Find a Great Moving Company
- By Christine Dunbar
- Published 02/5/2012
- Latest
- Unrated
Christine Dunbar
Christine is a real estate expert who enjoys writing about avoiding foreclosure in Houston. See more at http://www.avoidforeclosuresinhouston.com
View all articles by Christine Dunbar
Moving is a long and drawn out job, some may not be able to move or pick up heavy items due to a disability, or unable to picking up heavy items. Deciding to hire professional movers, may be a big decision. The good news though is that with some research and even word of mouth from friends or family, you can insure a stress-free move.
Getting ready to do the research is finding a list of potential moving companies. The yellow Pages and internet searching is a large help. Sometimes referrals can provide you with enough information, as well as the best leads to the right moving company you want to hire.
To start evaluating movers, you will need to be sure they are bonded and licensed. Being bonded means that they have no criminal offenses, and are possible to be licensed. Check the Better Business Bureau as they have lists of companies with good ratings, and bad. This is an important step to do, because they actually investigate, and count the complaints to be able to make a decision on the company's work ethics, and complaints
You could also look for friends and family even new neighbors and ask about the company they used. Information from others that have moved, can tell you what experience they had with their moving company. Sometimes, if the company is lower than others are, this necessarily does not mean they would be bad. Remember, while checking up on the moving companies; be sure to comparison shop.
Outside of friends and family, look into getting referrals from industry professionals, such as real estate agent for their clients experience. These professionals can offer a wealth of helpful information. Getting different referrals will get the research off on a great start,
for the right moving company.
From federal, state, and local laws, the movers are under regulation. Federal level states that a moving company that carries goods across state lines has to be licensed by the Department of Transportation or DOT. However, the Department of Transportation does not have any legal regulations on local movers.
State laws vary from state to state; several states do not even require moving companies to have a separate license. For the companies that say they do have such license, be sure to verify their licenses are current. The states that do not require the companies to be licensed are Maryland, Vermont, Alaska, Maine, Delaware, and Utah.
It is highly recommended to make sure the company is legitimate and is financially stable. In case, something happens and a claim will need to be filed. Once the basics about the moving company is done, you want to see their evaluations, however keep in mind almost all companies have some kind of complaints on them. The resources you can use free are, the U.S. Department of Transportation, which they offer a website devoted to their "Protect Your Move" program.
Following a few simple steps will ensure that the move is a great experience. Knowing there are two primary moving estimates that is binding and non-binding. Non-binding estimates are NOT contracts. Binding estimates are contracts and binding on to both you and the company, you chose to move your furnishings for you. Then there is Binding not to exceed estimates, this means that there is a firm cap on the amount you will be charged. As long as you do not request any other services or add more items.
Selecting the moving company, which is reputable, insured, and bonded, is not as hard as one may believe. Ask to see the license. This will even set your mind at ease during this move.
Getting ready to do the research is finding a list of potential moving companies. The yellow Pages and internet searching is a large help. Sometimes referrals can provide you with enough information, as well as the best leads to the right moving company you want to hire.
To start evaluating movers, you will need to be sure they are bonded and licensed. Being bonded means that they have no criminal offenses, and are possible to be licensed. Check the Better Business Bureau as they have lists of companies with good ratings, and bad. This is an important step to do, because they actually investigate, and count the complaints to be able to make a decision on the company's work ethics, and complaints
You could also look for friends and family even new neighbors and ask about the company they used. Information from others that have moved, can tell you what experience they had with their moving company. Sometimes, if the company is lower than others are, this necessarily does not mean they would be bad. Remember, while checking up on the moving companies; be sure to comparison shop.
Outside of friends and family, look into getting referrals from industry professionals, such as real estate agent for their clients experience. These professionals can offer a wealth of helpful information. Getting different referrals will get the research off on a great start,
From federal, state, and local laws, the movers are under regulation. Federal level states that a moving company that carries goods across state lines has to be licensed by the Department of Transportation or DOT. However, the Department of Transportation does not have any legal regulations on local movers.
State laws vary from state to state; several states do not even require moving companies to have a separate license. For the companies that say they do have such license, be sure to verify their licenses are current. The states that do not require the companies to be licensed are Maryland, Vermont, Alaska, Maine, Delaware, and Utah.
It is highly recommended to make sure the company is legitimate and is financially stable. In case, something happens and a claim will need to be filed. Once the basics about the moving company is done, you want to see their evaluations, however keep in mind almost all companies have some kind of complaints on them. The resources you can use free are, the U.S. Department of Transportation, which they offer a website devoted to their "Protect Your Move" program.
Following a few simple steps will ensure that the move is a great experience. Knowing there are two primary moving estimates that is binding and non-binding. Non-binding estimates are NOT contracts. Binding estimates are contracts and binding on to both you and the company, you chose to move your furnishings for you. Then there is Binding not to exceed estimates, this means that there is a firm cap on the amount you will be charged. As long as you do not request any other services or add more items.
Selecting the moving company, which is reputable, insured, and bonded, is not as hard as one may believe. Ask to see the license. This will even set your mind at ease during this move.
