When the need to move residence or office arises, it would be inexpensive to just do it yourself. But this is so demanding and cumbersome a task that the best option is to delegate the whole move to a professional moving company. What happens is that getting professional movers turns out as stressful as when you do it by yourself.

1. Points to Remember When Using a
Moving Company
By Vic Busciglio
When the need to move residence or office arises, it would be
inexpensive to just do it yourself. But this is so demanding and
cumbersome a task that the best option is to delegate the whole move to a
professional moving company. What happens is that getting professional
movers turns out as stressful as when you do it by yourself. Much of the
reason why moving house often becomes stressful and traumatic is the
abundance of moving companies that are less than honest and reliable.
How to choose a forthright and reliable moving company is in fact one
of the most frequently asked questions in a website dedicated to
relocation activities. So how do you find a moving company that you can
trust to handle all your possessions with care and dispatch without
bleeding of hard­earned cash?

2. Here are some pointers on how to find a moving company that
deals on the level:
1) Search online. Most companies have websites that list their services,
service history, destinations they will move to, and an estimate of its cost.
The web is a fine place to get background information and to start
compiling a list of potential companies.
2) Ask around. Most people you know have moved once or twice in their
life, so ask friends, family and colleagues if they can recommend a
company, or if there’s a company they don’t recommend. Both lists are
invaluable when choosing a mover.
3) Contact the BBB. Find out from the Better Business Bureau if any of
the companies on your initial list has generated any reports. The
information you get will usually contain any grievances filed and if the
grievances were resolved successfully. Read the report carefully, and if
you’re thinking of using a company who had a grievance filed, ask them
specifically about this case and how it was resolved. Depending on the
severity of the complaint, you may choose not to pursue this company.
4) Go for experience. Try to find moving companies that have been in
business at least ten years, and do not hire a moving broker. The margin
of error is smaller when you deal with experienced companies.
5) Find a friendly sales representative. The sales should be friendly
and give you a positive feeling by understanding your specific needs and
clearly explaining the services the mover can offer you. He or she should
also be readily available to answer your questions and be willing to provide
you with an email and cell phone number in case you need to reach them
on the weekend or during an emergency.

3. 6) Know the costs and services. As with any service, you don’t ever
want to put yourself in a situation where you’re buying something you don’t
fully understand. A mover should be able to give you a customized quote
based on the unique circumstances of your move, whether it’s around the
block or from coast to coast. If you’re not comfortable with what you’re
getting and how much you’re going to pay for it, don’t sign a contract and
go find another moving company.
7) Ask for references. It wouldn’t hurt if you ask for customer references
or testimonials that attest to the company’s quality service. Good
companies are eager to share their “successful moves” and will likely
include them in their initial sales and marketing materials. Look for recent
references that were given within the past 12 months. You want to receive
the same quality service enjoyed by customers who wrote the testimonials.
8) Look out for red flags. There are warning signs if the mover’s
telephone is answered with a generic “Movers” or “Moving company,”
rather than the company’s name. You should also be forewarned if the
moving company demands cash up front or a large deposit before the
move.
9) See the mover’s premises. The offices and warehouse of the
moving company must be in good order. If these are in poor condition or
non­existent, it is the wrong mover for you.
10) Ask for a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You
Move. This is a booklet that movers are mandated by Federal regulations
to provide their clients before any interstate moves. If the mover cannot
supply a copy, it’s your lookout.