Choosing a moving company can be a daunting task, but it’s important to do your research to avoid any headaches or surprises. According to the BBB, the most common moving company complaints are for lost or damaged property, but charging for unworked hours, arriving late, and not honoring estimates are also common. To avoid these problems, Shark movers in South Florida have prepared 7 steps for how to choose a moving company.
1. Get Referrals
Word-of-mouth is still the best way to find a reputable moving company south Florida . Ask your friends, family, and coworkers if they have any recommendations. If you’re working with a real estate agent, ask them for a referral as well.
When asking for referrals, be sure to ask specific questions, such as:
- How was the company’s communication?
- Were they on time and on budget?
- Were your belongings handled with care?
- Would you recommend them to others?
The more specific your questions, the better the referrals you’ll get.
2. Know the Rule of Threes
Don’t settle for the first south Florida movers you come across. Instead, get quotes from at least three different companies. This will help you compare prices and services and find the best deal.
When getting moving estimates, be sure to get them in writing. This will protect you in case there are any discrepancies later on.
3. Pay attention to Red Flags
Here are some red flags to watch out for when getting a south florida moving estimate:
- The mover asks for a cash deposit upfront. Reputable moving companies will not ask for a cash deposit before the move.
- The mover is evasive or cannot answer your questions. A legitimate moving company should be able to answer all of your questions about the move, including the cost, the process, and the insurance.
- The mover seems unprofessional. This could include being late, being disorganized, or not wearing uniforms.
- The mover shows up in a rented moving van. Reputable moving companies will own their own equipment.
- The mover offers a lowball estimate. This could be a sign of a scam.
If you see any of these red flags, it’s best to walk away and find another moving company.
4. Verify the moving company’s license.
All interstate moving companies in the United States are required to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify a moving company’s license by checking the FMCSA’s website, protectyourmove.gov.
To verify a moving company’s license, you will need the company’s U.S. DOT number. This number is usually found on the moving company’s website or in their marketing materials.
If you are moving within the state, you can verify the moving company’s license with your state’s consumer affairs agency. You can find a list of state consumer affairs agencies on the FMCSA’s website.
It is important to verify the moving company’s license before you hire them. This will help protect you in case there are any problems with the move.
5. Ask About Professional Accreditation
Trade associations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) vet moving companies before giving them a membership or approved seal. This means that these companies have met certain standards of safety, reliability, and customer service.
One of the most recognized seals of approval from AMSA is the ProMover logo. To qualify for this seal, moving companies must meet a rigorous set of requirements, including:
- Being licensed and insured
- Having a good safety record
- Providing excellent customer service
6. Verify the Address
Once you have found a moving company that you are interested in, ask for a business card or look up their website. The address listed on the business card or website should be the company’s main office address.
You can verify the company’s address by looking it up online or through the phone book. You can also call the company and ask them to confirm their address.
Be wary of any moving companies that list their address as a residential address. This could be a sign of a scam.
7. Prepare your belongings
Moving can be a stressful experience, but it can be made easier by packing your belongings carefully and efficiently. Here are some tips for preparing your belongings for the move:
- Label each box carefully. This will help you keep track of your belongings and make it easier to find what you need when you unpack.
- Mark fragile items. Fragile items should be packed separately and labeled clearly. This will help the movers handle them with care.
- Secure your belongings. Use packing tape to secure the lids of your boxes and to keep your belongings from shifting during the move.
