At this point, you’ve probably got some general thoughts mapped out: a new home picked out, a month or week you’d like to move, and a few ideas about how to get started with it all.
So now it’s time to get the smaller details settled by choosing professional movers to get you there! Before you hire a moving company in Southern California, check out our brief list of what to look for to ensure the smoothest relocation experience.
1. Professional Experience
Start by looking for movers with a proven record of industry service. After all, you don’t want to hire “professional” movers who will treat your precious belongings like a second job!
It’s also important to ensure that the moving company has experience in your service area. Here at Merit Moving Systems, for instance, we’ve been serving Southern California since 1958—so you can rest assured that our packers, drivers, and move coordinators understand the local area.
2. Satisfied Customers
Years of experience don’t mean anything if the moving company hasn’t been meeting its clients’ needs! Make sure that your professional movers have spent their years of service well by checking for proof of happy customers.
- Online reviews are a rich source of information and can be found on:
- The moving company’s website
- Consumer Reports
- Yelp
3. Proper Licensing and Certifications
All professional movers who cross interstate lines must carry licensing and insurance that complies with federal regulations. These numbers should be prominently displayed so that anyone could check their validity with the issuing organization. (You can find Merit’s US DOT, ICC, and Cal PUC numbers in our website footer!)
Beyond mandated licensing, check for further proof of professionalism through additional membership in:
- American Moving & Storage Association
- California Moving & Storage Association
- Registered International Mover (RIM)
4. Van Line Partnership
Affiliation with a van line isn’t necessarily a must-have when you hire a moving company to or from SoCal, but it never hurts! By choosing a certified agent of a larger moving network, you’ll have access to more: more movers in more locations, more warehouses for storage, and more resources to handle specialized or complex requests.
Merit Moving Systems is an agent for United Van Lines, which allows our professional movers to handle any moves of absolutely any distance.
5. Transparent, Hassle-Free Services
Last, but not least, you should only hire professional movers who are open and honest about their business practices. When asking questions or gathering information, you should never feel like you’re being ignored, misdirected, or deceived.
Here are a few common “red flags” when you hire a moving company. If you spot any of these signs, don’t hire!
- They want to provide a quote over the phone without seeing your goods.
- They want you to sign incomplete contracts.
- They want a large cash deposit.
- They are unclear about what their insurance actually covers.
- They do not provide a written cost estimate.
Ready to Hire a Moving Company? Call Us Today!
If you’re looking for professional movers in Southern California who meet all the requirements above, you’ve found us! Merit Moving Systems would love to show you the benefits of hiring a truly experienced and customer-focused moving company—one with hundreds of happy reviews, United Van Lines affiliation, and more than 60 years of experience.
Hire a moving company that cares by reaching out to Merit today! Call or fill out our online form to sign up for your free, no-obligation cost estimate.
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