and see what other people have said about their services. Then check their profiles on Facebook and Instagram for example. Moreover, if you want to be extra sure, then you can check some moving-related forums and chats and see if the company you are researching is mentioned.
Get In-home Estimates
Now, that you have gotten the recommendations and researched each company online, it is time to pick two or three and ask them to come to your home to give you an estimate. Bear in mind that many companies will try to give you over-the-phone or online estimates. Do not accept them, as they are never correct. Ask them to come to your home personally and give you an in-home estimate. This is great for many reasons. First, you will know the exact and final price of your relocation. And secondly, this is the best way to find a reliable moving company as you will be able to meet them in person and talk about their services and fees. Moreover, there will be no unpleasant surprises on a moving day.
Ask Questions
This is another important step when trying to find a reliable moving agency. Do not hesitate to ask questions. But, those can not be any questions. You must seem like you really know what you are talking about. That way, you will be able to get the best movers and the best possible price for the relocation. Avoid asking for the price of their service. This beginning price is never accurate, as movers do not usually involve the additional fees. This is why many people get unpleasantly surprised on a moving day. So, here are some questions that can help you choose:
- How much do the packing and unpacking cost?
- Will they bring their own packing materials or do you have to buy them yourself?
- What is the price of the packing materials?
- Is their moving truck involved in the final price?
- Is loading and unloading the truck involved in the final price?
- How many people will work on your relocation?
- Does moving specialty items cost more?
- Will you get some kind of insurance for your belongings?
Do a Background Check before You Choose a Reliable Moving Agency
In the end, the most important thing when looking to find a reliable moving company is safety, especially with family relocations. You must find a company which you can trust. After all, you are entrusting somebody with your beloved possessions. And if something gets lost or broken, you will need a company that knows how to deal with those kinds of situations. This is why doing a background check is a must! You can do that by simply researching online. Check their website for licenses and accreditations. Then, read what other people have said about them in the comments sections on different forums and social media accounts. Not doing a background check on the moving company you are planning to hire can cost you a lot.
Make a Decision
Well, congratulations! You are almost there. You got your recommendations, you did your research online, got in-home estimates, and did a background check. These were all the necessary steps you needed to take in order to find a reliable moving agency. The last one is making the decision and choosing a company that suits your needs and your budget the most. Do not choose according to the price. Price can be misleading. Maybe the price is too low because the company did not include additional fees. Or, maybe the price is too low because the company is new and inexperienced. You should always take everything into consideration and choose a golden middle.