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Choosing a Moving Company

It’s worth it to do some homework when the time come to choose a moving company. Not only can doing some research save you a lot of money, it can also prevent the loss or damage of your belongings.

Begin by asking friends, relatives or co-workers if they can recommend a moving company with which they have first-hand experience.

Once you have three or four moving companies begin setting up appointments for in-home estimates. Try to pick companies which are members of the American Moving and Storage Association. Members of this association have agreed to abide by the AMSA’s published tariffs and are willing to submit to their arbitration program in the event of disagreements. If you are moving to another state, ask if the moving company will provide you with a binding contract stating that the cost will not exceed a certain, pre-agreed amount. Interstate movers are allowed to charge for binding estimates however, most will give them for free. For moves within the state the regulations regarding estimates vary.

Interstate moves are based on the weight of the items being moved and the distance. Make certain that when the mover comes to give you an estimate that you show him everything. Don’t forget items in the basement, attic, garage or other out-buildings on the property. If you have items in off-site storage facilities you will want to make the mover aware of those as well. You should also make a list of items which will require special handling (delicate electronic equipment, antiques, etc. which may require extra insurance). A detailed listing of what is being moved should be attached to the estimate. The last thing you want on moving day is to be challenged by the mover as to amount of items being moved. At that point you are not very likely to tell him to take your things off the truck and find another mover. You’ll be forced into accepting that the move is going to cost you more. He can’t force you to pay more but are you really going to stop everything when half of your belongings are already in the van?

Once you have your estimates, do some background checks on your movers with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org). See if there have been any complaints lodged against them with the bureau.

Check them out through FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to make sure they have the necessary license to move you and the required insurance coverage.

Here are some websites you may want to check out for further information about your mover:
www.info@moving.org – American Moving and Storage Association
www.movingscam.com
www.movingadvocateteam.com
www.ripoffreport.com
www.safersys.org – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Admin.