when I was planning my move from Washington, D.C., in Detroit, I didn't know how to find a reliable moving company in my area. Since I knew very few people there, I don't know how to find solid references. I don't have a ton of furniture but just enough I didn't want to just sell everything and start over again in Michigan.
I felt like mover hunting was more difficult that other tasks due to lack of information. At the time, I was not aware of the online resources such as list of Angie. Angie's list is a list of the service and the website of the magazine where you can find a variety of businesses in your area. So I ended up getting a small business of moving on Craigslist. Overall, the cost and the service was decent, so I was happy that I had a good experience.
Melissa Moravec works as a senior RESETTLEMENT based in Detroit for the Quicken Loans Family of Companies. Each month, she helps him dozens of new recruits and employees transferred with their relocation needs.
"the majority of the people, I support move to Detroit, but I help often moves across the country, including Hawaii," said Moravec, who worked in his role for two years. "I learned some useful tips just to receive a feedback from people after their move."
five pointers Melissa
#1 Tip: rules of Word of mouth
the first thing to do is to ask your family members, colleagues and friends that they would recommend a moving company in your area. You can also ask them for any useful advice, they can share.
"I know that a lot of people rely on Internet research to find a moving company, but I am a firm believer in the mouth," said. "Ask people that you know their mobile experiences; It's the best way to find a reliable moving company. "
Moving scams are common, and you want to ensure the company work is legitimate. A visit to the company to see if it seems that it is a reputable institution. The trucks are clearly labelled? You can search for information of license of motor carrier of your potential of the company on the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Put in the number of the USDOT company, which should be on their website or other guarantees about the company, to see if everything seems acceptable.
#2 Tip: evaluate your needs
while a national moving company is the best for an interstate move, it can ideal for the use of a local company for a movement that is in the city or within your state.
what you need a moving company since each one varies in cost, services and the coverage of claim they offer. Consider: size of truck, packing services, moving supplies, moving long distances or storage even in the short term.
"so it is important to know how fast you will need your submitted stuff because this can determine whether you need a short term housing," Moravec said. "A guy that I worked with told me that his business has taken close to a month to get to his last shot! So specifically request an estimate of delivery date you can plan accordingly. "
Moravec said she finds that some people do not understand how working long distance moves.
"some people do not realize that some movers load your orders as well as two or three other families in a big truck stuff", she began. "They're not going to hang your family car on the road in your new city. You will probably have to wait two or three days for your stuff arrive on the truck. "
decide if you plan to box your own property or if you need packaging of the company services, she said.
"the advantage of using the services of a mover packing it allows you to use their full insurance coverage," Moravec, they say. "Then you can get full protection in the case where something is damaged or broken during the move. They offer it when they do because the packaging, they know the quality that went into the packaging. "
#3 Tip: do not rely on client Internet
Moravec suggested don't not relying mainly on the comments of the company Web site when choosing a mover.
"I would be cautious about believing everything you read online. I've heard companies who create false comments to make them good,"she said. "And on the other hand, there are some clients that you can ever meet. Sometimes the ones who write bad reviews online that the company has really hurt. "
I don't think that the site is useful to start your search, but a personal recommendation is always best, Moravec said.
If you can not get a personal recommendation on a moving company, generally the society is willing to provide references from previous customers. Once you have narrowed your choices, do an online search for negative customer service reports.
#4 Tip: go with your gut
, it is common to have a mobile agent to come to your home to provide a free quote. They will come to evaluate your moving objects and create an inventory list. That's when you can tell them you want to move a boat, a piano or other unique items that require mobile special instructions.
"I always tell people to use this initial visit to determine the atmosphere they get regarding the attitude of the agent and their attention to detail," she said. "If you have a couple of different companies to come, go with the one that you feel most comfortable and not necessarily the cheapest quote."
Moravec warns that some companies are just out to make money and go with the lowest quote may not always be the best idea.
"in some cases they move your valuables and family memories, good customer service is really important," said. "Sometimes I hear complaints about the quality of the service. So even if a company does not provide the cheapest quote, I always go with quality price ratio. "
#5 Tip: cover yourself
once you have selected a company, do not neglect to insure your property, especially if you move long distance, Moravec said.
If you have tenants or the homeowners insurance at your old address, which don't cover you while on the road between the houses. Most companies offer several insurance packages to choose.
"Paying for removal of insurance may take some stress off of your plate," Moravec said. "We all know someone who has shared a story of horror on the coming things missing or broken. So avoid this if you can. "
the moving company must issue you a bill of lading, a legal contract between the customer and the engine. Your contract should cover rates and fees, the responsibility of the carrier for your belongings, pick-up and delivery dates and claim the protection. Read it carefully to make sure you understand the agreement before signing.
I hope you got a few new ideas to help you choose your next relocation company. If you have any other advice of selection, please add below.