You have built your dream home and the move-in date is quickly approaching. Now it is time to pack up your current home, gather your stuff out of storage, and prepare to move into your new home. For many people moving can be a bit of a headache and that is why many end up hiring a moving company to do it for them. It is very important to do your research when searching for a reputable moving company to hire. Your belongings are very important and you want to make sure they are treated with the utmost care and respect. Here are a few things to consider when you are searching for a moving company.

Are they Licensed? 

This is one of the first, and most important, things to verify when searching for a moving company. You want to look into the company’s legal status. Most companies say they are licensed and insured but it is important that you do the research yourself for verification.

In-State moves: Many states have implemented rules and regulations to monitor moving companies at a local level. The Department of Transportation or the Public Utilities Commission are the authorities responsible for the oversight of these companies. If you are looking for more information it is best to contact them for more details or questions.

Out-of-State moves: If you are moving out of state and want more information or details on a moving company, check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This agency grants permits to all moving companies engaged in interstate transportaion of household goods. They regulate the safety, economic and legal compliance audits to protect consumers. This data is available as a public record and you can check to see if the mover you choose is licensed and insured.

Are they Reputable? 

Now that you have done your research into their validity, look at their reputation. This does not mean choose a company with the best ad campaigns or the catchiest slogans. Read reviews, get input from others who have used the company. Moving can be stressful so it is likely that you will get honest opinions from those who have used the company in the past. If they took care of them during that stressful time and made it a little easier, most likely you will get some honest feedback.  Another thing to notice is how the company responded to the reviews and feedback online. Was their presence made known both on their website and their social media accounts? Did it seem that they genuinely cared for their company reputation if they did receive a negative feedback? This is likely to show how much they care for their customers and their business.

 Do They Bring an Added Value? 

By now you have narrowed down your search. You have found a reputable, trustworthy company to hire, but don’t stop there. You want to ask them questions about how they go about disassembling furniture and electronics, the types of equipment they use for large or unique furniture? What types of packing materials do they use to keep your valuables safe from damage? Do they offer any other added benefits such as a cleaning service after the move is over? Do they offer storage (if needed)? These are all great things to consider because you might discover you need additional services as your moving day approaches.

The Red Flags

We cannot give you this list without advising you on what “Red Flags” to watch out for. If you are searching a moving company and they do not have a listed physical address, scratch them off of your list. If they do not give you a written estimate when doing a walk-through of your home also scratch them off of your list. Other things to watch out for are requiring a large deposit down before a move, estimating an extremely high or low price for the move, not giving you the FMCSA booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”, or asking you to sign blank or incomplete documents.

We know that this process is both exciting and sometimes stressful so we hope that you can use this as a guide when choosing a moving company to help you on your big moving day. If you would like more information on some moving companies in the area that we recommend contact P&D Builders.