How to Choose a Moving Company in 3 Simple Steps
Selecting the appropriate moving company can be laborious. The Better Business Bureau states that numerous grievances against moving companies arise from claims of lost or damaged belongings. However, additional issues like charging for unworked hours, delays, and not adhering to estimated costs were also reported. Moving day is already nerve-wracking, and the last thing anyone wants is their belongings arriving in a state of disrepair or being faced with unexpected charges. To prevent such situations, you should carefully evaluate potential moving companies. This process only requires a little extra time and can greatly alleviate troubles. Here are seven straightforward steps to guide you in choosing a moving company.
Watch Out for Red Flags
Pay attention to warning signs during the estimate process. For instance, trustworthy moving service SF to LA. Typically do not request a cash deposit prior to the move. If the mover appears too eager to receive the payment upfront, it is likely not a legitimate business. Additionally, during the estimate, observe the level of professionalism displayed by the movers. If they arrive late, seem unsure of their capabilities, or cannot address your inquiries, it would be wise to seek another company. Furthermore, be cautious of any movers who arrive in a rented moving van. A reputable company will possess its own equipment.
Make Sure the Mover Is Licensed and Insured
Licensed interstate movers are given a U.S. DOT number by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. If you are moving to another state, you should confirm the moving company’s license on the FMCSA’s protectyourmove.gov website and ask for their U.S. DOT number. This number will be necessary if you need to make a complaint against the moving company Beverly Hills https://got2move.com/local/los-angeles/beverly-hills-movers/ in the future. If you are moving within the same state, consult your local consumer affairs agency. The FMCSA’s contacts database contains a list of these local agencies.
Tips on avoiding moving scams
Some common moving company hiring that you may encounter include:
- The hostage situation, where a mover refuses to return your belongings unless you pay a significantly higher amount than initially estimated.
- Bait and switch, in which a mover changes the agreed-upon moving plan at the last minute, resulting in much higher costs for you.
- Imposing exorbitant delivery charges by inventing reasons to add extra expenses, forcing you to pay more to retrieve your belongings.
- Late delivery, or even worse, the complete failure to deliver your belongings within the agreed-upon timeframe.
- Reckless abandonment, when a mover takes your payment in advance, shuts down their operations, and leaves you without your belongings.
