Yearly more than 10% of America’s population change homes. That’s over 31 million US residents. But, it doesn’t mean that the stress of relocating to a new place has gotten any better over the years. Instead, research shows that out of this 10%, 8 percent always end up stressed mentally and physically.
The solution would be finding high-quality movers that people can rely on to complete moving tasks competently. Yet, many shipping companies are known for their scam acts than their reliability. So, how can people considering relocation options effortlessly find trustworthy movers?
These tips on hiring professional movers throw light on the most important qualities to keep in mind when choosing shipping companies.
1. Quality Movers Always Insist on an Inventory
One of the reasons an inventory is an essential part of the transit is that it plays a significant role in determining moving costs.
Anyone who’s moved houses previously knows that a large part of the shipping quote would always amount to how much load the shipping company has to haul to the new house. By taking an inventory of belongings, shipping contractors can easily deduce the price of each item.
However, most con artists posed as rip-offs won’t ever persist in taking inventory of home appliances because they know it’ll only amount to a far lesser price than they plan to amass. Plus, if their customer were to carefully evaluate the quote, they’d always find loopholes. So, be sure to choose shippers willing to check the current situation of valuables before offering any estimates.
2. Walk-Throughs is a Must-Do
Quality shippers will also conduct a proper walkthrough of the house before determining the cost. They will ask questions about the apartment layout and essential items that would be shipped. A walkthrough also helps them determine whether they’ll be doing any stress-inducing labors needing heavy lifting gears like lifting a piano. So, if the shippers fail to offer these services, quickly find another that does.
3. They Won’t Demand a Large Sum
A full house reconstruction service or makeover may often require an initial deposit, but for moving services, this could be a red flag.
Fake shippers will always ask for an upfront payment that covers at least 30% of the moving cost. When they get the initial deposit, they disappear into thin air without any reliable information to trace them. Plus, tracking them won’t be easy if cash payments are made. Even worse, they might take valuable items with them, especially when they’ve put everything in their truck. The case is the reverse for quality shipping contractors.
A reliable company won’t demand large upfronts. Instead, they’ll ask for a small amount (at least 5%) of relocation fees to get things sorted.
4. Previous Customers Will Know Them with a Verified Name
Chances are that shippers have had to change their name over the years more than once. Some attribute this constant name switches to being part of the government’s verification process, so they don’t bear the same name as other companies. While others chalk it to a merger or a buyout.
The simple reason any company would want to change its name so frequently is that they want to be off the radar of regulated bodies. So, no matter the reason for “ceaseless” name switches don’t fall for it. If a company has changed names more than twice in a year, staying clear of its tracks will be the best way to avoid losing a hefty sum to them.
So, how can one identify companies with frequent name switches?
- Read up reviews
- Check the BBB to verify their ratings and year of establishment
- Visit their office
- Ask neighbors around their supposed address to verify their business
5. Get references from Trusted Social Pals
The chances of having a relation, friend, or neighbor moving every year is 70%. That means there’s always that one close friend that can offer reliable references on shippers. Ask for their opinion to easily hire quality movers with ease.
6. Avoid Packing Costs
The busy and packed schedule of people considering relocation makes them often consider getting packing services. But, the truth is that these services can increase moving costs, and scam shippers won’t fail to grab this chance to squeeze more cash for unreasonable reasons.
7. Ask for Information About Surcharges
Surcharges are a constant headache, especially when one has an initially planned budget. Most movers won’t offer detailed information on extra charges from labor to time wasted. So, make sure to ask the shipping company about possible surcharges that may occur through the transit to have a general idea of what to expect.
Ask about these questions:
- Are there extra charges for transporting boxes through a flight of stairs?
- Will there be surcharges for extra hands to move specialized equipment?
- Does a narrow entryway add up on extra cost?
These questions will ensure hassle-free situations on finances in the long run.
8. Avoid the Guaranteed Quote
As the name suggests, it is guaranteed and cannot be changed even if shippers don’t meet expectations. The good news is that quality mover hardly ever off these kinds of quotes. Only scammers do because they know it’ll benefit them more.
9. Report Problems with Belongings on Time
One requirement that always makes shippers stand out is that the real ones make it easy to report problems with valuables after the delivery timeframe. However, they’ll only allow people to make claims if the report is made within nine months of receiving damaged houseware.
10. Quality Shippers Provide Adequate Insurance
An insurance cover means every item shipped will be protected against damage. Shippers that don’t have an insurance certificate can’t guarantee the safety of even the littlest valuables. Those that can, offer a full valuation cover or a limited one.
11. Get Moving Quotes for Free
Lastly, moving quotes aren’t something shippers will ask money for to give. Any company demanding some form of money isn’t reliable.
These tips for hiring quality moves will be a good backbone for first-timers. But, there’s always the chance of falling victim to scammers. To avoid this, choose shippers like Stark Moving and Storage Inc. with years of experience in the industry. Visit https://starkmovers.com/services/commercial-moving/ to verify their legitimacy.