Whether you’re just moving down the street or to the next neighborhood over, taking the time to set yourself up for success is essential. Hiring a trusted local moving company that has the knowledge, experience and resources to handle all of your needs will make the process a lot easier. Below, we share tips you can use to find the most reliable moving company for your needs.
Tips to Help You Choose a Dependable Local Moving Company
When you’re getting ready to move, one of the best choices you can make is to invest in a reliable moving company to streamline and simplify the process. Even for a local move, the added help of a dependable moving team can completely transform the experience from stressful to smooth. Creating a detailed moving schedule can help you stay organized and ensure your relocation goes according to plan. With this in mind, you may wonder, “How can I trust that I’m hiring a moving company with high-quality services?”
After all, residential moving solutions are not all created equal, and some companies fall short in the quality of their moving and storage services. If you’re looking to figure out the best ways to assess these services, don’t stress—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading, and find out how to choose the most reliable local movers for your relocation!
1. Ask for Recommendations
First and foremost, the best way to gather information about potential moving companies in your area is to ask for recommendations. You can gather opinions from friends, family, neighbors— anyone who you trust to provide you with a reliable review of a mover. Especially if any of these people have recently moved, you can get a firsthand account of what their movers were like and the service they provided during the relocation. Similarly, you can also use this step as a way to find out which companies aren’t up to the highest standards. Knowing who to trust and who to avoid is extremely helpful, allowing you to rule out some companies before you delve further.
2. Investigate the Credibility
Once you have a shortlist of companies to look into, you can begin looking into each one further to make sure they have the proper credibility you’re looking for. Even if someone you trust has already vouched for a moving service, it’s still important to continue looking into their credentials, as well as other opinions, to ensure you can depend on them to uphold certain standards. First, you should check that they are in good standing with the Better Business Bureau. This is an excellent way to determine a company’s quality. It is even better if they have been accredited by the BBB. Next, any company that provides services for interstate moves should be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, so be sure to check.
Another great way to learn more about a company is to check reviews. Although many businesses include reviews on their websites, you can’t be certain that they aren’t filtering them out to only show the positive ones, so investigating on a third-party website is ideal. One or two negative reviews out of a majority of positive ones isn’t necessarily a warning sign, but once you notice a common trend of issues among customers, be cautious about moving forward with that particular company. Having this knowledge about which services you can trust is incredibly valuable during this process.
3. Request Estimates
After discerning which companies appear reputable and well-regarded, you can reach out to request quotes. Ideally, you should request estimates from 3 to 4 companies to ensure you’re receiving a fair rate. Most importantly, when you contact movers for a price estimate, they should always schedule an in-home visit to provide the most accurate number possible. If a company fails to do this, you can immediately know that it may not be the most reliable option for you. Having a professional assess the situation at your home allows them to determine any number of factors that may need to be taken into account in your final total. Always make sure the company provides this quote in writing to avoid any discrepancies.
Although it’s crucial to use these estimates to acquire as affordable a price as possible, you may be surprised by the next piece of advice. Don’t take a price too low. Sure, getting a fair price is a great perk of this process, but when a company offers significantly less than the others, it may be a red flag. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a moving company that requests a large deposit up front is also typically unreliable. Make sure you remain vigilant in assessing any potential warning signs as you receive your price estimates.
4. Look for Red Flags
You know to look for red flags as you shop around for a dependable moving company to assist with your relocation. After all, you want to make sure you’re creating an easier job for yourself, not further complicating it. So what should you look out for? What signs are deal breakers as you look to hire a company? Aside from what was mentioned above, here are a few major warning signs to watch for as you wrap up your search.
- Only Offers Non-Binding Estimates – Although it may seem like your estimate will be accurate, ill-intended moving companies can take advantage of customers using non-binding offers, which don’t require them to commit to a cost based on the actual weight of your items. A mover could deliberately offer you a lower price to get you to sign the contract, but then significantly increase the price in the end. To avoid this, opt for a binding or a binding not-to-exceed estimate.
- Poor Communication – If you’re having trouble pinning down your moving company with any questions or concerns, you can make a safe bet that they probably aren’t very reliable or professional. You will be trusting these individuals with all of your belongings, and if you can’t get in contact with them to voice your questions and concerns, this is already a bad sign.
- No Physical Address – A reputable moving company will have a physical location where it houses its moving trucks and other supplies. When movers can’t provide this information, it often means something is amiss.
These things can tip you off that a company isn’t worth the trouble. If you’re getting a weird feeling about any behaviors from your movers, follow your instincts and opt for a company you feel more comfortable with.
5. Evaluate the Options
Now that you’re aware of the best steps to follow, the important things to note, and the warning signs to steer clear of, you have all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision regarding the moving company you will choose. These steps are a critical part of your decision, and with them in mind, you can greatly simplify the process. After signing a contract with the company you choose, you’re well on your way to a stress-free move!
Your Go-To Moving Company for a Hassle-Free Experience
When it comes to reliable residential moving companies, Callaghan’s Moving Services fits the bill. We have served Chicagoland for over 40 years, and our decades of experience can vouch for our high-quality moving solutions and commitment to customer service. Plus, we serve as an agent for National Van Lines, which pushes us to be even better and uphold our company to the highest standards. Interested in residential moving services in Illinois? Request a quote today, and find out how we can transform your move.
Make Your Local Move Easy With Our Dependable Moving Professionals
When it comes to local moves, you can count on Callaghan’s Moving Services to provide reliable service and dependable results. Our team of highly-trained professionals will make sure your belongings are handled with care, and that your move stays on schedule. Call (708) 529-9797 or schedule a free online quote today.