Ask for Referrals
Ask your realtor for a moving company referral. They know who's good, and who's not good but has a shiny bright website designed to lure you in. Google movers in your area--then check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for reviews and complaints.
Check for Registration
When you Google movers, you should be able to find the company's DOT registration number along with their contact info. This means they are members of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are in compliance with federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be honest with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have account managers and customer service coordinators on staff to do exactly that--go over the details of your move, provide written estimates, and basically be the point person for you. If your move is simple and you have all the details on what you're moving an over-the-phone consult might work; if you have a large house with attics, a basement, and a garage, they should send an estimator to your house to walk through the entire house to ensure an accurate number. Your estimate should be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It seems kind of dumb, but make sure the truck's logo, movers uniforms, and the estimate letterhead all match. Professional movers are happy to let you know who they work for; if a bunch of guys show up in random t-shirts feel free to show them the door. They should also have the proper equipment--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew foreman should walk through your house with you to confirm existing imperfections in furniture. Some movers will even take pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dings with a smartphone and send you the pictures, so if there is transit damage it's easy to confirm.
Moving can be stressful, but with the right movers it can be exciting and fun, too. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been in business long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
