Unfortunately, choosing the services you need, and the company you want can be a challenge for several reasons. First and foremost, moving scams are becoming more and more common, and reputable, established companies are mixed in along with unlicensed or poor quality ones. Distinguishing which companies are worth it is a matter of learning as much as you can about your options and what to expect, in order to make an informed decision.
At Prestige Moving & Storage, we are delighted to support our customers with the resources they need to experience the perfect move—whether moving locally, long-distance, or internationally. To help you plan and organize your next relocation, take a look at the following five tips for streamlining your moving company options to find the best one.
1. Choosing a Licensed, Insured Moving Company
First
and foremost, a licensed, insured, and official moving company should be your
number one priority when finding a mover. While there are many moving companies that are
not licensed or insured, the lower rates they may offer won’t make up for the
money you’ll lose should something go wrong with your moving project. Licensed
and insured companies will offer coverage for their services in case of
breakage, loss, or other damages to your belongings.
Licensing will also ensure that the company you’re working is legitimate and
has the proper registration necessary to perform business in your area. In
other words, if the company is licensed, you won’t have to worry about the
movers running off with your things, or collecting a down payment and not
showing up, and other common moving scams.
2. Online Ratings and Recommendations
Your
next step to evaluate moving company options is to find three or four promising
ones to compare. You can do this in one of two ways: by searching the internet
for moving companies
in your area, or asking friends, family, co-workers, or others for
recommendations.
Either way, you should come up with a list of three to four moving companies that you
think might be a good fit for you and your move. This should be based on a
number of considerations, including licensing, insurance coverage, and other
factors—which we’ll get into in just a moment.
3. Awards and Affiliations
The
best companies will have affiliations with major van lines, the Better Business
Bureau, and other reputable organizations. Look for companies that have won
major awards for customer service, quality moving solutions, and other
important factors of the industry.
Most companies will have these awards and affiliations proudly listed on their
websites. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, and
other prominent organizations for affiliations with the moving companies on your short list.
4. Requesting an Estimate
Your
next step is to request estimates from the companies on your short list. Be
skeptical of companies that quote flat fees that cover your entire
move—especially if these rates are calculated over the phone and not in person.
This is because moving
companies need to know plenty of details in order to evaluate how much
they will charge, based on the weight of your items, the specific things you’re
moving, the distance you’re going, and other factors.
Choose the companies that will offer an in-house, free pricing estimate to
determine the exact cost of your move. This will give you the opportunity to
meet with a project coordinator from the company, and to hear what services are
provided and how they can customize the move to meet your needs. At this
meeting, be sure to ask plenty of questions and make sure the contract is clear
and easy to understand.
5. What’s Included? A Look at Your Contract
You
might not realize what services you need until you meet with the coordinator to
plan your move. He or she will be able to offer important solutions to make
your moving project even easier—like professional packing and unpacking, piano
moving, office equipment de-installation and connection, antiques
or fine art moving, or custom
crating, among other services.
Once you receive your estimate, make sure you understand exactly what it
covers. Ask if the contract is binding or non-binding, and what each of those
terms means in relation to the price you’ll pay. If you’re on a strict moving
budget, your moving coordinator should be able to pick and choose the services
you need and want, customizing the estimate to suit your preferences.
Schedule Your Move with Prestige Moving & Storage Today
If you’re looking for the most experienced and highest rated movers in Portland, Oregon, and the surrounding areas, contact Prestige Moving & Storage to ask about your options today. With over 50 years in the business, we’re a proud affiliate of Allied Van Lines—and ready to offer exceptional moving solutions at the most affordable rates.
Whether you’re a household or a commercial business, or if you’re interested in a local, long-distance, or international move, Prestige Moving & Storage can help. For more information, give us a call or fill out our online form to receive a completely free, no-obligation, pricing estimate, and moving consultation in your home.
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