How to Choose the Right Movers

Choosing the right mover will greatly affect your moving experience. A good moving company will make it a bearable, if not enjoyable, experience. A good moving company will explain their policies and procedures in detail, explaining all the costs and fees associated with their service. The wrong moving company will give you a bad experience all the way around. You'll end up spending more, with little understanding of the company's policies and procedures. There are a few tips that will help you separate the good from the bad.

The first step is to find out the company's reputation. Talking to friends, neighbors and coworkers is a good idea and the Internet is an invaluable tool. Learning from other's experiences will give you a leg up when deciding on a company.

Take your time and start looking at companies early. There are many companies out there and you'll want time to sit down and speak with them in depth before deciding on a company. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; let them explain everything to your satisfaction.

Check out their rates. Knowing the difference between the company’s hourly rate and their flat fees will let you break everything down so you can decide which is better for your needs.

Do not use a broker. These sell your moving needs to the highest bidder and then are no longer responsible for anything, leaving you with a company that may or may not be a good deal. It’s always better to deal with the moving company directly.

Understand the company's claims policy. Damage can happen, even with the most professional moving service, so find out ahead of time how the process is handled and if the company requires extra insurance. Some companies will not cover damage unless their movers packed the boxes, so knowing this will put you a step ahead.

Make sure the moving company is fully licensed and insured to protect your possessions during transit.

Check with state agencies to make sure the company is licensed and regulated to perform moving services. Checking your local Better Business Bureau is a good idea as well. This will also help you stay away from brokers.

Make sure you know the total cost of the move. Hourly rates often do not incorporate travel fees, minimum charge requirements or other hidden fees that can take a big bite out of your checkbook. Knowing in advance what the total will be is the best advice.

Knowing these details will help you choose the best moving service for you and will help you get the best deal, while avoiding costly fees and charges. Remember, shop around, compare, question; that will give you the best idea of the company’s policies, fees and willingness to explain things to customers.