A Basic Guide to Moving Your Stuff – Part 3: Tips on Looking for the Right Movers

It’s easy to find professional movers, but how can you be sure that you’re hiring someone competent at their job? Here’s a quick step by step guide to finding the right team to hire.

Step 1 – Find recommendations

The easiest way to find reliable movers is by asking for recommendations. However, do try to brokerage services since those aren’t regulated by mover regulations. If you can, choose movers that can personally provide estimates. Look for three or four movers  and compare them.

Step 2 – Screen  them

You have to know more about the people you’re hiring, so perform a background check on each mover. See if they are recognized by the Better Business Bureau or the American Moving Storage Association to make sure they are certified for the job (although you have to keep in mind that AMSA membership is voluntary).

Step 3 – Get multiple estimates

Ask for estimates from each mover that you have chosen. You’ll want a written binding estimate or a binding not-to-exceed estimate  to help prepare your budget AND to keep yourself safe from hidden expenses later on.

Tip: For a more accurate estimate, make sure the people making the estimate get to see everything that has to be moved.

Step 4 – Get all the details

Make sure that you have all the important details related to each mover, including the company’s full name, contact details, references, and even USDOT and MC license numbers. Also, movers are required to provide you with a copy of ” Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, so make sure you get one.

Step 5 – Compare the prices

As long as you get all the details right, you should be able to make a good comparison between each mover’s estimates. Start comparing prices and pick the most reasonable offer (this doesn’t always mean cheapest!), and then review that mover’s estimate before hiring them.

That’s it for this blog series! We hope your move goes smoothly!