20 Tips: How to Hire a Long Distance Moving Company

20 Ways to Guarantee You Choose the Right Movers

If you're hiring a Farmington Hills long distance moving company, it might seem intimidating. However, you can take some measures to ensure you're making the right decision for your needs. You can simplify by asking four very important questions and adhering to some practical advice when hiring your mover.

 

Ask every long distance moving company you interview these 4 critical questions prior to hiring them:

• Is the long distance moving company asking you for an upfront payment prior to your move?
• Does the long distance moving company have a brick and mortar location (and not just a post office box) on its website?
• Does the company include licensing information on its site, such as their Department of Transportation (DOT) number?
• What is the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and are they certified with the American Moving and Storage Association?

If the answer to any question above is no, then you could be dealing with a “rogue mover”, or be falling victim to another type of scam.

Here is a summary of the steps to take to ensure you make a wise move when deciding between moving companies.

Where to start

• Begin your search for a long distance moving company by asking your friends, family, and coworkers] about Farmington Hills moving companies they have hired and liked.
• Contact a realtor you trust to get at least 3 moving companies that have real, physical offices in Farmington Hills.
• If you are using a phone book, remember—just because a long-distance mover has a large ad does not necessarily mean it’s reputable.
• Once you have made a shortlist of potential moving companies, contact the companies via phone to get the full name and “doing business as” names, contact information, and Department of Transportation / MC license numbers.
• Visit the the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website, and search for the company using the DOT and MC license numbers to see safety ratings, any orders to cease operation, licensing, and other information. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer groups in Farmington Hills or Michigan.

Getting estimates

 

• You need to set up either an in-home or virtual estimate, which should be provided at no cost. A reliable long distance moving company WILL NOT give you a quote via a phone call, or without evaluating your belongings, residence, and moving logistics.
• Don’t rely on a quote provided without seeing the items over the phone or online. When moving across state lines, your charge is based on the weight of your shipment, and the distance between your old and new location. You are better off meeting in person with the mover’s representative to make sure that you both understand the scope of the work.
• During a virtual evaluation, be sure to show the assessor everything that needs to be moved. Don’t forget about belongings in the basement, or the major pieces of furniture you have sent away for restoration. Don’t hesitate to ask questions either. The salesperson should also ask you questions – about your new house, the schedule of your move, and other related matters.
• Ask about “valuation” options. Valuation gives protection from theft to your possessions. The valuation option you choose establishes the basis upon which any issue will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the moving company. The liability of a mover for damages is based upon the mover’s rates, as well as federal laws and regulations, and has certain restrictions and exceptions. Valuation is not coverage; it is simply a price-based level of carrier responsibility.
• Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than the rest. "Artificially low" price quotes could result in poor service, or they could be an indication of a mover who plans to "raise" the price in a "deceptive" moving scheme. Some "dishonest" movers are known to take household goods "ransom" and demand exorbitant fees before returning the possessions.

Go with a name you know

• There are numerous quality reputable van lines in Farmington Hills to choose from. If you are not aware of a particular long distance moving company, and you have no references from friends or business partners, be very careful! Don’t be tempted by an “affordable” price from an unfamiliar business; remember, you’re placing faith in your mover with almost all of your personal possessions.
• If you're looking to hire a moving company, you should consider the attentiveness of the salesperson is. Do you have confidence that your representative will be there to help you through planning your move? Do they provide you with contact information for additional support staff such as a move coordinator?
• If you're looking to hire movers, you may want to stop by the mover’s headquarters. This will give you a sense of the type of service you can expect from them. It's crucial to select a service provider that meets your needs and requirements.
• Long distance moving companies are required by law to provide you with an electronic copy, or provide it on their website, “Your Rights and Responsibilities.” In this brochure, the “110% Rule” is explained. The rule states that under a non-binding contract, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the original estimate, plus ten percent more, at the time of delivery. You are obligated to pay any remaining charges over the 110 percent amount within 30 days.

Timing is important

• Make arrangements for your move well in advance – at least four to six weeks before the moving date. If possible, try not to move during “peak” times.
• Year-round, the last each month is a busy time for movers, because of ending rental agreements and preferred closing dates.
• Summer – May to mid-September, when children are on summer vacation, are “peak season” for movers. Schedule summertime moves as far in advance as possible…and again, try to stay away from month-end moving dates. High-demand times moves should be planned at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance to make sure the dates you need are available.

If you fall victim

Unfortunately, a few consumers will fall victim to dishonest moving companies this year. Fortunately, there is a group called MoveSupport available to help. Those who suspect they may have been defrauded should contact MoveRescue at 800-832-1773. Customers who call this number will talk to a consultant who will review the situation and guide the caller through the appropriate next steps. MoveRescue, which is supported by a coalition of law offices throughout the United States, and supported by major van lines, serves as a core reference for people who need legal support or fraud protection guidance. In some cases, MoveRescue even offers “Shipment Rescue” for goods being held by rogue movers.

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