Have you been asking Google for the “best movers near me” just to get slammed with pages of results that mean nothing to you? When it comes to moving, taking the time to find the best moving company for you is crucial. To help you achieve this, we have laid out your guide to success in finding the right moving company and critical red flags to watch out for.
The Importance of Choosing the Best Moving Company for YOU!
When you move, you trust a company to transport nearly everything you’ve accumulated in your life. Your past, present, and future are sealed up in those boxes, from your great-grandma’s mint condition hutch to your baby’s first stuffed animal. All these moments in time have created who you’ve become, so you want to see them arrive safely in your new home.
Finding the Best Movers Near Me – Your Guide to Success
Step 1: Ask for Recommendations
The first step is easy – ask your local companions for recommendations! Friends, family, coworkers, neighbors- they all got there somehow, and one of them likely has a good recommendation for someone they agree you can trust.
Step 2: Conduct through Online Research
Okay, just because your neighbor said they were the best doesn’t mean they are today. Online research will give you greater insight into their credibility, starting with their website. Take a peek at their website; if it is a dinosaur, that likely means their moving technology is too. However, it is nicely laid out, operates well, and is quick to navigate; they at least have the budget and success to have a good website. That’s an excellent first sign!
Step 3: Review Offered Services
Next, review what moving services they offer. Some companies solely offer residential moves, while others provide specialized services. For example, here at Larsen Transfer, we offer local and long-distance moves, office and industrial moves, and a plethora of storage options, from mobile storage to refrigerated units to record storage and more! We recommend assessing what type of moving services you need and narrowing down your potential companies.
Step 4: Verify Credentials & Insurance
Next, you want to verify your moving company candidates’ credentials and insurance. For example, at Larsen Transfer, we are credited as an Agent of United and have clear claim policies right on our website. We will also provide you with comprehensive insurance information when scheduling an estimate. If a potential moving company doesn’t have credentials or insurance, kick them off the list!
Step 5: Check Reviews & Testimonials
Next, you can further narrow down your best moving company candidates list by checking out their reviews and testimonials. For example, here is a testimonial of our services:
“They arrived on time and loaded all our belongings, boxes, furniture, misc. items and moved them to our new house across town. The workers were polite and entertaining. They had good attitudes and worked hard all day. They unloaded and re-assembled beds and other furniture where we wanted it in the new house. They were great. They were very careful with our belongings but also in covering door jams and areas that are easy to damage in a move.” ~Janelle H.
However, we want to caution you to look not only at their website reviews but also at third-party reviews, like Google Reviews. Here, you will get a more accurate representation of how people view their services and how they react to negative reviews.
Step 6: Ask for a Quote
Now it is time to get into the gritty details – the cost! We recommend compiling comprehensive information about your move and answering all of their questions honestly and to the best of your ability to get the best quote. Remember, the more details they have, the more accurate of a prediction they can make.
When given a contract outline, be sure to check the lease term, security deposit and refunds, and insurance coverage. On top of that, always check the fine print for hidden fees!
Step 7: Request Experience & Track Records
Next, we suggest asking for their experience with your specific type of move when asking for an estimate. Especially if you are moving something a bit more unique, ask how many moves like yours they’ve performed, how often they do them, their track record of success and failure, as well as their procedures to ensure a quality move.
Step 8: Test Customer Service
Lastly, test their customer service before signing the dotted line. While you don’t want to be rude, you should ask any questions you may have, clarify any doubts, and negotiate the terms of your contract.
During this, check how quickly they reply, the quality of their answers, and their level of care in your situation. Remember, how they act now will ultimately reflect on their service in the future.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
In addition to the concerns we mentioned above, such as poor reviews or lack of insurance, we recommend you keep an eye out for a few more red flags.
- No Physical Address: Reputable companies will have full contact details and a permanent location for you to visit.
- Unusually Low Estimates: Low-balled estimates typically indicate poor service or hidden fees.
- Request for Large Deposits: Large upfront payment demands indicate you could get ghosted or scammed.
- Vague Contract Terms: Unclear terms and schedules leave many loopholes to exploit. Also, avoid contracts without a signed written agreement.
Benefits of Hiring “Best Movers Near Me” – Larsen Transfer
As a family-owned and operated moving company with over 40 years of experience in the Tri-Cities area, Larsen Transfer is your answer for the “best movers near me” whether you are moving locally, within the states of Washington or Oregon, or across the country and internationally!
With our wide array of moving and storage capabilities, we can help everyone get to where they need to, whether it is a small residential move or an entire company move. For more information on how to get started with the best moving company in the area, schedule an estimate with us at Larsen Transfer today!
