Finding a Moving Company? Here are Some Tips

Congratulations! Youve closed the deal, signed all the documents, and are ready to move into your new home. Youre looking at moving companies and have found a few that youre considering, but how can you decide which one is best?

When deciding on a moving company, its very important to consider all the details. After all, youre entrusting them with your precious items. You want a moving company that charges fair prices and works efficiently so that you dont have to pay for too many movers or too many hours.

Here are some tips that can help you find the best moving company.

• Make sure that the mover is registered and insured.

  Luckily, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, has handy tool you can use to look up whether your mover is registered with the Federal government or not. Check out the Mover Registration Search tool here.

• Get a written estimate.

  A written estimate is essential because its proof of an agreement between you and the buyer regarding the cost of your move. The estimate should be based on an on-site inspection too.

• Dont give in to upfront demands for payment.

  A moving company that demands cash or a large deposit before the move is a red flag for moving fraud. Avoid these companies at all cost.

• Check out Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move

  This is a booklet from the Federal government that informs you of several guidelines when you move. If youre moving interstate, your moving company is required to give you a copy of this.

• Do your research.

  With the Internet, its so much easier now to do a background check on moving companies. Check out their reputation online and see if you can find any reviews from previous customers. Watch out for their complaint history as well.

• Dont sign blank or incomplete documents.

  Its easy for fraudulent movers to change or add bogus details to your documents once you have signed blank or incomplete ones, so always make sure that youre signing complete documents. Also, remember to get copies of everything you sign.

• Check out the moving companys physical office or warehouse.

  Its a mark of a good and reliable mover if they keep a clean warehouse, a welcoming physical office, and a well-kept fleet of trucks. Their trucks should also carry their branding and not be generic rental trucks.

Looking for more tips on how to avoid moving fraud and make sure that moving day goes smoothly? The U.S. Department of Transportation has created a page filled with helpful resources all about how to Protect Your Move.