Moving can be stressful and overwhelming. This is probably why you have decided to hire a professional moving company, rather than fully manage it yourself. 

Still, finding a professional moving company may sound time-consuming, intimidating, and maybe even boring. We hear you — who wants to interview a bunch of strangers about pricing, packing, and driving? 

Let us help. When you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to take to choose your professional movers, you’re halfway through the battle. 

Below we discuss the best way to hire a professional moving company.

1. Referrals 

If you’re looking to trust your movers check out references, ask for referrals, and get recommendations from people you know and trust. These will help you start the process with peace of mind. 

Most of us have moved at least once in our lifetime, so getting insight from friends, family, and coworkers is a great place to start. 

Once you have received some referrals and decided on a few moving companies, begin to do some research of your own. Check to see if any of these companies have been blacklisted at movingscam.com

2. Research & Review

While you’re researching recommended companies online, be sure to look over their company website, Google reviews, and social media channels. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and other platforms can provide you with many insights. 

You will also want to look out for some red flags when you’re reading customer reviews. Some of these may include customers reporting the following: 

  • Damage
  • Last-minute or hidden charges
  • Unexpected delays
  • A company holding their belongings hostage for more money

3. Ask questions 

After reviewing companies, you may still have some unanswered questions. This is when you should call the moving companies you are interested in, and ask the questions that are important to you. 

A few examples may be: 

  • What is your policy with day-laborers?
  • How long have you been in business?
  • Do your movers get background checks?
  • Are your movers experienced?
  • Are you insured?
  • Can you provide your licensing information?
  • What is your cancelation policy?
  • Do you have any hidden fees?

You don’t have to spend a fortune on quality movers either. Yes, you will want professionals, but pricing should be somewhat comparable between quality companies. Don’t get conned into paying for a name. Expensive doesn’t always mean better or more experienced. Sometimes a company really will use its name as a way to charge more. Try not to choose a company that uses unfair pricing.  

4. Take inventory 

While it’s not a fun task, you must take inventory of all of your belongings that will be moved. You can then do a virtual survey or speak with a moving company to better understand how much your items may weigh and how much space will be needed to move them. 

While it is essential to let the movers know what belongings will be moved, it is just as important to let them know what items will not be put on the truck. If you have items that you will leave behind for new homeowners or things you will donate or sell, you do not want to get charged for them. 

Taking inventory will not only help you get an accurate estimate but will also help you keep track of all your belongings during the move. 

5. Get a quote

Most moving companies base their quotes on how much your items weigh and how much space they take up in the truck. 

A company may come to your home or office to give you an estimate as well. You should show them every room, every closet, and all of your storage places. Even the cupboards, drawers, attic, shed, and garage. 

All of the belongings to be moved by the professional movers need to be known beforehand. This will alleviate any surprises in the future for the movers and your price quote.

If your moving team shows up and you have more furniture than previously discussed, your movers do not have to move the items at the original price.

Most Denver area professional moving services offer a no-obligation quote. Take advantage of this service.

6. Consider restrictions

You should also be sure the movers know about any restrictions or moving guidelines.  If you’re moving into an apartment and can only use the elevator at certain times, they should know that right away. If they can’t park in certain areas during certain times, they should be informed of that as well.

Knowing the restrictions that you and your movers may have to face can make moving day a much easier task for all of you. 

7. Compare your bids and needs

Compare and contrast your bids. We recommend getting at least five so that you can make the best decision for your specific moving situation. Everyone’s needs tend to differ, so deciding what is most important to you and what you need out of a moving company will help you make your final decision. 

If you don’t have many large or heavy items, you may not need to worry about the size of trucks a company offers or what type of equipment they use for heavier, more difficult items.  However, if you happen to have a pool table, hot tub, or grand piano, you need to know that a company can safely move them. 

Remember, money isn’t everything in this process. Any bids that are excessively high or excessively low should be steered clear of. If you like a company but are questioning their quote price, don’t be afraid to pick up the phone. Find out why the cost is so high or even so low. Asking questions will give you details on how the company works.

Maybe pricing was higher with a particular mover because they’re traveling farther to get to you. Maybe they need to rent something special for your move because they don’t already have it on hand. Or maybe your quote was low because the company is offering discounts or promotions during this time. Find out the ins and outs of questionable pricing, and you may be able to negotiate some terms.

8. Choose a licensed company 

This is very important — make sure the moving company you choose is licensed and insured to handle every aspect of your move. If they aren’t set up legally, you don’t want any part of it.

The US Department of Transportation should license the company you choose. A quick search online can help you find a moving companies USDOT number (license number) and if they have a complaint history.

(Road Scholars’ HHG license number is 00107). 

9. Decision time 

Now that you have done your research, you should feel more comfortable and confident in choosing a professional moving company. Knowing how to obtain their work history and what to expect from them on moving day should give you peace of mind. 

With this peace of mind, your moving day should go smoothly.

10. Book your move

Now that your decision has been made, you will need to schedule your moving day with your moving company of choice. 

When you book the move, be sure to bring your debit or credit card or a cashier’s check. After doing your research, you should know that any reputable company will not take cash. 

After you have given the moving company your deposit, your move will be scheduled, and you should feel some of that weight slip off your shoulders. 

 

Hiring a Professional Moving Company

We’re not here to tell you that moving can be completely stress-free, because that is unrealistic. Whether you hire a professional mover to help you or not, you’ll find stress along the way. With that said, if you can find yourself a team of movers that will help support you through this life event, it will be much more efficient.

Knowing how to find a professional moving company doesn’t need to be part of your stress. If you stick to these steps, you will have quality movers before you know it. 

We’d be happy to talk with you about your upcoming move, let us help. Call us today or ask for a quote online.