You are planning to move across the town and it is equally stressful like moving to a long distance. The extremely difficult task lies in packing up your possessions and transporting them safely to the new place. Moreover you would also be constantly worrying about leaving the valuable possessions in the hands of strangers. Finding a reliable local mover would surely make the tension levels soar. So it is better to follow certain simple steps for selecting a good mover and get some peace of mind.
Selecting a local mover is the very first step and this is not a nerve wracking process as it seems to be. You can ask your friends, neighbors and business associates for getting recommendations and even warning about moving companies that they have used in the past. Sometimes the realtors that you deal with can also give you some advices.
Once you have collected some names, the next step is to call the local moving companies and ask for their details like Doing Business As (DBA) names, how long they have been in business, the insurance coverage that they offer and also the DOT (Department of Transportation) license number. It is highly advised to deal with companies that are properly licensed and insured.
The third step is checking the reliability of the company. You can approach Better Business Bureau (BBB) or any other consumer organization in your vicinity for getting the information. Check about the local mover’s service history and see if any complaints have been recorded against them. You must also see how they have resolved the crisis. Almost all moving company would experience a complaint but the responsible ones would surely respond to the client’s requirements and try to find solutions to the problems.
Then shortlist the local moving companies with good service history and get the physical address of at least three movers who would be having real offices. You can avoid a moving scammer by easily avoiding companies that do not have a real address. Next you can stop by the movers on your list without taking prior appointments. This would help to evaluate their services, facilities and personal dealings in the true form without being modified.
Make sure that the companies moving equipments and building are clean and well maintained. If the workers are also neat and clean, that is a positive sign. Besides if the staff looks pleasant and takes time to answer your queries, it is even better. If they seem to be arrogant or impatient, then it is better to vote out that mover.
The next important step is to find out the estimated cost for your move. It is better to schedule on-site estimates which are generally provided at no cost. Keep in mind that a reputed moving company would never give the estimate over the phone without evaluating the items to be moved. The movers use a wide variety of rates. Some of them would go for an hourly rate while other would charge by total weight or volume. Even more, some others would charge based on the types of furniture and goods that have to be moved.
With the estimate in your hands, it is time to pick the most appropriate local mover that would satisfy your needs. You must equally consider your gut feeling as well as the cost while going for the final choice. Remember to get a written agreement from the movers as soon as you hire them. Now you can relax and plan other things than moving.