How to Find a Moving Company...Without Getting Ripped Off

Euphoria fills the air as you sign on the dotted line. It's official. You have accepted a new job in a new city. The excitement of your new life in a new place fills your mind. But then reality sets in. Before you start your "perfect job" you first must move.

Few things stress a person out more than this one task. Even more distressing is how to find someone to move all of your stuff. Where do you start? What do you avoid? What should you expect?

Finding a moving company can be an overwhelming task. Who to trust all of your earthly possessions with is not a job one should take lightly. By following a few simple steps, you can avoid some of the heartache and hassle that moving can bring.

Determine What You Need

Before you start contacting moving companies, make sure you already know exactly what services you need. If you are not sure on exactly what you need from a moving company, you may not receive accurate quotes and this can cause big headaches down the road.

Make sure you know the answers to specific questions the moving company is likely to ask. When do you want to move? How far are you moving? How big is your current location? Is your company financing the move? Do you need a full service move? (If you want, some companies will even pack for you!) These elements will help the mover give you the most accurate information.

Do Your Homework

Now you are ready for the hard part... picking which movers to get an estimate from. Picking movers is one of the few things in life you don't want to skimp on. It is best to stick with the larger, more reputable companies. While they might be a little pricier at first glance, they can and will save you a lot of problems in the long run. A few of the larger reputable companies include Mayflower Transit, Allied Van Lines, Bekins Van Lines, North American Van Lines and United Van Lines. These companies have been around for years and have a reputation to back them up.

Ask around and find out friends and family have used. This is probably the most effective way to find a good company. You can also check out the Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints they have against them.

Get Multiple Estimates

Don't just talk with one company. Get at least three written estimates from reputable companies so you can compare. Make sure you are comparing the same kind of quotes. While some companies offer binding quotes that will not change after the move, some do not. Binding quotes are best. This leaves few surprises on moving day.

If you get a few estimates and one is substantially lower, be weary. There are many scams out there aimed at those who want to save a buck on a move.

Compare Estimates

Give yourself plenty of time to compare the estimates you have received. Are the estimates all binding? If not, a non binding estimate will probably be lower because they allow themselves leeway to adjust the rate later. Did you tell each moving company the exact same thing? For example, did you mention your grand piano to all four moving companies that you spoke with or only two? If you forgot to tell one of the companies important information, contact them with the new information and allow them to give you a new quote.

Once you have compared all of the estimates, ask yourself with whom you are most comfortable. Who seemed the most professional? You may find you prefer one of the higher estimates because of the peace of mind it offers.

Avoid Getting Scammed

The first rule of finding the right moving company is to avoid Internet-based moving companies. The best moving companies have websites but they also have an actual office. If someone offers to give you a quote for your move over the internet without ever seeing your things, run the other direction... fast. Reputable companies generally won't give you a quote until they actually see your belongings. Check out websites like www.movingscams.com that not only offer you advice on how to avoid getting scammed but also give you the names of specific companies to avoid.

Pick 'Em and Pray

Even if you pick a moving company that appears to be honest and upfront in their dealings, you still need to stay alert. Be upfront about what you expect. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't let your guard down until the last item is off the moving truck in your new home. Remember, they are working for you. Not the other way around. By staying alert, you can have a safe and relatively hassle free move with the right moving company.