Choosing a Moving Company
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7 Tips For Choosing The Right Moving Company

San Diego local moving company Move Central, Inc., knows that choosing a moving company can be a daunting task. You want to choose someone who cares about your personal property as much as you do, as well as operates with integrity.

To make sure your move is the best it can possibly be, our movers in San Diego want to share seven tips that will help you choose the right moving company, who will provide an easy move with no regrets.

  1. Beware of Scams

Be alert for scammers who pose as reputable moving companies. Be aware of the following things that may be signs of a scam:

First, if your prospective moving company requires a cash deposit before they will move your things, they may be operating a scam operation.

Second, you should always look to make sure that a moving company has a real, physical address, not just a P.O. Box address. If they do not have a real business address, they have only an address in a residential area, or they have only a P.O. Box, this could mean that they are not a trustworthy business.

Third, ask for a valid U.S. DOT number. If you cannot find a DOT number, or the moving company cannot provide one, they probably do not have the authority to operate as a moving company and do not have the required insurance movers should provide.

Fourth, check to see that the moving company is a member of respectable organizations like the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) or the BBB (Better Business Bureau), which would indicate that they are professionals who strive toward excellence.

The threat for getting your money and/or property stolen is real with fake companies posing as real movers. That is why it is so important to realize that the best price might not mean the best moving experience. You should also check the ratings and reviews of moving companies before deciding on one, as well as the DOT website, protectyourmove.gov, to help you choose the right moving company.

As a proud Better Business Bureau member, San Diego full service moving company, Move Central, Inc., is a moving company that has gained the trust of many customers moving in San Diego, and we promise to make your move a great one, too.

  1. Ask For Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a reputable San Diego moving company is to ask your friends, relatives, co-workers, neighbors, or even your real estate agent or property manager who they recommend. This will give you a great list of companies, which you can then research to make the best choice for your particular situation.

The next step is to call the moving companies and request the following information from them: their full business name and DBA (doing business as) name; how long they have been operating; their physical address, email address, and web address; any references; and their DOT and multi-combination (MC) numbers.

Once you have this information, visit the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) at SaferSys.org and look up the companies via the information they gave you to check their safety profile, if they are licensed, and if they have been ordered to stop operating, among other things.

 

  1. Get An On-Site Estimate

There is a federal regulation that requires moving companies to provide in-home estimates before performing a move. Contact at least two of the companies you have chosen so you can get the best estimate and feel comfortable with the company you ultimately choose. The estimator will then come to your home, see what you want moved, and provide an estimate for you.

Move Central moving company in San Diego always provides free in-home or on-site estimates, and we want to advise you to be wary of companies who only give estimates online or on the phone. There are two main reasons for this. One, it can be hard to adequately describe your property over the phone, and two, if you are moving from state-to-state, the moving price will be based on the weight of your cargo, the mileage it is traveling, etc. The only way to get a precise price and to be sure all factors are being considered is to have an in-person, in-home estimate.

When the assessor comes to give you your estimate, make sure that you show him or her all items that will be moved. Before he or she arrives, think about what you may have in your garage, yard, basement, or in off-site storage, and write down a list, if necessary, so you don’t forget anything. Any items that are not included in the on-site estimate will cost you extra on moving day.

Keep in mind that when the moving company comes to give you an estimate, not only should they be requesting plenty of information from you so that they can give a close to exact estimate, but they should also be open to answering any questions that you may have, as well.

One question you need to ask is the way they handle the valuation of your property. There should be a few available options for the valuation of your property, which will give you choices on how damage or loss claims will be adjusted and how liable the moving company will be for such damages. The mover’s liability has limits and exclusions and is based on their tariffs and federal law.

Move Central moving company, San Diego, wants to remind you to also beware of movers who offer very low quotes compared to other companies. A lower price may seem tempting, but companies who offer really low prices could either offer bad service or could raise the price significantly on moving day. One of the worst scams among rogue moving companies is offering a price that is just too good to be true, packing up a person’s property, and then holding it hostage, demanding obscene amounts of money before they will give it back. We don’t want that to happen to you!

  1. Choose A Good Name Over A Low Price

You have already invested a large sum of money in the possessions you want to move, and there is no reason to risk their safety with a fly-by-night company that no one has heard of, that you can’t find out valid information about, or that you don’t feel completely comfortable with, no matter how good of a price they offer you. When choosing a San Diego mover, a good reputation and plenty of experience are the number one factors you should consider. In a situation where people will be handling your property and coming into your home, you don’t want to take a risk with the wrong movers. It could cost you big-time in many ways.

  1. Compare Moving Companies

So what should you look for when looking for a reputable moving company? First, you should think of your in-home estimate as a job interview. How attentive was the person giving the estimate? How professional were they? Did they leave you feeling comfortable with the situation, or were you left with doubt? Were they on time, and do they seem reliable?

Next, if possible, go to the moving company’s physical location and have a look at it. Does it seem legitimate, clean, and professional?

And third, a reputable mover should offer you a brochure titled “Your Rights and Responsibilities,” as it is mandated by federal law. This brochure will give you details on the 110% Rule for moving companies and their clients. This rule says that, when given an estimate that is not binding, the moving company can’t charge you more than 10% over the provided estimate at delivery. If the final price ends up being more than 110% of the estimated price, then you have 30 days to pay any overage.

 

  1. Plan Ahead

If possible, it is recommended that you make plans and secure your moving company 30-45 days before the date of your move. There are many times that movers are very busy, and planning ahead is the only way to ensure that the movers will be available when you need them.

Our San Diego moving company is usually busier at the end of the month, as people usually move before the end of their leases at the first of the month. Furthermore, summer holiday, when kids are out of school, is a busy time for all movers. If you have to move at the end of the month or between the months of May and September, you will want to schedule with your movers way in advance.

 

  1. Report Scams

If, by chance, you do fall victim to a moving scam, you can report it to MoveRescue, a service created to help in the case of moving scams, at 1-800-832-1773. When you call them, they will listen to your situation and direct you to the best course of action or try to rescue your property from a bad moving company.

About Move Central

We are the movers San Diego trusts for easy, safe moves. We offer moving products, storage solutions, and moving services in San Diego or from San Diego to anywhere in the country. We look forward to making your move a great one!

 

 

Stan Caramalac

Stan Caramalac started his moving company because he truly believed that moving could be simple as long as it was done efficiently. He wanted to help people make their moves smoother and less stressful. Stan and his team proudly serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. If you are looking for professional commercial or residential movers then Move Central is the perfect company for you.

Author: Stan Caramalac

Stan Caramalac started his moving company because he truly believed that moving could be simple as long as it was done efficiently. He wanted to help people make their moves smoother and less stressful. Stan and his team proudly serve San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles and the Bay Area. If you are looking for professional commercial or residential movers then Move Central is the perfect company for you.

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