How to Choose a Moving Company
Moving to the Phoenix Area? Find a Reputable Moving Company
Moving to the Phoenix area doesn’t need to be stressful. Sure, there’s a lot to do, like sorting through your stuff and packing it up. But if you put your move in the right hands, you and your belongings can arrive safe and sound in Phoenix, with very little stress.
Every move is different. To find the best mover to suit your needs, you must first take into account your service needs.
Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose great Phoenix movers:
- Are you moving across town, or across the country?
- Is your company paying for your relocation or are you? If your company is footing the bill, you may be required to use a particular company.
- Are you physically able to pack and move everything on your own or will you need a mover to do everything?
- Do you have a studio-sized home to move or a mansion?
- How much insurance coverage will you need for your belongings?
- Can you sell or get rid of any items before your move to reduce the shipping cost?
Every moving company has different services and different costs for those services, so all of these factors will play into the decision of who you choose to relocate your belongings.
How to Research Moving Companies
Once you have determined what kind of assistance you will need during your move to Phoenix, begin researching moving companies. Although the internet is a popular place to search for almost anything these days, it is best to stick to the recommendations of friends and local Realtors, or the local phone book when choosing a moving company.
Try to get detailed information on at least three companies to compare prices and services.
Recognize and Avoid Moving Industry Scams:
- Be wary of internet-based moving companies. This is where the majority of moving scams originate.
- Avoid any company unwilling to visit your home for a free estimate.
- Find out how long the company has been in business. Choose a company who has been in business at least ten years.
- Ask if they will move you themselves or subcontract the work to another provider. Do not hire a company that subcontracts to someone else.
- Get their contact information, MC and DOT license numbers. Verify this information at www.SaferSys.org.
- The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) should be able to verify the company’s insurance information and tell you of any complaints against the company.
- Ask for references.
Save Money on Moving without Sacrificing Quality
Some moving expenses can be reduced or completely avoided. The less stuff you have, the cheaper the move, so consider having a yard sale or donating items that you no longer need or want. Decide which belongings are worth the cost of moving. You can also reduce costs by packing yourself and being flexible about the moving date.
On the other hand, some expenses should not be skimped on. For example, do not try to save money by choosing an uninsured moving company!
Try to get the company to commit to a “Not to Exceed” price beforehand, to reduce the chances of a surprise bill once everything is packed into the moving truck. No matter what, get the quoted price in writing. Legally, a moving company is not allowed to charge you more than 10% above this original quote.
Following these simple tips should help you choose a great moving company, and make moving to the Phoenix area a stress-free event.
This article was provided courtesy of Dynamic Page Solutions, the Gilbert Real Estate experts.