Ask Your Realtor – The general consensus among moving professionals is that word of mouth is the best way to find a good mover. While friends and family are always good sources, realtors know many of the ins and outs of the housing industry and are the most reliable sources.
Investigate the companies – Check with your area’s Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been filed and whether there are reliable Web sites solely dedicated to moving scams.
Make sure the moving company visits your home – Good companies will spend 20 minutes or more with a potential client answering questions and giving packing tips, Molloy says, and should offer to show their warehouses for temporary storage.
Demand a contract that covers everything – A moving contract should spell out all the details, and there should not be any hidden charges, such as a “driver’s fee.”
Ask about the claims process – Even reputable movers occasionally drop vases and scratch tables. The difference between a good mover and a bad mover when this happens is that a good mover has a solid claims process to make sure you recoup damages.
Are the movers employees or contractors – Most “Cheap” moving companies use day laborers or other forms of temporary help.
Be cautious of internet movers – If you were to Google “movers” or “cheap move,” your screen would be filled with special moving deals from companies that have legitimate-sounding company names. But if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Look at the actual trucks used – When you’re shopping, take a look at the trucks. Do they look clean and well-kept? The condition of the truck is a good indication of how your furniture will be treated.
