7 Tips for Hiring Quality and Trustworthy Movers

Hiring Quality and Trustworthy Movers

When you consider that close to 10 percent of all Americans move every year – 31 million people in the U.S. moved in 2019 alone – it is no wonder that many of us want to make sure everything goes right. We want trustworthy movers who will offer an affordable price, get us to our new residence in a timely way, and transport our personal belongings carefully and without damage. 

So the question becomes, how can we set out to find trustworthy movers? Moving is one of the most stressful acts any of us do. With so much riding on a move being done correctly, we need to put plenty of time and effort into finding the best quality movers available. 

Quality and trustworthiness are the most important qualities to look for in a moving company. 

Ways to Find Quality & Trustworthy Movers

One of the most pivotal aspects of the moving process that could mean success or failure is choosing the right moving company. Everything hinges on whether the movers you hire are quality movers and completely trustworthy movers. 

Check Reviews of the Movers you are Considering Hiring

One of the first steps in selecting movers is reading online reviews. Carefully read the reviews and search for clues that tell you they are quality and trustworthy movers. Also, you want to settle on a moving company that has enough reviews to be credible. Ideally, there should be at minimum two dozen customer reviews.

Ask for References from your Mover Candidates

After asking friends and family, obtain a list of trustworthy movers from associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association and state associations of movers. Inquire with movers about references. You could ask for three to four customers from your area who have moved in the recent past. Then talk with those customers and inquire about their experiences with a particular moving company. 

Obtain Multiple Quotes

Identify a minimum of three different moving companies and ask for a quote from each of them. For moving companies who charge a deposit, ask if the deposit is refundable up to a certain date. Typically, moving companies charge an hourly rate, however, quite a few moving companies will include more costs to their hourly rate based on your particular move. Obtain specific information for each quote, knowing that movers may charge extra for the following:

• Stairs

• Fuel 

• Extra Long Carry

• Double Drive Time

• Assembly

• Blanket Use

• Tool Use 

• Larger Trucks

Demand a Thorough Walk-Through

If you are talking with trustworthy movers, they will provide a thorough walk-through and ask questions about what you plan to take from your current residence to your next home. It will be helpful for you to inform the estimator which items you will not want on the moving truck.  

Insist on Inventory of Belongings

Quality and trustworthy movers will perform a detailed inventory of all your personal belongings, as well as determine the bulk and weight of your move. This will be completed in person or through a virtual survey. The estimator should be thorough, and that means checking all storage places in your home, including cupboards, garages, and bookcases. Your objective is to understand how the estimate is generated and be sure it is accurate. 

Avoid Moving Companies with Name Change

There is a chance that you are not dealing with trustworthy movers if their company has changed names, especially more than once. Why? There are some companies that avoid being evaluated by the Better Business Bureau by conducting business under various names. You want the moving company that you are investigating to have a local address and information about licensing and insurance. 

Do some sleuthing to find out if the moving company has been operating under any other names.  For example, are there names the company “does business as,” and look for their state and federal license numbers. 

Avoid a Blank Moving Contract

You are not talking to trustworthy movers if they attempt to have you sign a blank contract. You always want everything in writing. You want the moving company’s estimate and any additional fees included in writing in a contract. Also include your pick-up and delivery dates in the contract. 

Read your contract very carefully and make sure all of your personal belongings are listed. If your throw blankets or recliner are not on the inventory form that you sign before the driver leaves your house, you shouldn’t expect them when he arrives at your new home. It is all about the inventory list when it comes to quality control. 

It is also important to know that there are three types of moving contracts:

Non-Binding Estimate:  A non-binding estimate on your contract means the moving company cannot require payment more than 10 percent above the original estimate.  Anything over that must be paid within 30 days of delivery. 

Non-Binding to Exceed Estimate:  A non-binding to exceed estimate on your contract ensures that you will not be required to pay for any overages to the original estimate.  The estimate is the maximum you are required to pay for any services rendered. 

Binding Estimate:  A binding estimate on your contract is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras and services.  If you ask for additional services, such as unpacking, any additional fees have to be paid within 30 days of delivery. 

Reporting Problems 

You have nine months to report any problems to the moving company and file an insurance claim.  You’re advised on moving day – after you arrive at your new home – to examine each box and look for damage. Then, note problems on the mover’s copy of the bill of lading before signing it. 

Your moving company has 30 days to acknowledge receiving your claim. Within 120 days of receiving your claim, they must either deny your claim or make an offer to pay. 

Moving Insurance & Valuation Protection 

Moving companies are required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. Be aware that there are two kinds of liability. You should know about the charges that apply and the amount of protection provided by each level. 

Full (Replacement) Value Protection

This is the most comprehensive plan that you can have for the protection of your goods. Under this plan, when an item is lost, destroyed, or damaged while in your mover’s custody, the moving company has the option to either:

• Repair the item to the extent necessary to restore it to the same condition as when it was received by your moving company, or pay you for the cost of repairs. 

• Replace the item with an item of like kind and quality, or pay you for the cost of replacement. 

Alternative Level of Liability

This is a no-cost option and it is the most affordable protection available. However, it provides only minimal protection. Under this option, the moving company assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per item.  Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the item multiplied by 60 cents. 

Let Larsen Transfer Take Care of All Your Moving and Storage Needs

Are you about to move? Perhaps you don’t know where to turn when it comes to a company that can get you from your old home to your new residence, and in a timely, safe, and efficient manner. 

Larsen Transfer is a premier family-owned moving business in the Tri-Cities, WA. Whether you are moving locally, within the states of Washington or Oregon, across the country, or even internationally, we can help you get there!

As we are also an agent for United, we have the capability to take care of all your moving and logistical needs.  Trust Larsen Transfer – the industry leader – to make your next move happen seamlessly!