How to Choose a Mover – What to Ask Prospective Movers.

You’ll likely only move a handful of times in your life, but choosing the wrong mover can make that experience an unforgettable nightmare. There are a lot of moving companies out there, so how can you decipher the professional from the not? You will want to interview several companies and get a few quotes to compare.

Here are a few tips to ensure you are interviewing quality companies.

Check their website.  A reputable company should have a functioning website where you can learn all about them, their services and likely read some reviews.  Scroll through, click on different pages and check out their photos.

Look at their reviews. HomeStars.com is one of our favourite review sites because it’s impossible for a company to add, alter or remove any reviews.  You can also see if they have a Google or Facebook presence and see more reviews there. Look at how far back those reviews go. This will give you an indication of how long the company has been around.

Ask friends and family.  Odds are you know someone who has moved or used a mover in the recent past.  How was their experience?  Who did they use?  Check out their reviews.

Speak with you real estate agent. Nobody deals with moving companies more than real estate agents and hey, you’re likely working with one right now. Ask their advice.  Who have they used in the past?  Maybe they have two or three suggestions for you.

So I’ve picked my top three candidates. Now what?

Request a quote. Make sure you get a few quotes to compare prices.  An in home estimate is the most accurate way of getting a moving quote.  Most quotes will be within 10-20 percent of each other.  This is your chance to interview your mover.  Ask all your questions and make sure you get satisfactory answers.  Don’t pick the lowest quote.  Use the company that you feel will best serve your needs and you feel comfortable with.

Are they insured?  Ask to see a Certificate of Insurance (COI).  This is the first sign you’re dealing with a professional company.  Everyone will say, “We are insured”.  You NEED to see that certificate.

Ask for recent references.  Ask to speak to people who have a similar scale move to yours.  Just because a company moved a 1 bedroom apartment successfully doesn’t mean they will be the right fit for your 5 bedroom home. Select the mover you think you want to go with and call their references first.  This will save some time calling references for a company you’re not likely to use anyways.

Listen!!!  Can this company help you with everything you need?  Point out anything you may be concerned about and ask how they handle it.  Do they offer packing services?  Can they help get rid of items you don’t want to move?  Make sure you get answers you’re completely happy with.  You should truly feel comfortable with the person in your home.  Not like you’ve just been sold something.

Choosing a mover doesn’t have to be overwhelming or risky when you follow these 8 simple steps to choosing your mover.

Good luck and congratulations on your move!