Wednesday September 26, 2018
Moving: a word that can conjure visions of broken belongings, weather woes, and boorish movers who hold home furnishings hostage for a surprise ransom. However, moving to a new home should not be fraught with risk and should not cost more than expected. Knowing how to sidestep scams when selecting residential movers is key for a successful move. Following a few basic rules can prevent major mover malpractice.
1. SOLICIT NO FEWER THAN THREE ESTIMATES AT LEAST EIGHT WEEKS IN ADVANCE.
Homeowners planning a move should start early by asking for recommendations from realtors, a superb resource, or from others in the area who’ve recently moved. Reputable companies always offer free, in-home, on-site estimates. They should also have verifiable addresses that can be found online, as well as published BBB ratings.
2. NEVER PAY CASH, NEVER GIVE DEPOSITS, AND NEVER SIGN PARTIAL CONTRACTS.
Reliable residential movers will generally return estimates within 15% of each other. If any one estimate is significantly lower than, that should be a red flag. Likewise, any company with more than eight BBB complaints is likely to be disreputable. Estimates should always be based on weight, which can be documented, and not on cubic feet, which can’t. Weight estimates also set a firm initial price that can’t be changed once the move has begun.
Moving contracts should be at least two pages long and should contain an itemized list of everything to be moved. Furthermore, reputable movers should never ask for a deposit before beginning work or for cash payment after finishing. The former can’t be trusted, and the latter can’t be traced.
3. SELECT MOVERS WITH CREDENTIALS THAT MATTER.
Clients should first list what needs to be moved, from which room, and what services will be required (e.g. specialized moving, storing, discarding). Then, they can solicit estimates to select the right residential mover: one with branded equipment, a solid BBB rating, and partners like Atlas Van Lines for long-distance moves. Generic moving trucks, shoddy equipment, or ununiformed movers are all serious red flags.
No matter how far a move is, Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. can ensure all belongings arrive safely. We’re a family-owned business that is well known in New Orleans for developing patented moving equipment and for loyal residential and commercial clients. Contact us for a free quote!