Millions of people move yearly, and while scams are rare, they do happen. Before hiring a moving company, research and vet them thoroughly.

Start by asking friends and family for recommendations and reading reviews online. It would be best if you also verified licensing and insurance. A reputable company will have its Department of Transportation (DOT) and Motor Carrier numbers on its website.

Reputation

When looking for a moving company, reputation is essential. You want to find a licensed and insured company to protect your belongings during the move. Checking the Better Business Bureau and online reviews can help determine which companies have a good reputation. It would be best if you also asked friends and family for recommendations. They will be able to provide you with personal experiences about their moves that can make your decision easier.

Once you have narrowed down your choices, contact the companies for quotes. It is a good idea to get a written estimate, which should include all charges and details. It’s also a good idea to read the contract carefully before signing it. This will prevent any misunderstandings and disputes down the road.

A reputable moving company should not require large deposits and only charge you for services rendered. It is also a good idea to put any payments on a credit card so that you can dispute charges if necessary.

Choosing the best moving company in Brooklyn can make your move less stressful and help you settle into your new home. By taking the time to research potential movers, you can ensure your move is completed smoothly and safely.

Experience

When choosing the right moving company, experience is critical. Whether moving across the street or the country, you want movers with the proper training and expertise to handle your belongings carefully. Review the reviews carefully and look for patterns – if several people complain about damaged items or poor customer service, this is a red flag.

Next, find out if the movers are licensed and insured. This is especially important for local moves, showing they have the credentials to work in your area. Also, read the contract carefully and check for additional fees (for example, if they charge extra for stairs or parking). It would be best to understand what insurance coverage and protection level is offered.

Finally, compare price and quality to find the best value. Remember that cheaper isn’t always better, but a good moving company should offer competitive rates. Also, get estimates based on in-home surveys or detailed inventories of your belongings rather than over-the-phone estimates. Then you can be confident that you’re getting a fair price and the quality services you deserve.

Insurance

Choosing the right moving company will ensure your belongings are insured during transportation. This is especially important if you have high-value items or fragile antiques. When contacting a potential moving company, ensure they can provide you with references and a copy of their insurance policy. They should also be able to provide you with their Department of Transportation (DOT) number, which can be verified online using the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s search tool. If they offer storage, understand their pricing and storage policy.

It’s also a good idea to take the time to do a walk-through of your home with movers before they issue an estimate. This will help them better understand your needs and provide you with a more accurate quote. You should also pay close attention to how professional the movers appear during your estimate. It could be a sign that they are not a reputable company if they seem disorganized or rushed.

Most reputable moving companies will offer two types of valuation coverage for your belongings: released value protection and full-value replacement protection. For this reason, many people choose to supplement their mover’s valuation option with a third-party insurance vendor.

Pricing

The cost of a moving company can vary widely depending on the scope of services needed. For example, movers who pack and disassemble/reassemble furniture for you are often more expensive than those who simply load and unload your belongings. Also, a local move will likely be less expensive than a long-distance move. Be sure to ask about the costs of different services, including whether a binding not-to-exceed estimate is available. This will ensure you won’t be hit with hidden fees on a moving day.

It would be best if you also looked into the licensing and insurance of the movers you’re considering. Your city or state may require them to be licensed, and you may need to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) to your landlord.

Suppose you can get recommendations from friends and family members who have recently used a moving company. This will give you a more personal perspective on the experience and help you avoid companies with poor customer service or other issues. It’s also a good idea not to sign any contracts before you’ve done extensive research on the company.