How To Find Experienced Moving Companies

Written By: Larry Dewitt on February 19, 2010 No Comment

Moving is one of the most stressful events a person can undertake; it’s right up there with divorce and the death of a loved one. No matter how well the move is planned, or how much the move is looked forward to, the law of averages almost demands that something will go drastically wrong at the worst possible moment. One way to at least try to reduce your stress is to find moving companies with great references and lots of experience.

Moving companies differ greatly. Large companies can help with long convoluted moves from country to country or cross-country, and smaller mom and pop companies can better handle things of a local nature, within a hundred miles or so.

The best way to start to eliminate possible issues is to only deal with companies that are willing to send out a representative to give you an estimate. No one can give you a good estimate if they don’t see your home. It’s impossible to tell someone “3 bedrooms, living room, and 2 baths will cost you…”. There’s a huge difference between bedrooms that are 10′ x 12′ and ones that are 20′ x 25′. Someone needs to do a walk through before they decide what you have and what you don’t.

Make certain you know how many workers will be coming, and don’t feel pressured into agreeing to what they suggest. Very few moves can be handled with only two men. Some companies like to charge per person, by the hour – having an understaffed move going on almost assures them extra money in overtime charges. Be careful of these things! It’s cheaper to have four men and spend fewer hours loading and unloading.

Ask to see their contract first, then read it thoroughly before signing. Pay close attention to small print. Look for insurance coverage and guarantees. Also look for things like how they charge for overtime if they are basing your estimate on an hourly rate per person. All too often any overtime is the fault of the moving companies, not yours. Don’t allow yourself to end up in a position where you are paying hundreds of dollars extra because these guys took off for lunch, delaying the process.

When the moving companies do show up for the initial walk through and estimate, ask them questions. This visit should be treated like an interview. After all, you are looking for people to do a job. Ask them what experience they have with moving expensive electronic equipment, high end furniture, expensive art work and antiques. What happens if it rains out? Can they protect your furniture as it goes into and out of the truck?

And finally, be wary of anyone who says they need to paid in cash only. This means they are probably unlicensed to do business and if you have a complaint, there’s not much you can do. Only use a company who takes credit cards.

Learn more about cross country movers. Stop by Harold Jacobs’s site where you can find out all about piano movers and what it can do for you.

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