How to Hire a Good Moving Company … and why it’s Important
Hiring movers is not the first thing that usually comes to mind during the moving process. Most people mistakenly assume the cost will be too high, the scheduling will conflict, or that movers are only for large items. The truth is that movers can not only save you from the physically gruelling aspects of transporting your belongings, but they can also help you simplify the process and free up time for other important activities related to your move.
One of the most important reasons to ensure that your movers are genuine is to protect your valuable assets. A quick search will reveal horror stories that nobody wants to hear. fortunately, finding a reputable, reliable mover is as simple as asking the right questions. Read ahead to find out how you can determine which company to use and how to be sure.
Moving Recommendations and Reviews
Your friends and family can be a very reliable source for information on a local company! Reach out to friends either in person or on social media and find out about whether they have had good or bad experiences with movers in your area. If they have complaints, what were they? If your family and friends do not have any recommendations, use online reviews to learn more. Not only can you read about bad experiences, but you can also find out which companies have a reputation for going above and beyond. You might even learn about factors you had not previously considered!
Do they have Accreditation, Rating, and Insurance For Moving?
Anyone can buy a truck and call themselves movers. To be sure you are working with a legitimate company, ensure they are certified members of the Canadian Association of Movers (or CAM). CAM regulates the moving industry and ensures that your company will be held accountable to a high standard of service. Being a member of Mayflower and having an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides further proof that your mover is valid and also has a record of good business.
Do they have community involvement?
An established company will often have participated in local charitable activities and have received smaller-scale community awards to indicate that they have an established presence. This means they not only give back to their community but have earned the respect of other associations, businesses, media outlets etc. Look for things like “reader’s choice” awards and involvement in local charities like food or clothing drives.
Transparent Moving Fees
Moving companies will provide a quote to you based on how long a job will take and how many people will be needed. Incidentals like large items and packing materials can be added. When you get your quote, be clear about these things, understand that without seeing everything you can’t get an exact dollar amount, but be sure to ask about what constitutes an additional fee. Also, ask about the policy on the condition of your possessions when they are unpacked and what items are not appropriate for movers (for example houseplants will not be included because movers cannot take responsibility for them). If your quote seems low/too good to be true, it probably is.
Beware Fly-By-Night Movers
While only a small percentage of people experience fraud from their moving companies, it is still important to be aware that it can happen. One of the best ways is to ask around, read reviews, get recommendations, and stay away from companies that have ANY red flags. You need a company with a history of safety and reliability, as well as a record of quality service. One way to check this is to explore their website. Have they been in business 10+ years, do they have reviews posted from many years back or do they appear to have no digital history? If they have been around a long time, you can safely assume they must be doing something right!
Every move will be different. You need to consider what, how much, and when you are moving and provide this information to the mover. If cost is a major issue, reach out and ask what can be done to reduce it—maybe you can switch your dates, pack everything yourself, use the movers for one certain part of your move (large items only) or some other factor can be changed. Do not be afraid to ask, the worst that can happen is that the mover is unable to accommodate. The biggest mistake you can make is not hiring a mover when you need one. There is no sense in risking injury.
The importance of securing a reputable moving company to handle your precious belongings can mean the difference between success and epic failure in your move. Considering all the criteria we have recommended; you now have a solid foundation of questions to ask to ensure your mover is trustworthy and right for your family. At Mike the Mover, we are available to answer all your questions and provide a quote for your moving needs. Reach out, we would love to help you!