How To Find the Right Moving Company for You

Just thinking about moving can be very stressful and even terrifying to think about. So how do you find the moving company that you can trust with your valuables with and feel safe about your decision?

Using a moving broker is risky. Consumer protection laws related to moving brokers are usually unenforceable due to poorly written laws and broker contracts. Therefore, we don’t recommend using a broker.

First thing we suggest is to make sure that the moving company will come to your house or place of business and give you an estimate.

An estimate over the phone is truly a guestimate. And, getting an estimate based on cubic feet does not consider the value of your belongings. Only in person can you get a good feel for the integrity of the company and get all of your questions answered to your satisfaction.

Whether you are moving across country or across the street, make sure the moving companys doing the move themselves and not sub-contracting the job to another unknown moving company.

If you have the time and opportunity, we suggest visiting the moving company’s office to ensure they are who they say they are, plus this gives you the opportunity to check out their certificates of business and insurance requirements. You are trusting them with your valuables so get to know them and make it personal. Make sure all of your questions are answered and that every document is understood before signing a contract. Don’t let anyone rush you, good moving companies should be willing to wait for your understanding and comfort before signing. And everyone should know this already but it is so important that it is worth mentioning: don’t ever sign blank paperwork to be “filled in” later.

Other tasks we suggest are checking the DOT and MC license numbers and getting references on the moving company. SaferSys.org is the perfect place to start. SaferSys is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) website. You can search for motor carrier license information as well as checking out the insurance for the moving company.

One last check you should do is to call the FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaints hotline at 1-888-368-7238 and ask them about the complaint history of your moving company. They are open from 10am to 6pm EST Monday thru Friday and it’s worth the call.

And finally, you should know that every moving company is required by law to provide you with the booklet, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. If they don’t provide you with this, find out why. Send them packing if they don’t have an answer or sound shady when answering.

At L’Goff Moving Services, we treat moving like a luxury. Our desire is to bring high end quality and service of a five star hotel directly to your home or business. It is like having your own personal moving concierge to ensure a smooth, safe, and stress free moving experience.