Hiring Movers: A Step by Step Guide to Get Quality Movers

Professional movers are a much-needed convenience. Anyone who has ever relocated without a mover knows the mental, physical, and emotional burden that comes with moving. If you can afford moving services, there is no harm in getting them to make the process seamless and efficient.

However, the buck does not stop with affordability. If you want to get quality movers, you must practice some due diligence. How can you make sure your pick is the best? Here is a list to guide you as you set about choosing movers.

Read the Reviews

Testimonials are an easy way of determining quality services. Google has a review option in every online business profile where customers provide feedback about the quality of goods and services. Most companies rely on these profiles as part of their marketing strategy. Go through the reviews to get acquainted with the mover's work quality and professionalism. You can also find authentic reviews about the company on Yelp or Angie's List.

If you are still unsure of the efficiency of your preferred mover, you can ask for recommendations from your social circles. Family or friends may have used moving services before or know someone who has hired movers. Get their opinion on the matter and make informed decisions based on what you learn.

Get Professional References

If your social circle is small and you did not find any meaningful response from your online social networks, you can find references from professional entities. The American Trucking Association has registered moving companies nationwide. Movers with the highest-ranking get a ProMovers Certification. The accreditation shows the company adheres to the highest standards in the movers and storage sector. Customers can rely on and expect quality services from such reputable companies.

Another professional mark for moving companies is the Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation. BBB rates a business's ethical standards, integrity, proficiency, and respect. Companies that have this accreditation are trustworthy. The benefit of having professional bodies do the grading is they assess quality on every significant aspect of the business. People can not authenticate online reviews. Therefore, it is critical to look for accreditation as well to verify quality.

Licensure and Insurance

Moving and storage companies need licenses to operate. The legal documents show their transportation equipment and trucks meet standard measures. They also need lawful authorization to make business transactions. These legal papers prove the organization follows standard practice, maintains quality throughout its operation, and abides by the legal framework of conducting business.

Moving and handling possessions is a high-risk business. A lot can go wrong during business operations. Organizations in the movers and storage sector must have insurance coverage for their workers, customers, transportation equipment, and vehicles. Full insurance is a requirement to acquire BBB accreditation.

Pricing

Contrary to popular belief, expensive pricing does not always equate to quality service. Once you have singled out quality moving companies based on their accreditation and reviews, it is time to find out price estimates. Get value for your money by finding affordable services without compromising on quality.

You want a moving company that gives you a one-time quote upfront, guaranteeing that is the final price. Red flags to watch out for include:

• Sudden cost increases midway through moving are unethical.
• A nudge to sign a blank contract without any quoted costs on the offer is a sign of exploitation.
• Cash demands before the job are complete. Quality movers and packaging companies charge when the job is over.
• Unforeseen surcharges disguised as extra labor or services are an endeavor to fleece customers - do not fall for that trick.
• If the estimated quote is verbal, avoid getting into a contract. Reputable companies provide written estimates.

Ensure the moving company gives a detailed list of services provided on the contract. Transparency is key. Know the company's hourly rates and compare them against the competition. Find out if the company offers any complimentary deals to sweeten the deal. Remember, it is your money at stake here, and every piece of information counts.

Make Sure the Moving Company has Working Customer Service Lines

A company is avoiding accountability if its interaction with consumers is lacking. If your company of choice has no phone number or any other means of communication, you should be worried. How do you raise queries, ask questions, or get answers for issues regarding the move? The absence of communication channels is a huge red flag.

Analyze the company's engagement with customers online. Are they listening, providing solutions, or guiding their users? Are customers going through a miserable time, waiting for service fulfillment with unavailable support? Analyze the complaints and the resolution offered. If you do not regard the warnings, you will be next in line and learn, firsthand, how unprofessional some moving companies can be.

Find Out About the Company's History

Longevity in business, especially where competition is stiff, symbolizes trust, consumer loyalty, and quality service. Moving companies that continue to offer services and thrive after decades of service must be doing something right. They have the expertise and experience in packing and transportation. They have adapted to technology and streamlined their operations to improve quality over the years.

Although newcomers are also a force to reckon with, nothing beats decades of experience in knowing the ins and outs of the market needs, demands, and supply while maintaining quality services. Experience is invaluable, especially where quality is concerned.

Ask Pertinent Questions

Aside from assessing business operations through third parties, you can get the answers from the horse's mouth.

• If you are moving to an apartment complex, the property manager may require proof of licensure from your moving company. You can request such legal documents to comply with the rules in your new home.
• You can also ask about the payment strategy. Find out whether it is a flat or an hourly rate. Federal regulations have restrictions on hourly rates for long-distance trucking companies and limit the maximum number of operation hours for freight. Calculate the costs and find what is feasible for you.
• Inquire about the mover's area of specialization. Some movers specialize in carrying delicate, extremely heavy, or unique cargo. If you have furniture or an item that requires special storage conditions, you need to let the mover know.
• Find out about the payment method. You may have a credit card, but the mover only accepts cash. Ensure that you clear the air about the mode and date of payment.

Bonus Points if Your Mover Conducts Pre-Visits

Most moving companies make estimates on freight volume depending on home size alone. However, you cannot quantify belongings, furniture, and other household items accurately by calculated assumptions. You have hit the jackpot if the moving company comes to your home to assess the number of your possessions.

The additional assessment enables the mover to plan with precision.

• They will be able to get the right size vehicle and container.
• Time estimations will be more accurate.
• Scheduling for activities - loading, hauling, offloading - becomes easy.
• The company will be able to assign the required number of staff to do the heavy-lifting.

Continuous Tracking

Find out if the moving company manages inventory before, during, and after transit. Keeping track of your possessions ensures every item is accounted for to minimize losses through theft. It is impossible to keep track of all your belongings when moving. Things can get lost, others left behind, or broken and hidden.

Managing inventory before and after transit displays accountability and top-tier professionalism. It enhances trust between the moving company and the consumer. The opposite is true when belongings get lost under the mover's care.

Keep in mind that taking track of inventory is not under the jurisdiction of the moving company if the owner packs their belongings. The company is only liable if they handle packing. However, if the cargo damage is the moving company's fault, they will be held accountable and have to compensate their customer.

Find Out About the Services Offered

Get familiar with the services the moving company provides. Ensure they meet all your moving and packing needs. If your moving company cannot transport fragile items because they lack specialized equipment, you need to look for other options in the marketplace. You may have an item that requires refrigeration. If the moving company does not have refrigeration containers, it will be impossible to work with them.

Contact Us For Quality Services

At North American Van Lines, we pride ourselves on providing top-tier and professional moving and packing services. We are an accredited company with more than 80 years of experience as movers. We operate in over 500 locations in North America. We also provide international services. Contact us to get an estimate for your move.