Moving is no easy task. It’s even harder when you don’t choose to hire the right moving company. Cincinnati moving companies are everywhere. And the choices are endless.
But how do you choose the right moving service?
Nelson Markesbery Moving & Storage, an Allied Van Lines affiliate, gives you some tips on how to better make the right choice when it comes to your moving needs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company
Keep a close watch on what local moving companies have going on:
- Length of time in business
- Licensing
- Insurance or valuation coverage (full replacement or partial)
- References and reviews
1. Check for Moving Service Reviews
No reviews whatsoever or a series of bad reviews should give you a strong indication that you don’t want to be working with this company.
Look for reviews that center on quality of service, the responsiveness of customer service, and cost efficiency.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for reviews and additional information concerning the company.
2. Are They a Licensed Moving Company?
Are they licensed? You can find out by looking the company name up online and checking for any business certifications they might have.
Take a look at consumer protection sites like movingscam.com or protectyourmove.gov.
Federal law requires moving companies to provide a free in-home estimate when requested by customers. If they don’t, they’re not legitimate.
3. Consider Your Needs & Consider Their Resources
What do you actually need for your move in particular? Is it a large 4-bedroom family move or a single apartment?
Are you traveling cross country or interstate?
Identify your unique requirements and see if the moving company in question is a good fit, offering the scope of service necessary. If it’s too high-budget and a lower-end, a small-scale moving company might be a better option.
See if their moving equipment is up to industry standards and if their services come with any additional benefits, like a designated moving coordinator or otherwise.
4. Set Expectations and Get the Details Sorted
Figure out the details: like what type of payment is accepted, how long the move will take, what third-party service providers are available, and what items are “non-allowable” — stuff that the movers won’t touch.
Ask questions early about what the moving day will be like:
How do you contact the driver or moving company during the move?
What sorts of things will the moving coordinator or moving staff help with before and after the move?
What will you have to cover?
Red Flags to Watch For
They don’t have an inventory list. Good moving companies make a list of your belongings to determine the bulk and weight of it all.
Demand for an excessively large deposit. Reputable movers don’t demand large cash payments upfront before the move. Granted, moving companies do require a modest deposit upfront before handling your belongings.
They give you a blank moving contract. Get everything in writing, and always avoid blank contracts. Make sure you read it and see that all of your stuff is listed.
They don’t give a walkthrough. Great moving companies will consider and listen to what you do not want in the moving truck vs. what you do.
They slap on “hidden” fees. Pricing and service terms need to be upfront and clearly stated in writing before any transaction occurs.
Multiple aliases and DBAs (“doing business as” registrations). Look up the state and federal license numbers and see if there are online complaints about the company.
How to Know if Your Moving Company is a Scam or Legit
Start here:
- Search for your moving company on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website.
- Moving companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To file a complaint, contact them at 888-368-7238.
Long-distance moving companies (any moving service that transports items across state lines) MUST be actively registered with the FMCSA to be considered in good legal standing.
Hire a Reputable Moving Company in Cincinnati, Ohio
Connect with us today and get a free cost estimate for your local or long-distance move.
