Finding a Trustworthy Mover

June 8th, 2009 by Matt DiChiara| Posted in Apartment Guide, Moving | 2 Comments »

Editor’s Note: This is a guest post from Relocation.com

Let’s face it, your no. 1 fear after you’ve finally found your new apartment is getting ripped off by your mover.

Thankfully, most moving companies are upright honest folk. However, you do have to protect yourself against the unscrupulous types. Here are ways to do that.

1. Make sure your moving company has a local office, whether they’re based in your hometown or they’re an agent for a van line how can someone who’s thousands of miles handle your move? Ask for a local address, and even pop down and check out the offices just to be sure.

2. And make sure they come to your home to see exactly what you need to have moved. Some movers don’t like to do this if it’s a small move, but insist it’s really the only way they can give you accurate moving quotes.

3. Make sure you’re not getting a low-ball moving quote. This is a common ruse: the moving company gives you a low bid to win your business, and then lard on a bunch of charges later, like claiming you have more stuff than you did during the estimate, or using 5,000 rolls of tape to secure your items. Don’t fall for it. Throw out quotes that are 25% less than the other moving companies you speak with (and speak with at least 3).

4. Make sure the moving company has the proper license. If moving within the state, check with the appropriate state authorities. If you’re moving between states, go to the ProtectYourMove.gov Website and use their DOT number to see that their license is up to date. You can also check moving complaints.

5. Check with the Better Business Bureau for unresolved complaints about a moving company. Their record should show that they have a satisfactory rating and that they’re responsive to complaints made against them.

6. Get a recommendation, but not just from anyone the company offers up. Ask for businesses that use them on a repeat basis businesses won’t use them more than once unless they’re good.

7. Get the right moving paperwork. If you are making an interstate move, get the following:

• A written estimate itemizing the services that will be provided.

• A “Table of Measurements” is also called a Cube Sheet, and it lists all of the items you’ll be moving. The moving company creates the Table of Measurements to figure out the size and weight of your move.

• An “Order for Service” is signed by your moving company and protects you by spelling out the agreement between you and your moving company regarding the dates the shipment will be loaded and delivered, the cost that was estimated, and the fact the mover can only collect 110% of the estimate at the time of delivery if you have a non-binding moving quote.

Getting ready for a move? Get a free moving quote now.