Choosing a Moving Company

When you go to hire a moving company, you'll probably find companies who make a lot of claims. You'll also find a lot of opinions on the Internet. It can get a bit overwhelming and it may be tempting to close your eyes and call the moving company where you finger lands. Trust me, you don't want to take that method. Rather, there are a few steps you can take to find the perfect moving company.Get a Free EstimateAsk for an estimate. Any good moving company will give you a free estimate. When you review it, ask yourself whether it seems too good to be true. If the estimate is really low, they may be trying to hook you in, only to raise the price later. Or, it could be that their services are really not very good. They may use cheap, uninsured day labor, leaving you on the hook if your furniture is damaged or if the worker hurts himself. A common ploy of rogue movers is to raise the price while your possessions are all on the truck, effectively holding you hostage until you pay the higher rate.In-Home EstimatesWhen you get an estimate, make sure they're coming to your home to see for themselves what is entailed in your move. While a phone or Internet estimate may be good for a one or two-bedroom apartment, a real professional will need to visit your home to take a full accounting of the job. Also, when getting multiple estimates be sure you are comparing apples-to-apples.You Can Only Sign a Written ContractOnce you've decided on a company, make sure they provide a written contract with all of the terms laid out explicitly. Ask for them to explain any of the finer details so that you know what to expect on moving day. Moving day is stressful enough without any last minute surprises. If you've budgeted a certain amount for a move, you should be able to expect to pay that amount when the big day comes.Check ReferencesCheck a company's references. Can they point to client testimonials or Internet review sites which verify their claims? If they've been negatively criticized on the Internet, how have they responded to the critique? Also, check to see if the company been listed with the Better Business Bureau. If these things check out and they have been otherwise professional, you are probably in good hands. Happy Moving Day!