Hiring a mover is the first step in making a move. But if that step goes wrong, everything that comes afterward is not going to go so well. Moving is stressful enough without the added headache of having to deal with a bad mover.
But what, exactly, makes a mover “bad”? If you pay attention, there are telltale signs before you hire them and during the planning process for the move. The sooner you catch a sign of a bad mover, the better.
To avoid a bad mover, keep a sharp eye out for any of the following.
Low Information
Most businesses have moved online. That makes it easier than ever for businesses to operate transparently. With a simple Google search, you should find information on the products and services a mover provides. You should also find reviews of the company online. Every company in every industry has some bad reviews, but they should generally be positive.
Movers also should provide license numbers with the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as the state and country where they operate. You want to know what the mover is licensed to do and see the paperwork to prove it.
Bad Estimates
Scam companies often use estimates to lure people in. They may provide an extremely low estimate but then boost the price upward on moving day. A smart move is to get estimates from several companies. Beware any estimate that seems much lower than others. Also, look for movers who offer written, guaranteed estimates. That means you don’t have to worry about surprises on moving day.
They Can’t Answer Questions
Once you have a short list of movers to contact, you can call and talk to them about what they provide. This is often where you get your first “bad” feeling about a mover. Often, a bad mover cannot answer simple questions about packing, moving equipment, insurance, services they provide or even when they can show up. Stick with companies where the person who answers the phone clearly has strong knowledge on all moving related topics. To sort out the good from the bad, ask plenty of questions.
No Logo, Business Name or Community Presence
The best movers become a part of their community. How can they not? Just by the nature of their job, they play an important role in the lives of local residents. A major warning sign is if the company has no logo, no business name and no presence through advertisements or commercials. You do not want to hire some guy and his friend. You want an experienced company with a stake in the local community.
Lack of Services
The best moving companies have the client base and resources to offer many services. These including packing and unpacking, disassembly and assembly of light furniture, safe storage and packing supplies if you do your own packing. Lack of this level of service means you can do better with a moving company.
Any of these are signs that you are dealing with a bad mover. The way to avoid them is to quickly move on. There’s no need to settle for a bad moving company or even an average one. When it comes to hiring a mover, you want the best of the best.
