Choosing a Mover can be Tough....

so be prepared before you choose!

Choosing a mover that will deliver all of your "stuff" to your new home in the same condition as it left your old home is not always a given.

Sounds simple enough, but it doesn't always happen that way.

In addition to that concern you'll also want to know the costs will not be grossly higher than expected upon delivery. And you'll get your belongings delivered to you on time. So, before deciding which moving company you'll use - make a short list of candidates and do your homework on each one.

What types of Licenses and Insurance do they carry?

Before choosing a mover, make sure to verify their license with the local DOT office. Every moving company has to be licensed and insured. Types and levels of licensing vary by state.

If you're moving within a state, be sure the mover is licensed by that state's Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission, or Bureau of Consumer Affairs. Call your local State association to see if a mover is licensed. If you're out of State, check with the Federal Department of Transportation (www.dot.gov) to be sure the mover is licensed by them.

Also, determine if the moving company carries workers' compensation insurance. That coverage is required by the DOT. It adds to the cost of doing business but it protects you, so make sure you only choose a covered company.

How is their Record with the Better Business Bureau?

Check with the Better Business Bureau to see how many unresolved complains are filed against them. Local Better Business Bureau offices keep records on companies registered within the state.

Any company that has several unresolved complaints should be avoided. Don't automatically rule a company out simply because they have a complaint against them. Even good moving companies may have few complaints simply due to the higher number of moves they handle each year. But their record with the Better Business Bureau should show that they have a satisfactory rating and they handle complaints in a timely manner.

You might also want to ask if they are a member of the state moving and storage association in the state in which they are based. Or, are they a member of the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA). Reputable companies are normally a member of one or the other of these organizations.

What about their place of business?

When choosing a mover make sure their place of business actually exists. Avoid companies who don't provide a business address on their business cards, forms, etc. You need to know where to track them down if you do have a problem. If possible, it's a good idea to visit their office before you make your final decision. You can learn a lot by visiting the company.

Another thing worth checking is if the moving company was listed in last year's Yellow Pages. You would expect a legitimate new company not to be listed there. But, remember that some moving companies who lose their DOT license might try to operate under a new name or the name of another licensed mover.

What do you think of their sales staff?

High-quality moving companies don't need to belittle their competition, or criticize other moving companies in an attempt to make themselves look better. Be wary of high-pressure phone sales tactics. This is often done to get a sales person into your home to give you an estimate.

Always be careful and do your research before deciding who to invite into your home. Check their references first and always remember that the price of the moving estimate should never be the only deciding factor.

Choosing a mover with a good reputation and experience will be critical to your ultimate happiness (or not) with the moving process.

Will they provide all important documents?

If you're moving to a different state you'll need to get several important documents from your mover. The documents you'll need from the mover include:

• An "Order for Service" signed by your mover. The Order for Service protects you and spells out the agreement between you and your mover regarding the dates the shipment will be loaded and delivered, the estimated cost and other relevant terms.
• A written estimate with an itemized breakdown of all charges that makes up the estimate for your moving cost. Prior to the move date, demand an in-home visual inspection of the goods you are moving. Accurate estimates can't normally be given over the telephone.
• A "Table of Measurements". The estimator must create a table of all items that need to be moved. This helps calculating the size and weight of your move. If they are hesitant to provide you with any of these items then consider not using that moving company.

And finally, here's a few questions you can use before choosing a mover:

  1. Ask the mover if he will be willing to come to your home and perform visual estimate.

  2. Is the estimate binding or a non binding?

  3. How long is the estimate valid?

  4. Are there any types of additional surcharges you need to know about?

  5. What's the estimated delivery date and time, will you be given prior notice?

  6. What is their policy if you decide to pack yourself?

  7. What are the charges for additional weight?

  8. What is the level of insurance coverage for your move?

  9. Does the company offer additional insurance coverage besides the basic liability?

10. What's the process to file a damage claim?

11. What is their payment policy? Understand all the details.

12. Do they require a deposit? If so, is it refunded in case you chose to cancel the move?

13. How long have they been in business?

14. Are they licensed to do moves in your state?

15. What industry organizations do they belong to?

16. Any complaints with the Better Business Bureau? How were they handled?

17. How many trucks do they have?

18. For long moves, do they use their own interstate trucks, or those of a subcontractor?

19. Will they actually perform the move, or are they just a broker?

I hope this information will make it a little easier for you in choosing a mover for your next move. Feel free to contact me as well if I can help in any way.