
Moving is already a stressful experience, but choosing a moving company to help you execute the task adds even more pressure to the situation. How do you know which company to trust with this crucial responsibility? Our real estate agents know this dilemma well. Here are five of their top tips to help you choose a moving company you'll be happy with.
- Get Referrals
The best service businesses are the ones you learn about through word of mouth. If any of your friends or family have moved lately, ask them about the movers they used. Whether you get a glowing recommendation or a horror story, their stories will tell you everything you need to know about those particular companies.
If you don't have contacts to help you, you can turn to the internet instead. Ask people in local social media groups for referrals, choosing only a company several people speak highly of to reduce potential bias. Your real estate agent can also refer you to the movers most of their clients use.
- Consider Their Experience
There's more to the moving business than getting boxes from place to place. The best moving companies have been operating in their industry for many years and have established procedures that keep even the most complex moves running smoothly. Choose a moving company that has been around for at least a few years.
This information should be listed on their website, but you can also try searching their name to see if any old newspaper articles or social media comments mention them.
- Understand Your Insurance Coverage
Most professional moving companies offer some form of insurance to their customers. Make sure you read up on what this insurance covers and any limitations that apply before you commit to working with a particular mover. Knowing that you have adequate insurance to meet your needs (especially if you're moving with lots of fragile, valuable things like china or glassware) will give you peace of mind and help you feel more in control of the situation.
- Look for a Packing Service
Some moving companies will also pack up your belongings for you. While most charge an extra fee for this service, the added cost is worth every penny. Not only will it save you time, but you'll also benefit from having your items packed by people who know how to save space while keeping delicate items safe and controlling box weights.
- Do Your Research
Every moving company has an online presence these days, so take advantage of this great resource. Check their reviews on platforms like Yelp and Google Business. There should be plenty available—if there are only a few, consider that a red flag. You want to see a long, consistent history of good customer service.
Next, move on to their website. Does it look professional? Have they won any awards? Can you find their contact information and quote tools easily?
Finally, check whether they have any unresolved complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau. You can find this information on the BBB website. You'll also see details on how they handled past complaints, helping you gauge what kind of experience you can expect if you have problems with their service.
Don't have a new house lined up to move into? We can help! Contact us today to get in touch with our real estate team and browse St. Joseph homes for sale.