How to Choose a Moving Company

A moving company offers a wide range of services for customers making a move, from local moves to cross-country transport. It’s important to find a reliable moving company that will offer quality service and fair prices. A few things to look for in a good moving company include:

The best way to choose a moving company in Kennesaw, GA is to get referrals from friends and family members who have used one in the past. However, you can also check a company’s reputation online to see what other customers have said about them. A reputable moving company will have positive customer reviews. Avoid companies with a lot of negative reviews.

It’s also a good idea to find out whether a company is licensed and insured. This will protect you in the event something goes wrong during the move. In addition, a licensed company should have a USDOT number, which you can check on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. This is especially important for interstate moves, since the agency oversees all commercial vehicle operations.

When choosing a moving company, it’s best to get a binding not-to-exceed estimate. This will ensure that you pay no more than the quoted price, even if the shipment ends up being heavier than expected. Nonbinding estimates are usually subject to change based on extra services and shipment weight, but you cannot be made to pay more than 110% of the original estimate.

In order to give a quote, the moving company will need to take an inventory of your belongings. This can be done either in-person or by sending someone to your home with a camera and forms. The more detailed the inventory, the more accurate the quote will be. In addition to taking an inventory, the moving company will also need to know what items you want to move and how many of each item there are. This will help them determine how much space your shipment will take up in their trucks and containers.

You’ll also want to make sure that the moving company has the right equipment for your move. This will include the right-sized trucks and vans to fit your belongings. Typically, larger vehicles will be used for long-distance moves, while smaller ones are typically used for local moves.

Customers should also ask the moving company about their cancellation policy. It’s important to understand how close to the actual move date you can cancel and if there is any sort of penalty for doing so. Customers should also ask about the company’s refueling and maintenance policies for their vehicles, as this can impact pricing as well.

Lastly, be wary of companies that require large deposits or payments upfront. A reputable company will not require more than 20% of the estimated cost, Michael says. Customers should also put any deposits or other payments on a credit card, which will allow them to contest charges if they are overcharged. This can save a lot of money in the long run.