A moving company is a business that helps clients move their belongings from one location to another. It may also offer storage services. Local companies are independent, while large national moving companies have a network of local branches or affiliated agents.
When choosing a moving company, you want to make sure they are licensed and insured. This protects you from any damage or loss during the move. A reputable moving company will be happy to provide you with proof of their license and insurance. You can also check the USDOT website to see if they are registered.
Word of mouth is a great way to find a reliable moving company, but so is the internet. Look for online reviews, testimonials and social media profiles from previous customers to get an idea of how a company works. Be wary of any overwhelmingly positive or negative reviews as they may be faked. A good rule of thumb is to choose a company with at least a four-star rating.
When hiring a moving companies in Houston, it is important to understand how they estimate the cost of your move. A moving company will send an estimator to your home to walk through and take inventory of your belongings. They will then provide you with a written quote for the move. It is a good idea to ask the moving company what factors can change the price of your move, such as stairs or elevator access, how high up in your building your apartment is located and more.
In addition to evaluating a moving company’s reputation and experience, be sure to read the fine print of any contract. Look for red flags such as a requirement to pay a deposit upfront or a contract with blanks or insufficient information. Additionally, be wary of movers who request more than 20 percent of the estimated total cost before the move. It is best to use a credit card for payment, which gives you better protection against fraud and allows you to contest any charges should the need arise.
You can also choose a moving company that offers extra perks such as real-time GPS tracking or supplemental insurance. AVL, for example, puts its long-distance movers through an extensive screening process that includes background checks and drug testing. It also provides uniforms for its movers to help identify them at your home.
Before signing a contract, be sure to ask the moving company for proof of their insurance and registration. You should also verify that they are members of the American Moving & Storage Association. In addition, a reputable moving company should never require a large deposit prior to the move, and any deposits should be made using a credit card so you can contest them in case of fraud or other problems. This will keep you protected in case the movers go bankrupt or otherwise fail to follow through with their promise to move your items.