It can be challenging to pick the best moving company. Most moving business complaints, according to the BBB, included allegedly missing or damaged property, but there were also concerns about billing for a time that wasn’t actually worked, showing up late, and not fulfilling estimates. The stress of moving day is enough already without having your belongings arrive damaged or with an unexpected fee. You should investigate potential moving businesses to prevent it. It simply requires a small amount of extra time but can prevent a lot of hassle. Here are our 5 simple and straightforward steps for picking a moving company.
- Ask your friends/referrals
To begin, get no-cost relocation estimates. Next, enquire about moving companies from friends, family, and coworkers. If you are working in a real estate agency, ask for a recommendation if you are currently working with them.
- Remember the Rule of Threes
Never accept the first estimate you are given. Ask at least three separate businesses to provide you with an in-person estimate instead, as no business can actually provide you with an accurate figure without first seeing your items.
- Beware of warning signs
Watch for warning signs during the estimate. For instance, the majority of trustworthy movers won’t want a cash deposit before your relocation. It might not be a real service if the mover appears eager to receive the initial payment. During the estimate, take note of the movers’ appearance and professionalism. Look for a different business if they are unreliable, appear uncertain of their skills, or are unable to respond to your inquiries. Also, watch out for any movers that arrive in a hired moving vehicle. A reputable business will have its own equipment.
- Make sure the mover has a proper license and insurance
You want to make sure that the movers are registered businesses with proper company licenses and insurance. This way you can file a claim against the company later if the need arises.
- Discover More About Professional Accreditation
Trade groups examine businesses before approving them for membership or a stamp of approval. Look for a moving business that displays the Help Xpat logo from the American Moving and Storage Association. You can also check our website and look up testimonials.
- Look up the Address
Get a business card from the mover, visit their website, and then look up the provided address in the phone book or online. Make that the address of the company is recorded and registered under the business names. Any address listed with a residential name should be avoided.
Tips to avoid any scams
The following are the most typical moving scams you could encounter:
• The hostage situation occurs when a mover demands that you pay twice or three times the amount of your first estimate before returning your possessions.
• Bait and switch refer to when a mover alters your moving plans at the last minute and charges you far more than originally anticipated.
• Outrageous delivery fees – These are fees that a mover adds on for fictitious reasons and make you pay more to get your belongings back.
• Late delivery: The mover fails to deliver your possessions on time, or even worse, never does.
• Reckless abandonment occurs when a mover collects your payment in advance, ceases business, and abandons your belongings.
Tips to prevent yourself from moving scammers
Here are some tips to prevent becoming a victim of a moving scam.
• Never make a big down payment. Reputable movers won’t demand cash up front or a sizable payment. Only pay when the product is delivered. If not, you might never see your possessions again. And to assist safeguard you against any fraud, use a credit card to pay.
• Avoid relocation firms that change their name. Red flags include a company’s lack of a physical address, staff who don’t answer the phone using the organization’s full name, and any instances in which the company is “doing business as” another name. The business should also be able to provide you with information about its insurance and licenses, including state and federal license numbers.
• Be aware of the expense of packing. Inquire about the experience of the packers if you choose to have the movers pack your items. The majority of packers are cautious, but you want to avoid the possibility of hiring someone who simply stuffs as much as they can into a box and then seals it up without thinking about breaking it. Also, the cost of packing can prove to be prohibitive, so you should think about other options, such as doing your own packing or enlisting the assistance of family or friends.
• Beware of hidden costs. Ask the mover if there are any additional charges that would be necessary for your case. These can include navigating stairs and elevators, moving in a busy place, or doing it on a roadway that is too narrow for a moving truck to pass through. Although none of those costs are excessive, they should be considered in advance.
• Don’t consent to an empty moving contract. Never sign a contract that isn’t written down, and always request it. Check your contract carefully and confirm that all of your possessions are listed after a moving inventory. Something that is not listed in the inventory list cannot be the subject of a claim.
• Refuse the quote that is “guaranteed.” Three different types of moving contracts exist. The “guaranteed quotation” is a huge red flag because it is not an honest and accurate estimate.
• Do not wait to report any issues. The moving business must be notified of any issues within nine months, and complaints must be made. The mover must acknowledge the receipt of your claim within 30 days. The mover is required to reject your claim or make a payment offer within 120 days of receiving it. On the day of the move, attempt to unpack every package to check for damage because there won’t be much time. So, before signing the bill of lading, you can make any necessary notes on the mover’s copy of the document.
Questions you must ask a mover
- Do you have a license?
- Do you have any experience with my specific requirement of moving?
- What is the liability coverage that your company provides?
- Do you have any references?
Understand your moving estimate
- What is included in the price quote?
- Will there be any extra charges?
- How do you handle inventory?
- Is there a cancellation policy?
- What types of payment do you accept?
- How long is the move?
- How can I contact you and the driver while on the move?
- Will you transfer my items to another party on the way? Do you subcontract your moves?
- What to do if there is any delay in pickup or delivery on a moving day?
- What happens if something breaks or gets damaged during moving?
- What is your claim process?
- Will my claim be denied?
Ready to move?
There are many international moving companies in Russia that offer relocation services that include moving services. Help Xpat is one of them. We are registered and completely licensed to support you while moving to a new country. We want to help ex-pats transit easily without any apprehension.
From helping you get PCC to providing an orientation about the new country and culture to moving all your household items and vehicles, we are the top relocation Companies in Russia. Call us today at 00971 0 4 2622554 or 00971528102947 to know how we work and get a quote today….!!!