Leasing a moving company is an excellent way to simplify your relocation process. Moving is back-breaking work, and there is a lot to be done in terms of packaging, labeling, and carrying. So, you may find relief by passing the responsibility to professionals. Professional movers will not only take the heavy lifting off your hands, but they will also make your day run smoother and free up your time for other crucial activities. The moving process may be stressful enough without having your stuff arrive broken or with a surprise bill. You need to vet potential agencies to avoid these problems. These may take a little extra time, but it will save a bunch of hassle. Here are some factors to consider when looking for an interstate moving company.
1. Good Reviews
Once you have gathered names for a few companies to look into, it is recommended to use online reviews to grasp more about them. Some customers leave reviews if they had a good or a terrible experience with a company. Positive and negative reviews are essential when looking for long-distance movers since they will state the pros and cons of using a particular moving company. You can easily find reviews on the company’s website or Google Reviews. You can also visit their social media pages to see what other customers say about the movers. Reviews will give you some information that you would otherwise not have known.
2. License and insurance
Never use a moving agency that is not insured and licensed. Some people will buy trucks and call themselves moving companies only to damage or lose your property. An unlicensed company may charge lower fees, but you cannot claim any for any damage or loss. Only officially licensed and insured companies are lawfully bound to protect your property. Movers are advised to register with the U.S department of transportation, after which they are given a unique USDOT number. Ensure the company has a valid USDOT number and insurance by searching the database provided by the federal motor carrier safety administration.
3. Transportation Rates
When you call a moving company to book their services, the company will provide you with rates based on the number of times and the number of movers you will need for the job. So, it would be best to keep in mind that this is a base rate, and it does not include additional packing materials you may need. The company may also charge you higher rates to move larger, heavy objects or other incidental add-ons. Reputable long-distance movers will give you an estimate on the phone, but they can give you an idea of how much you will spend.
4. A Successful Track Record
You will have several businesses to consider, but a moving company that has been in business for a few years is often the way to go, advice from the best moving companies San Francisco. For instance, based on information provided online, you may be able to discern a general plan of their history as far as being on time, keeping rates, and maintaining the conditional for possessions. Unless a new company has a couple of glowing recommendations, stick to those who have proven their competency over time.
5. Beware Of Rogue Mover
People move every year, and while only a tiny percentage experience fraud, it’s not unheard of. To ensure a legitimate moving company, you should check for an active license number. Look for their service record, and check whether they have a valid physical address, not just P.O BOX. Be wary of any mover who asks for a deposit, especially if they ask for more than 20 percent. The federal motor carrier safety administration generally offers tips for making sure customers hire legitimate moving agencies.
6. Recommendations from Others
Online may not always be reliable to search for a moving company. However, you can trust your friends and family. You may also come across people in your area who have used moving companies. You can approach them and ask them about their experience and who they would recommend. Sometimes it’s possible someone had a bad experience with an otherwise highly rated company or was hit with many unexpected fees that were not included anywhere on the website. Likewise, people may have had a wonderful experience with a relatively new agency that does not have a strong web presence. It would be preeminent if you started with friends and family. You might glean some important insight you would not find online.
You can now look for an interstate moving company with the above factors.