When you want to move, whether near or far, one of the biggest decisions you will make is selecting a mover. Finding a reliable company you can trust can be confusing. You have heard, or even worse experienced, moving horror stories in which things get broken or lost, or end up being held hostage in a warehouse for months on end.

If you don't pick your moving company carefully, you could find yourself with too much trouble and expense. If you will follow the suggestions in this article, you will be able to make an informed selection when it comes to getting the best mover for your individual situation.

Get Referrals From Previous Clients (And Call Them)

An excellent way to be sure that the mover will provide high quality service is to inquire of your family and friends for Referrals. If someone you know had a positive experience with a mover, you might expect to have a similarly good experience. It is just as true, of course, that if your friends or family members warn you to stay away from a certain company, you will be very wise to heed the advice.

Choose a Nationally Known Company

A big mover with a well-known name is always your best choice if the move is long distance. Although a local mover that is highly well-recommended might be ideal for moving shorter distances, you have to be really careful when you send your property across state lines. If you are going to send everything you own from DC to Washington, make sure there is a corporate office that you won't have to go back to deal personally that you can deal with in the event that you need assistance.

Review the Contract Thoroughly

Be careful t read the contract agreement very carefully. As is true with all contracts, it is very important that you thoroughly understand the terms that you sign. You can't make assumptions or rely on verbal agreements. Be sure that you know everything they are obligated to do under the written terms of your agreement. Most movers will show a stated maximum, or sometimes it may only seem to be so. If it is not based on a fairly detailed onsite estimate, ask about exceptions that may be in the fine print.

Unless you are planning to unload the truck yourself, make sure that the contract specifies that the movers will perform that task for you. Make especially sure that you understand the company's limits of responsibility in protecting your belongings from damage during transit and the procedures for applying for reimbursement if loss or damage happens.

Get an Accurate Estimate From the Company

The price the company quotes you should be based on good information, not just a telephone estimate they say is "standard" for how many rooms you have. The best movers will offer to come to your home to accurately estimate the scope of the job before quoting a price. Beware of any moving company that just quotes you a standard price for a three or however many bedroom home. There are many different sizes of three bedroom homes, and there can be great variability among the number of possessions even in homes that are similar in size. If the mover fails to actually take a good look at your home before giving you an estimate, you should be concerned that the price might well change when it's all done and they have your furniture in the truck.

Be Knowledgeable About Insurance Coverage

Be sure to understand the amount of insurance coverage on your belongings while they are being moved. Don't assume that the insurance the company offers with the package will be enough to replace your belongings in the event of an accident or loss. You may have to take out more insurance.


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