 Here are some quick suggestions to help you make smart choices about how you're going to move your family possessions to your new home.
Open up the yellow pages and you are likely to find five or more pages of movers. Where should you begin? How do you find a reputable mover amidst all the possible choices? Once you receive a quote, should you choose the lowest bottom line estimate? The vast majority of professional moving companies are reputable, honest, and dependable. Many are family-owned businesses who have made a long-term investment in their community, realizing that their best source of new business is a satisfied customer.
A good mover enjoys working with an informed customer. The secret is to make sure the mover you choose is a good mover. Don't be afraid to ask questions - and get everything in writing!! Remember that prices too good to be true, probably are. Legitimate business people have legitimate expenses, such as license, taxes, insurance, employee wages, benefits, and quality equipment. A legitimate mover must consider all those things when determining the price for service ... and so should you.
- Ask your friends
Talk to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives. Find out if they have moved within the last year. See what there experiences were. A solid mover will receive at least forty percent of their business from referrals.
- ICC and the BBB
Check the movers' status with the California Public Utility Commission or the Better Business Bureau. The PUC is the licensing commission for movers within California. The Better Business Bureau helps mediate disputes between consumers and businesses. Both of these organizations keep records of consumer complaints about movers. If you compare the number of moves a mover does with the number of complaints lodged against them, you can get an idea of how their performance compares. Keep in mind that a company that does 600 moves a month will have more complaints than a company that does 60 moves a month. A low ratio will usually indicate a mover with superior service.
- Get an Estimate
Call up prospective movers and get a phone estimate. A better moving company will give a detailed and thorough estimate. The more detail oriented the company is from the start, the more likely your move will be smooth. Be careful of companies that give "low-ball" estimates - either quoting low weights on long distance moves, or under quoting hours on a local move. This is a common tactic some movers use to get more business. Keep in mind that all movers will charge for the actual time a local move takes, or the actual weight of your long distance shipment. In other words the lowest price you initially hear may not be the lowest cost in the long run.
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