How to Find a Quality Moving Company in Your Area

<img src="https://dcr-apis.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp_contents/uploads/2017/09/Need-A-Hand-Movers-And-Hauling-example-2-rgb.jpg" alt="class=attachment-post-thumbnail" style="height: ;width: "/> Moving to a new place is an exciting experience, but it can also be overwhelming. You need to pack and sort through things that may need to be thrown out or given away. And then there are the utilities to shut off and new ones to turn on. There may also be children and pets to deal with. Your stress level may get higher and higher. Good news: You don’t have to do all of the work yourself. A professional moving company can help you get through the difficult process of packing and moving. They will arrange for your move, pack, load, unload and, if necessary, temporarily store your things. Whether you’re moving locally or long-distance, a professional mover can help ease the stress of moving. When you work with a quality mover, you’ll have peace of mind and assurance that your move is in good hands. Knowing that the moving company will take care of things will allow you to focus your efforts on the other issues that need to be dealt with in the process of moving. However, not all moving companies are alike. While some are focused on quality workmanship and customer service, others are more focused on getting a paycheck. In fact, there are even fly-by-night movers that operate outside the legal requirements that govern the moving industry. That’s why you need to devote some time to searching for a moving company with the right experience and credentials, as well as a proven track record of customer satisfaction. <h3>Determining What Moving Services You Need</h3> Before you begin your search, you need to know what you need and expect from a moving company. To do this, you’ll need to get an idea of your timeline, budget and any special requirements you have. Here are some questions you should ask yourself: <ul> <li>What is my timeline for moving?</li> <li>What personal and professional characteristics would I like my moving company to have (good communication skills, timeliness, honesty, integrity, reliability)?</li> <li>Do I want a moving company to pack and move my belongings or just move my belongings?</li> <li>What is my budget for this move?</li> </ul> <h3>Starting Your Search for a Mover</h3> After you’ve determined your moving needs, it’s time to start your search for a local company. The simplest way to ensure a quality hire is to choose a Diamond Certified moving company. Each Diamond Certified company has been rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise® in the most <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/how-it-works/" target="_self">accurate rating process</a> anywhere. Plus, when you hire a Diamond Certified company, you’re always backed by the <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/performance-guarantee/" target="_self">Diamond Certified Performance Guarantee</a>. If you decide not to choose a Diamond Certified moving company (or if there isn’t one in your area), you’ll have to do independent research on the moving companies you come across in your search. You can improve your chances of hiring a good mover by checking with the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. On <a href="https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/" target="_self">their website</a>, you can verify if a company has an active license, workers’ compensation insurance and other required credentials. Violations and license revocations will also appear on their license record, so you’ll know about serious customer grievances and complaints that have been filed with the state. <h3>Questions to Ask a Moving Company</h3> After completing your initial research, contact a few of the local moving companies you’re considering. Compile a list of questions that you want answered and use that list when talking to each company. Write down each company’s answers. Here are some questions that you might want to ask: <ul> <li>How long will it take for you to load, move and unload?</li> <li>How long have you been in business?</li> <li>What if some of my household items are damaged during the move?</li> <li>Will the movers assemble any of the furniture that has been taken apart for the move?</li> <li>What kind of guarantees do you offer?</li> <li>What does the warranty cover?</li> <li>Do you charge for estimates?</li> <li>Do you offer shipment tracking?</li> <li>Do you have liability and workers’ compensation insurance?</li> <li>Will you provide a written contract?</li> <li>Can you provide me with 10 references?</li> </ul> Remember, you only want to get estimates from companies that meet or exceed your expectations. If you don’t receive satisfactory answers to your questions, move on to the next company. <h3>Meeting With a Moving Company</h3> After you narrow down your list to two or three qualified candidates, it’s time to meet with them in person. Each moving company will need to visit your home in order to give you an estimate for the move. You should never accept a moving estimate over the phone. A moving estimate should consist of a detailed, room-by-room list of all the furniture, boxes and other items to be moved. Additionally, your estimator should take note of any items not to be moved, which will help you avoid any misunderstandings on moving day. At the end, the estimator should present you with a price that reflects the expected cost of the move. They should also provide you with a “not-to-exceed” price, which puts a cap on the final price in case it ends up being higher than the original estimate. During the estimate appointment, be sure to show the moving company representative everything you plan to move. The more detailed you are, the closer the estimate will be to the final cost. Let the mover know about stairs or basements and anything that might make the move more complicated. You should also take the opportunity to ask the estimator any questions you have. Of course, it’s just as important for you to hear the estimator’s suggestions and observations. If you don’t understand something, ask for an explanation—it’s important to completely understand the plan for your move. When you feel satisfied with a company’s estimate and all the information you have received from them, you’re ready to sign the contract. Be sure to read through it carefully before signing and retain a copy for your records. <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/" target="_self">Use Diamond Certified Resource to find top rated companies.</a> Local, Top Rated Diamond Certified Companies Related to Your Topic <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/sonoma-movers/" target="_self">Sonoma County Movers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-mateo-movers/" target="_self">San Mateo County Movers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/santa-clara-movers/" target="_self">Santa Clara County Movers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/contra-costa-movers/" target="_self">Contra Costa County Movers</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/san-francisco-movers/" target="_self">San Francisco Movers</a> Related Articles <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/Guide/Moving/" target="_self">The Essential Guide to Moving & Hauling Services</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Get Expert Advice From Owners of Top</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/find-expert-advice/" target="_self">Rated Local Companies</a> <a href="https://www.diamondcertified.org/membership/" target="_self">Become a Diamond Certified Preferred Member (Always Free)</a>