If you are planning on hiring a moving company when relocating to a new home, it's vital that you take the time to properly vet the right team for the job. Having a good residential moving company on your side can make for a stress-free move.
To help you in finding that company, we've put together a few moving tips to keep in mind during the search.
What Questions to Ask Movers Before Hiring One
You can check what services are offered on their websites, look at reviews, and even find out if they are interstate agents with a larger moving company, but these are the key questions you should be asking potential movers during a consultation.
- Are You Licensed?
Not all states require moving and storage companies get licensed, but any company offering interstate moving services must have a license from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
You can confirm the validity of their license by looking up the USDOT number on the FMCSA's website.
- Are You Insured?
Similarly, interstate movers are required to carry insurance per federal law. They must maintain a minimum level of insurance, called 'released value protection,' for customers' belongings. This type of insurance only provides a set amount of compensation based on the weight of the shipment if it is lost or damaged.
Movers also offer an optional second level of insurance, called 'full value protection,' which covers the full replacement value of a customer's belongings.
Moving companies also carry other insurance, like commercial vehicle insurance, worker's compensation, general liability coverage, and cargo insurance.
- Do You Have ProMover Certification?
Any interstate moving and storage company worth their salt will have a ProMover certification via the American Trucking Association's (ATA) Moving & Storage Conference. Movers must meet stringent requirements to get certified, including upholding the ATA's code of ethics, getting a background check, remaining compliant with FMCSA/STB regulations, and submitting to an annual review.
Look for the ProMover seal on your mover's vans and moving trucks.
Red Flags of Bad Moving Companies!
According to the FMCSA, there are ways you can avoid the unpleasant experience of signing with a bad moving company. Keep an eye out for these red flags during your initial moving consultations with a carrier:
- The moving company doesn't want to provide a free written estimate for your long-distance move.
- The mover says that they'll create the estimate after loading up the truck.
- You're asked to sign a contract without all the information filled in, or with blank pages in it.
- Customer reps answer the phone with a generic 'moving company' rather than a company name.
- The company doesn't have a physical address or a website.
- You don't receive a copy of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s Ready to Move brochure.
- Your movers arrive in a rental truck rather than a branded moving van.
Get a Free Estimate at Merit Moving Systems in Orange County
When creating a relocation checklist, make sure you tell yourself to get several estimates from different moving and storage companies in the Orange County area. Getting a few moving quotes helps you find the best mover for your needs and your budget.
At Merit Moving Systems, we're happy to provide free moving estimates for customers. Our BBB-accredited and A+ rated residential moving company can help with local, long distance, and international moves. We also offer commercial moving services like office moving and logistics and warehousing. Don't forget to ask about our residential and commercial storage options.
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