We’ve all heard negative, even nightmarish, moving stories at some point. A report by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found that nearly 1 in 4 people reported experiencing issues with moving companies. It’s understandable that you’re feeling a little anxious when choosing a moving company. And if you live in a large metropolitan area, there are more reasons to be cautious.
But knowing what to look for can make things easier. This guide unpacks the top six tips you need to follow to find a trusted moving provider in a busy metro area like yours. Let’s get in.
- Get Recommendations
Before you go down the rabbit hole we call Google, ask around for recommendations. Almost everyone has moved at least once in their lifetime, whether locally or to another country. Ask your friends, family, and colleagues.
You can even post the question to your social channels or a community group. If someone mentions a moving company, try to dig deep. Ask specific questions to get to know their experience. For instance, you can ask:
- What was the customer service like?
- Was the cost reasonable?
- Were there any hidden fees?
- Did they offer insurance?
If a friend or colleague couldn’t recommend a moving company they loved working with, they would at least warn you about a poor experience they had. And at this stage, all information is valuable.
- Thoroughly Research Reputation
Once you’ve asked around, look for reliable moving companies on the internet. Don’t just confirm the first four-star-rated moving company you see in the results.
Instead, thoroughly assess their reputation. Look into online reviews at Google, Facebook, and Yelp. Are the comments in the reviews consistent? If there are negative comments, did the company address them with accountability?
As hinted, finding a reliable moving company in a big metro city is especially hard. So look for a moving company that has expertise in your city or state. For instance, a New York moving company would ensure better service and peace of mind.
- Check Licenses
This is super important. Make sure the moving company is insured and licensed.
We know that companies that operate commercial vehicles to transport cargo in interstate commerce must have a USDOT number. You can verify a company’s USDOT number on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to ensure they are compliant.
- Confirm Insurance Coverage
Next, make sure the moving company provides insurance for your items. Reputable companies like Roadway Moving offer Full Value Protection coverage for your move through either one of their moving insurance partners or through their in-house FVP option.
Insurance brings peace of mind, making the move less stressful.
- Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t settle for the first moving company you come across. Get written quotes from at least 4—5 moving companies to compare costs and services. Choose the one with a strong reputation that also fits your budget.
- Watch Out for Red Flags
Lastly, watch out for red flags. Examples include:
- Unmarked company vehicles
- No physical address or online presence
- Unbelievably low estimates
- Huge upfront payment
- No written contract
