Like everyone, you also want to hire one of the best moving and storage companies in San Diego that has years of experience in the field. Plus, offer full coverage to the household items you’re planning to move across states.
Well, several companies will provide you desirable relocation services within your budget. But do not forget, the market is full of fraudsters as well, and their only motive is to take advantage of your money. As a result, it may be a bit tricky to determine the most suitable moving company for you, especially if it’s your first time. Therefore, having the right knowledge is primarily to make a mindful decision that fits your budget and needs.
If you’re wondering where to begin, we are here to help you. In this post, we will give you a handful of tips from the professionals that will help you land directly with the reliable movers and packers in San Diego.
Go local
One of the best ways to ensure you’re working with the right company is by opting for local options. In this case, you can learn about your potential movers with ease, either by asking for references or visiting their office.
On the contrary, if you are booking moving services online, you can easily get fooled. Some dishonest movers may take advantage of your situation and may trap you by offering wrong information about them, including reputation, qualifications, and insurance, and license. For this reason, it is always advisable to hire a local firm so that you can visit their office before signing any agreement. Additionally, you can check whether your movers and packers have the necessary equipment and well-trained workforce to complete the task smoothly and successfully.
Get a complete estimate in writing
Almost all honest moving professionals offer their clients a free and complete estimate in writing before starting the relocation process. Please note, today, most scammers use the tactic of low estimate initially to prey on vulnerable customers. Thus, be cautious when choosing a moving company for you. If your preferred company offers you a quote that seems too good to be true or the only way to reach them is a phone or the internet, then there is something fishy about them.
Verify the credentials
In the United States, all interstate movers need to have a Department of Transportation number. Well, this credential ensures that your moving company has the permit to move cargo or passengers across the state borders. Generally, movers and packers mention their Department of Transportation number in the advertisement or put it on the website.
Apart from this, long-distance movers have a carrier number, which is offered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the U.S. Thus, do not forget to verify both these numbers to assure your moving company is legitimate.
Read reviews
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you should not take it lightly and leave it to the last minute. Instead, it is better to start the process early so that you have enough time to research your movers. Today, almost every business, both online and offline, has an online presence with a website. Therefore, you need to spare some time to read the online reviews and testimonials of your prospective company.
By doing this, you will discover whether they have satisfied customers in the past or not. Additionally, you will learn what they have to say about their home relocation services. Now, there are two ways you can check the reviews about your moving agency. Firstly, you can refer to the Better Business Bureau. Secondly, a simple Google search will give desirable results.
Besides this, you can leverage a search tool offered by the Department of Transportation to get information about the complaint history of your organization.
No large upfront payments
No moving companies ask for large deposits before starting the process. However, if your movers ask to pay complete or partial upfront payment after your consultation visit, then you must proceed cautiously. Please remember, unless home relocation involves special services, reputed movers and packers will not ask more than 20% of the estimated moving cost for a deposit. However, usually, moving firms will ask for payment only after delivering your households to your destination.
As a thumb rule, always use a credit card to pay the upfront costs if it’s necessary to deposit some amount. It will act as evidence in the future if your moving company fails to keep up their end of the bargain.
Lastly, if you happened to encounter a fraudster or rogue mover, you have to file a complaint against them to protect several others. There is a possibility that no one ever told them what to look for when hiring a moving company. Thus, they may not have an idea about the Department of Transportation number. Hence, you can approach a local or state consumer protection agency to lodge a complaint. On the other hand, you can contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if your movers are registered with them.
Not only this, if you had the best moving experience, you must let others know how they made your home relocation smooth and hassle-free.
The bottom line
With these tips, you will not only prevent your moving experience from turning into a horror story but also save your money and time. So, take out some time from your busy schedule and do your homework before signing an agreement with your prospective company. There are a majority of movers and packers that will guarantee top-notch services at an affordable price. All you need to do is to spot them.
If you’re looking for one of the leading interstate moving companies in San Diego for your impending move, get in touch with Eckert’s Moving and Storage. We have years of experience, expertise, necessary tools, and workforce to get the job done quickly.