By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you're deep in the weeds of moving--new home, new locale, new everything--you may overlook one of the most critical decisions you will have to make--which moving company should you hire to actually move all your stuff? Selecting a reputable moving company in Houston is vital to having a smooth, worry-free move, so follow these tips for selecting the best mover for your circumstances.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your real estate contact if they have a moving company who they would recommend. They are aware who is great, and who's not great but has a snazzy bright website designed to lure you in. Google movers in your area--then check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for ratings and complaints.
Check for Registration
When you search movers, you should be able to find the company's DOT registration number along with their physical address. This means they are members of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are adhering to federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be upfront with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have customer service coordinators on hand to do just that—assess the particulars of your move, assemble written estimates, and essentially be the point person for you. If your move is uncomplicated and you have all the particulars on what you are moving an over-the-phone consult might work; if you have a big residence with attics, a basement, and a shed, they should send an estimator to your house to view the entire house to ensure an accurate rate. Your estimate must be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It seems kind of dumb, but make sure the moving truck's logo, movers uniforms, and the estimate letterhead all match. Professional movers are happy to confirm with you who they are employed by; if a bunch of guys get there in unmatching t-shirts, feel free to question them. They should also have the correct equipment and supplies--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew foreman should walk through your residence with you to check for existing flaws in furniture. Some movers might even take pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dings with a smartphone and send you the pictures, so if there is transit damage it's quick to confirm.
Moving to Houston can be worrisome, but with the right movers it can be lively and fun, too. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been around long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
