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Top 4 Tips on Choosing a Professional Moving Company

Soon school will be out and the sun will be shining.  What that means for many is that it’s time to MOVE! Though we wish we were referring to the type of moving which involves shaking what your mama gave ya, we are in fact talking about purging unwanted junk, packing precious belongings and lifting bulky, heavy furniture. Peak moving season (May-September) is fast approaching so now is a good time to start looking for a professional moving company.  Before you make a choice, consider these 4 tips:













#1 Review Reviews

These days reviews play a strong role in choosing just about everything from restaurants to vacuum cleaners to, well,  moving companies. Hop on-line and check out reviews from the following sites:

  •  The Better Business Bureau: one of the most trusted names in business ratings and reviews.
  • Angie’s list: contains accurate information and reviews about local businesses from vetted users who have to pay a membership fee to access and write reviews.
  • Google The sheer volume of reviews guarantees you can trust their star ratings, plus they’re pretty good at snuffing out “fake” reviews.
  • MyMovingReviews.com Perfect for looking at reviews specific to professional moving companies!

As you’re reading reviews, look for keywords like reliable, punctual, and phrases that confirm they do what they advertise. Read only the most recent reviews as sometimes business can take a turn for better or worse due to new management or ownership. Finally, look for companies who have been in the moving business for several years or more as they’re likely to be the most trustworthy and reliable.

Request an In-Home Estimate

There’s nothing worse than a price-induced panic attack. You call for an estimate, but when it comes time to pay, the bill far exceeds the original estimated price you were given.  Next thing you know, you’re waking up to someone fanning your face, telling you everything will be okay if you just hand over the credit card. WRONG! Instead, do this:

  • Purge your home first of any unwanted home goods/furniture
  • Make some quick phone calls to the moving companies from your researched list to inquire if they do FREE in-home estimate (if you’re asked to pay for an estimate, don’t! They should be free!)
  • Request an in-home estimate based on inventory within the home (since you’ve already purged, you will be ready to give an accurate assessment of your belongings that you will be taking with you on your move)
  • Ask any questions you may have as moving day gets closer that may affect the final estimate.  That way, come moving day, you’ll have the most accurate estimate (i.e. no surprise panic attacks!)
  • Finally, expect to pay for your move in full AFTER you’ve moved into your new home.

Beware of Hidden Fees

Do you play the piano, have an affinity for giant freshwater fish aquariums or collect antique snow globes?  If so, you may be charged extra for handling such heavy, complicated or fragile items. Other added fees may be associated with long distance or international moves. If any of these special items/circumstances apply to your move, make sure your moving company is aware so they give you a fair and accurate price estimate from the start.

Licensed and Insured
Let’s face it, things get dropped, broken or lost on a move. That’s why it’s important to make sure the moving company you select is licensed and insured; most reputable moving companies are.  Make sure they have a current license from the Department of Transportation. Be sure to ask them specifically what insurance company they use. Finally, most reputable moving companies will be on AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) and have high ratings on the Better Business Bureau.

Conclusion

Finding a reliable and trustworthy moving company takes some time and research, but when all is said and done and moved, you’ll be glad you put out the effort! If you’re looking to ease the process a bit, consider putting Moving Forward Professional San Francisco Movers on your list of reputable movers!  We promise, we fit the bill (at a fair and accurate price at that)! Call for a FREE estimate!
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