This guide will give you some insider tips on what to look for and what red flags stick out to us at Moving APT.
Let us share our experience so you can feel confident booking your man!
What you should look for in your moving company
1. Honesty and Transparency
Even if a mover isn’t perfect, what matters most is that they are clear and honest with you that they won’t meet your expectations. Honesty over price is always important. Use trusted and vetted movers for your home.
2. Experience
Nothing teaches you how to overcome issues like experience in the field. Don’t trust brand new companies just because they are giving you a deal. When they encounter issues like stairs, challenges or other problems they likely won’t know how to solve them.
3. Flexibility
Flexibility in scheduling changes, availability on your best dates, and the ability to handle last-minute issues or adjustments are important considerations. You mover should be here for you.
4. Quality Equipment
Go and take a look at their moving truck as it will tell you a lot about the quality of the movers you plan to hire. Modern equipment and properly maintained vehicles contribute to the efficiency and safety of the moving process.
5. Services That Meet Your Needs
Don’t just book based on the initial price. Consider the other factors like your specific moving needs and ensure that the moving company offers the services you require.
This might include packing and unpacking, furniture disassembly and assembly, specialty items, and storage.
6. Clear Pricing
You should expect nothing less than a perfect binding quote. Upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises the day of the move is key to success.
Moving company red flags
It’s like when a man asks you out, but then doesn’t pick up the check. Some things just don’t sit right with us. Let us tell you about some red flags known to be seen in the moving industry so you can avoid them at all costs. If only a guide like this was written for dating we would be in a happier world.
1. Really Cheap Quotes
Be wary of moving companies that provide estimates that are much lower than others in the industry. They aren’t trying to help you out, but rather rip you off.
While competitive pricing is great, extremely low quotes could be a tactic to lure you in, and then run away with your deposit or add on hidden fees when you are stuck with them!
2. Licensing and Insurance
This is usually where the scammers get sketchy! Legitimate moving companies are always properly licensed and insured.
You can avoid the tricks by asking for their license number and you can verify it. If a company hesitates to provide this, run away as fast as you can!
3. Bad Rep
Do your research online. Read reviews from previous customers on various platforms. Try to see if it seems they were written by friends or actual clients. You can click each reviewer and see if they have reviewed other real places before.
Pay attention to any patterns of issues of damaged or missing items, late deliveries, or weird behavior. Many negative reviews or a lack of online reviews is a red flag.
Having some bad reviews with thousands of good ones actually shows that the company is real and human.
Moving companies should also be able to provide recommendations if requested. Even if you don’t plan on contacting them, ask to see if they are happy to provide you.
4. No Office
Beware of moving companies that are all online. This excludes services such as Moving APT which connect you with verified movers that do have offices.
A reputable company always has a physical office where you can complain if needed.
5. Large Deposits
Legit moving companies do not require large upfront deposits before the move- usually only around 10% of the total cost upfront should be paid to lock in your date.
Be wary of companies that demand a large deposit or ask for payment in cash only as they are about to up and run with your hard earned cash.
6. Lack of Written Contract
Always get everything in life in writing. Demand a written contract that clearly outlines the terms of the moving agreement.
It should include the services provided, the cost with no hidden fees, the pickup and delivery dates and times, and any fees not listed.
Avoid companies that refuse to provide a written contract or ask you to sign incomplete forms.
7. No Logo
When the moving crew arrives, their uniforms, equipment, and vehicles should have the company’s branding or logo. If they show up in unmarked trucks it might be a sign of a false company.
A logo is a very basic tool of companies. Lack of putting in effort to their branding may also mean lack of effort in your move.
8. No Written Inventory
Before loading your belongings on the truck, the moving company should conduct an inventory check of items to be moved. This way they are accountable for what is there. Make sure to receive a written copy of this inventory, and review it to ensure accuracy.
As well you should have your personalized inventory to compare it to.
9. Lack of Transparency
Pay attention to how the moving company communicates with you. If they are evasive, overall feel sketchy, unresponsive to your calls, or unwilling to provide clear answers, run away while you still can.
10. Overall Feeling
Trust your gut. You know when someone is lying to you or trying to cheat you. If you feel sketched out after speaking with the company, spend a little more on a reputable vendor. It will save you time and headaches later on.
Wrapping up the boxes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your top tip for a first time mover?
When you plan your move date, book assistance from your friends, family, and the younger generation ahead of time, you are preparing for success.
I highly recommend knowing a list of dates that works best for your close family members who have agreed to help with the move so that you can find a mover that can work around these time and date limitations.
How can I help a family with young kids moving across the country?
Ask them what they really need. It could be a few hours where you take the kids off their hands so they can pack up the house in peace or even go out for a date night, or it could be a helping hand at home with the actual packing that they need. Ask them directly and don’t take no for an answer.
What is the worst thing that can happen during a move?
Just as stated in our red flags, the worst thing would be your mover bailing on you the morning of your move. It happens all the time in the industry. Booking a scammer is the worst thing that can happen.
They can take a huge deposit up front and then just never show up or give a lame excuse and not answer your calls. This can be avoided by only booking a tried and trusted moving vendor from our marketplace and ignoring all the scammers online.
How can I make the move less stressful for my 9 year old daughter?
Take your daughter to the new home and show her all around her new area! Take her to the various playgrounds, local ice cream shops, and find fun activities in the area.
Also make her a part of decision making so she won’t feel just like everything around her is suddenly changing, but rather that she is a part of deciding what changes happen in her life.
This can be done by choosing after school activities together, or designing her bedroom with new colors.
How can I safely move extremely fragile special objects that are irreplaceable?
The truly special pieces I would recommend actually packing up in many layers of bubble wrap and towels and actually putting in your personal car if the option exists. You can of course wrap these items and put them in a plastic bin with many layers of pillows, towels and more soft items and write “fragile” on top, but I think it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
