Finding the right moving company can be trickier than some people realize. When moving, finding a company that can safely and professionally handle the move without breaking the bank is important. People want to hire a mover they can trust, but also have to face many moving related expenses. Adding to those costs can create stress. The current pandemic is also a concern; any company hired to handle a move should be practicing proper social distancing and use of Personal Protective Equipment as per CDC guidelines. Finding the right mover is a delicate balance of costs, safety, and professionalism that won't leave your possessions smashed to pieces.
Check Review
When hiring a mover, it's important to check the company's reviews. A careful look at the number of reviews, the ratings left, and the details of the reviews is just as important with a moving company as with anywhere else. When moving, you're picking up your life and taking it somewhere else, trusting a company to handle that move for you. Naturally you want the utmost confidence in that company. Good reviews are thus a must.
Get References
Again, when you're relocating you are trusting people to pick up your life and move it somewhere else so you can start a new chapter in your own life. Ensuring the company is trustworthy, safe, and honest is vital. Reputable moving companies are more than happy to post testimonials on their website and even references via other websites such as LinkedIn. Moving companies that stay tight lipped about their previous customer's satisfaction should definitely raise a concerned eyebrow.
No Deposits
Reputable and reliable moving companies ask for payment once the job is concluded. Paying a deposit is essentially the same as having your valuables held hostage. If a moving company you're researching requires a deposit, it's probably not the company for you. In general, disreputable moving companies like to add extra costs on top of the move. This can be truer for seemingly cheap local movers near me. If the cost for the move seems too low to be true, make sure to research the company and their costs.
Avoid Extra Costs
Some moving companies add extra fees and costs for box handling, long distance travel, and the like. California Movers is by design a long-haul moving company, so we don't charge for such services. If possible, avoid a moving company that does. The costs of relocating are high enough, so there's no need to add to them. As mentioned earlier, some companies will pad an otherwise low moving cost with service fees and the like.
Look into their History
As with any disreputable company, sometimes moving companies will mix things up if they've been hit with too many negative reviews or even legal action. A shady moving company might change their name or operate on a different name in one area versus another. Thoroughly research any local movers to make sure they are in fact local. Also double check the reviews to make sure their history matches the listings of the company's age.
Check the Contract
Whenever hiring someone to perform a job, look over the deals of the work contract. Make sure the costs and time frame are clearly written and adhered to. Disreputable moving companies may want you to sign a blank contract. This is obviously a very bad idea. Every aspect of the move on the company's side should be clearly written out and you should be allowed to review the contract before signing.
Make Sure they Look
No reputable moving company will blindly take a job. In order to ensure they can safely handle, hold, and move all your belongings, moving companies perform a walk-through of your stuff to make sure they can properly relocate you. A company that doesn't do this is probably not the company for you. A company going into a job blind is usually a red flag, and the same is true when moving. You want to have the utmost confidence in the company charged with relocating your life, so make sure they're reputable and trustworthy.
Safety Guidelines
In these trying times, there's another hitch to moving to keep in mind. It is important to make sure that any moving company follows CDC guidelines and local ordinances regarding the use of PPE and face coverings. California Movers is doing everything it can to follow all safety guidelines. This ensures the safety not only of our customers, but also our employees. As a moving company, it is especially important we do everything in our power to prevent the spread of disease. Any moving company you are researching should be the same. A moving company that isn't protecting its employees or customers during a pandemic is not one you should hire.
Cost
As mentioned before, moving is expensive. Finding a moving company that's affordable can be difficult. Making sure they are a reputable company that doesn't charge hidden fees, packing fees, or additional costs for long travel are a good start. Also make sure they don't charge a deposit, as noted before. On the other end of the spectrum, a really cheap moving company might be a red flag regarding the quality of their services. Thoroughly research the standard costs of a moving company in your area and compare that to the prices offered by other such services in the area. In general, smaller, local companies will likely charge more than the big name companies simply because the larger ones can offset costs in one area by charging more in another. Still, hiring local is good for local businesses, and is a great way to ingratiate yourself with locals before you've even completed the move.
Moving is a big deal. It can create a lot of stress and cost a lot of money. One way to mitigate that stress and those costs is to find a reputable local mover to help you pick up and restart your life. It might take some time to find the right mover, but that is time well spent. Know the danger signs of a bad company, and don't be afraid to enquire into a good one to make sure they're the right company for you.
