Some insider tips on how to spot the red flags, the key questions to ask, and how to make a good deal when searching to hire a moving company.

If there is one thing everyone can agree on, moving is stressful, no matter the circumstances.

Fortunately, there are ways to ease the burden. Hiring movers helps, whether it is to transport boxes from point A to point B or to pack every single fork and dish.

But before relinquishing control of every prized possession, take the time to choose your movers carefully. 

Depending on the length of the move, your belongings may be in transporters care for days, if not weeks. Therefore, asking crucial questions before signing contracts or letting strangers pick up everything you own and drive away with it is essential.

To determine the proper checklist, we spoke to Laura McHolm, an expert in organizing, moving, and storage and co-founder of NorthStar Moving Company. “Experience counts and track record shows a moving company’s ability to deliver every time,” she said.

Here is her advice on how to hire movers:

Is the moving company licensed?

If you are looking to hire movers to move from state to state, the moving company should have a U.S. DOT number, a unique license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. Make sure your moving company DOT number is valid by searching it in their database. 

 

If moving within your state, the company needs a state license. Never hire movers without a license number, and make sure that the moving company name matches the license holder. That ensures you are working with a legitimate company. It is also best to hire movers that have been in business for a few years. Many fake moving companies bounce from name to name to try and escape a bad reputation.

 

Is the moving company insured? 

Check that the moving company is insured on the same website you used to verify their license. Never hire movers without insurance to protect your belongings. Also, check to make if your items are covered during a move under your homeowners’ or renters’ policy. If not, you may want to consider supplemental moving insurance. Movinginsurance.com or moveinsure.com are good resources.

 

Has the moving company won awards for service? 

Before hiring movers, ask if they can show letters of recommendation from past customers. If they have not won any awards for service, chances are they are not going to win any from you. No one gives a glowing review to a company that is over-promised, under-delivered, and over-charged. Additionally, find out if they are active in the community. If they care about the community, chances are they will care about you and your move.

 

Have you checked the company’s online ratings?

Consult with the Better Business Bureau and review sites like Yelp, Citysearch, and TrustLink, which will share other people’s experiences. Sites like Google Guarantee or Angie’s List will also check the backgrounds of movers.

 

How do you get the lowest rate when hiring movers?

Most people move in the summer. For the best rates, ask the moving company about low-cost days. For example, find out if they offer a better rate on a Sunday rather than a Monday because moving prices increase in the summer and end of the year. Ask for midweek prices, and if possible, avoid the summer rush.

 

What do moving company rates include?

Low rates do not necessarily mean a low final bill. Ask how many movers will be on the job, how they plan to protect your belongings, whether there are charges for things like fuel or the building type (if you live in an apartment building without an elevator, for example), and how long they estimate the job will take. 

All this has an impact on the price. Additional men and equipment can mean additional costs. By law, a moving company can only give rates on the phone, not estimates. So before you hire movers, check if someone from the company will come to your home to provide a free onsite estimate instead.

 

What happens when you move out of state?

Long-distance moves are charged by weight and local moving by time. Legitimate companies present policies upfront. If moving out of state, ask about consolidation and delivery window policies in detail. 

Consolidation is when your belongings are shipped together with other people’s items. It is a great way to save money but adds time to the delivery schedule, as there will be stops for other people’s deliveries. Long-distance movers almost always involve a delivery window rather than an exact delivery date. You need this information to know how much to pack in your suitcase.

 

Has the mover asked you any questions?

Finally, before hiring movers, let the moving estimator ask YOU questions. If they have not asked a single question yet are ready to give an estimate, turn and run!

 

It’s your turn to be a homeowner in New Jersey

If you are interested in acquiring your new home, do not hesitate to contact our EXP Realty consultants. We guarantee quality attention and the best homes in the area, with personalized marketing strategies to achieve the most significant benefit.

You will not regret working with us because we seek your best interests. Our clients certify them.