Let’s face it: Moving can be as painful as doing your taxes or getting a tooth pulled. If you’ve decided to skip the hassle and hire someone to do it for you, here are a few important things to keep in mind when working with a moving company.
1. Shop around.
Don’t settle for the first bid you get from a moving company. It’s recommended that you get written bids from at least three moving companies whose representatives have visited your home. Ask whether they’re running any specials. If you favor one company over another but the preferred mover’s bid is higher, try to negotiate a lower price.
Get pre-approved and secure your dream home
Work with a lender to find the right loan for the home you love.
If you’re a member of AAA, AARP or similar groups, check to see whether they’re partners with moving companies, truck rental companies and related service providers. You could score some big savings.
3. Check out your mover.
By and large, moving companies are upfront and honest businesses. Unfortunately, some of them are bad apples, and they see stressed-out moving customers as ripe for the picking.
Before you sign on the dotted line with a moving company, dig into its background.
If you’re doing a state-to-state move, a moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Visit the federal agency’s website to find out whether the company is registered and see whether any consumers have lodged complaints against it.
You’ll want to make sure the company you hire is licensed locally as well. Moving companies that do in-state moves typically are licensed by a state agency. In Texas, for instance, it’s the Department of Motor Vehicles. In California, it’s the Public Utilities Commission.
Furthermore, see whether a moving company is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association. It’s also worth reading a moving company’s reviews on the Better Business Bureau site as well as Yelp and Angie’s List.
4. Be assured about insurance.
What if something happens to your stuff while a moving company is hauling it from one place to another? If the mover lacks insurance, you might be out of luck when Grandma Grace’s china gets smashed.
According to the Better Business Bureau, a moving company’s insurance should cover your belongings while they’re being moved. However, you might want to look at adding what’s known as “full value protection” coverage for an extra financial cushion.
Contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company about coverage of your belongings under your existing policy.
The Better Business Bureau recommends having a clear understanding of:
Precisely what the mover’s insurance covers.
Whether damaged or destroyed items will be repaired or replaced by the mover.
Whether you’ll receive a lump sum of cash from the mover for damaged or destroyed belongings.
Best of luck with your move!
About John Egan
John Egan is editor in chief at SpareFoot, which helps people find and book self-storage. Follow SpareFoot on Twitter: twitter.com/sparefoot.
Note: This is a guest post; the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or position of Redfin.
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