You may have heard stories about movers loading up stuff, holding it hostage, demanding the owner to pay more money, and threatening to throw away items if the owner refuses to pay. Unfortunately, moving scams happen most of the time.
In this regard, you should have a guide in hiring moving companies to help you avoid the common pitfalls that many consumers encounter when it comes to dealing with moving companies. In general, you should be educated about moving companies and the whole moving process. The following items can help you choose the right movers.
Ask a referral from your real estate agent. Although family and friends are also good sources, agents know the ins and outs of the housing business and are the most reliable sources. A referral is the key to making a good choice of moving companies.
Get a binding estimate by making sure that the mover will come around your home to inspect your household items to be able to give you an accurate estimate. Over the phone or online estates in general are not considered binding.
Get a moving contract, which spell out all details in your transaction and should not have hidden charges like a driver’s fee.
Make sure to read reviews on the internet that will provide you feedback on the moving company of your choice. Furthermore, ask the moving company to give you references of people they have done service before and be sure to call them. Find out from the local Better Business Bureau if there are reports about the moving company.
Determine if the moving company charges minimum fees like a minimum billing for work hours regardless of real time expended, fuel charges, travel expenses and other fees built into your estimate.
Always ask for a copy of the Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Federal rules require moving companies to provide you with a copy of this booklet during planning of your interstate move.
Inquire about the company’s claims process. It is a known fact that even reputable movers occasionally scratch tables or drop vases during the process, thus you should learn about claim before you sign a contract. Determine if the company has its own claims agent or outsources to a third party. A reputable company has internal quality control department and staff to assist you in your claims.
When you are shopping around for a mover, check out the trucks they are using and find out if they look well kept and clean. The condition of their trucks is a good sign of how your furniture and items will be handled. When your mover shows up with a rental truck on the day of your move, you can cancel the agreement right there and demand for a refund of your deposit.
Determine how much the moving company requires you to pay as deposit. Some will demand down payment or deposit as high as 25 percent of the whole move. Nevertheless, reputable ones do not require you to pay upfront. However, in any deposit, you should make sure that it is refundable.
There are many good movers out there so long as you do your research well!
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.realestateproarticles.com/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites