Choosing between a DIY move and hiring professional movers gets easy when your destination is too distant. The safe way is to hire a reliable moving company around you while you travel with your family. Moving all of your possessions to long distances on your own is challenging.
A competent moving company in Los Angeles CA has the expertise, vehicles, and manpower to manage the moving work easily. But have you ever heard of moving scams? They do happen and are not so rare.
Other than poor moving services and incompetent staff, some companies even take your possessions and demand ransom money. If you want to get your stuff back, you should pay extra money. Although it is illegal and can be challenged the inconvenience is unmatched.
If you want to avoid such harassment, get your hands on the best moving company in Los Angeles. Here are 14 simple ways to win this game.
1. Check The Yellow Pages
Yellow pages or local phone books are easy to find. Search the names under the title “moving” to find some reliable names.
Some of you might be wincing at the idea of grabbing a book and leafing through to find an answer. The reason why yellow pages are reliable than the internet is that the companies mentioned there have actual addresses in your area. It minimizes the risk of scams.
2. Ask People Around You
It is easy to overlook the importance of word-of-mouth in the time of the internet. Asking a question is out of trend as we know how to type a query on the internet.
Use this as a good opportunity to meet people in your neighborhood and ask for recommendations. You can also find assistance from your family members.
3. Call A Local Real Estate Agent
A local real estate agent is a reliable source of information when it comes to moving companies. They deal with moving families daily and the names of local reliable companies.
Beware of the moving company brokers as they are not subject to consumer protection laws. As you find a company gets directly in contact with the company professionals.
4. Cautious Online Search
Online search is an easy way to find the names while you are comfortably sitting on your couch. But you have to be cautious while online searches.
An easy way to spot a scam is that no moving company needs your personal information to provide access to their website. You don’t need to pay any fees for that. Never trust a website that claims to connect you to other moving companies.
5. Read The Reviews
Online review sites such as Yelp have made things less challenging for consumers. Once you have listed out two or three company names based on your requirements, read the online reviews. You might find a recommendation or a warning.
Avoid a company with a shady reputation online. A clue is to check the way a company responds to negative comments. Social media websites also provide a helpful resource in this context.
6. Visit Official Websites
It is important to visit the official website of top-rated companies. It will take a lot of time but the outcomes are worth your efforts. Read the details about the service packages they offer. Official websites speak a lot about the professionalism of the company.
Information about the moving vehicles, staff and storage options should be described in detail. Never hire a company with an unclear address.
7. Request Motor Carrier License Number
Moto Carrier License numbers are mostly displayed on the official websites of moving companies. The number can also be requested by an email or call. You can use this number to see if this company is legitimate to do its work.
The records of Motor Carrier must also include a satisfactory safety rating for the moving companies you have chosen.
8. Check USDOT Number
Another important question is to ask about the USDOT number. In the United States of America, moving companies that transport cargo must have a USDOT number assigned by the state.
If the contact details of the company provided along with the number differ from the details you are using for communication, run and don’t look back. You are dealing with scammers. The records also indicate the companies that are out of service.
9. On-Site Evaluation And Estimate
Once you have checked on all the details and managed to enlist the top three companies for you, request estimates. Onsite evaluation is conducted by a professional sent by the company. The guy would assess the weight and size of the inventory and provide you onsite estimates.
The prices should not be too high or too low. Beware of the scam artists offering moving and packing services at unrealistically low prices.
10. Compare Prices
Request estimates from the top three companies to compare prices. There should be no hidden fees and the company staff should not be hesitant in providing you the cost computation methods.
11. Check Moving Inventory
A competent moving company will make a detailed moving inventory. Be sure to check the items you need to move. The list should be accurate so that you don’t end up paying more than necessary.
12. Competent Communication Skills
Efficient communication skills are a must for moving companies. How much time do they take to respond to your calls? How openly they discuss the methods they will be using? Who shall be contacted in an emergency?
All these questions need to be answered. Only trust a company will competent communication skills.
13. Understanding The Moving Contracts
Moving contracts are of three kinds. A non-binding estimate is when a company cannot charge more you than 10% above the original estimate.
When you sign a non-binding to exceed the estimate, you will not have to pay more than the original estimate. A binding estimate is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move.
14. Inquire About Valuation Protection Policy
The best movers and packers in Los Angeles provide moving insurance and valuation protection for the goods they transport.
Author’s Bio:
I am Jane Collin, a professional writer. I have been offering my writing and marketing services for more than 5 years.I have conducted a thorough research on the multiple niche. I am very fond of disseminating latest useful information. I used to keep others updated about the pros and cons attached to things of different niche.
