As with any business, there are many out there that bill themselves as a moving company. However, not all of them are efficient and dependable. Nor are they all reliable. It is difficult sometimes to know where to start, but there are some guidelines to follow when searching for reputable movers.
Always find out how long the moving company has been in business. This will give a good idea of whether or not they have gained a good reputation. Most will advertise when they were established. Ask around to see if anyone has any experience with them or if they know of others who might have employed them in the past. What was their move like? Did they show up on time? Did everything transfer in the same condition it left the house or office? One can always ask for references as well. The best Houston moving company will happily provide the names and phone numbers of past satisfied clients.
It is also important to ask about the quote that is given by the company. Did they come to the residence or office? Did they mention whether or not heavy lifting or difficult moves would be an extra charge? If more manpower is necessary do they have an additional rate for that as well? These things can really add up quickly, and some movers do not bother to mention that these items are extra.
Do they offer packing services, and if they do, is this part of the standard quote or is it extra? If this is a service that will be needed, it is worthwhile to remember that each moving company has a different policy on this type of service. Some will charge extra while some do not do it at all.
Another thing to ask a potential mover is whether or not they are licensed and insured. This can be critical in a situation where one of the mover’s employees is injured in the home that they are working in. Without the proper insurance, the homeowner could end up being liable. Insurance also helps to offset the cost of replacing items or furnishings in the unlikely event that they become damaged or even lost.
Does the moving company offer storage? If something would delay the ability to move into the new address, the personal belongings might have to be stored temporarily. Not all movers have storage capabilities, and this is important to find out ahead of time. Being prepared is always a good plan.
If the move involves traveling out of state or out of the country, it is extremely important to ascertain whether or not the business participates in this type of transition. Since there are laws and licenses that have to be acquired to do overseas moves, many businesses do not offer that type of service.
While doing the research, asking all the right questions will help to narrow down the field of prospective movers. It is important to have a good list of questions ready to ask so that the right business can be paired with the specific needs of the customer.