5 ways to find a trustworthy mover
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Searching for trustworthy movers in Austin
Moving can be an arduous process. It means hauling belongings out of the home for most people and hoping they arrive safely at their destination. But finding trustworthy Austin movers doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Before everything else, it is necessary to determine what kind of move you’re making.
- Self-move – you’re simply renting a truck or doing the moving yourself
- Custom-move – you’re hiring moving services for specific tasks (packing, moving furniture, etc.)
- Full-service – you’re hiring an Austin moving company if there’s no particular task that you’re able to do yourself, such as loading or unloading heavy objects, rearranging heavy pieces on arrival, disconnecting and reconnecting appliances, etc. A full service moving company will get you up to speed to accomplish the relocation fast and easy.
Once you’ve determined the type of move, you can start researching reputable other Austin moving companies in your area. Ask family and friends for referrals, or check online review sites. These will help you narrow down your choices and assess the trustworthiness of the moving services provider.
5 ways to find trustworthy Austin movers
1. Check the mover’s local knowledge and expertise.
A reliable moving company must be familiar with the area and the best routes to take. It must also know which streets are one-way and have ongoing road repairs to keep your move on schedule. It should make sure that your move goes as smoothly as possible. After all, no one wants to be stuck in traffic or have to deal with rain on moving day.
In addition, an Austin mover with local knowledge can give you sound advice on which neighborhoods are best for you. They can tell you about the schools, the crime rate, and the cost of living. They can also let you know what to expect from the weather in that area.
2. Determine if the company is transparent with all the fees in the transaction.
A trustworthy mover will make sure you know all the fees and options before the moving process is set. Straightforward pricing will help you adjust your budget. In addition, the prices listed must include fuel surcharges, parking fees, extra miles, etc.
They should handle the moving process for you without pressuring you into anything or trying to upsell. If there is something that these Austin movers offer that does not fit within your needs or budget, they should take “no” for an answer without making a fuss.
3. Ask if they carry insurance coverage for the items to move.
If you are transporting valuable items such as antiques, expensive paintings or heirlooms, your furniture must reach its destination safely and without incident. Under no circumstances should you choose an uninsured mover; doing so could leave you personally liable for damages.
There are a few key benefits to hiring a moving company with insurance:
First, it provides peace of mind. You won’t have to worry in case of your belongings are damaged.
Second, it can help speed up the claims process if something does happen. If something is damaged or missing during your move, having insurance in place means that you won’t have to go through the hassle of filing a claim and waiting for it to be processed.
Finally, it can help you save you money in the long run. If an uninsured moving services company damages your belongings, you could be for paying for the repairs yourself. This type of situation can quickly become very costly, so it’s much wiser just to go ahead and pay for insurance coverage in the first place.
4. Check online reviews about their service quality.
Look up reviews online to see what other customers have said about their services. Seek out reviews from people in the area who used them recently so you can get an accurate picture of how they operate.
The best movers in Austin will always arrive on time and act professionally throughout the entire move. They should ask how they can help instead of just taking over. They should also be respectful of your property and belongings. Trustworthy movers will go above and beyond to make sure that nothing gets damaged or stolen during the move, and they should do their best to keep your stress level down.
Keep in mind that even if a mover has several good reviews, that does not mean they are necessarily trustworthy. It just means that many people had a good experience with them.
If you are still unsure who to trust, ask your family and friends for recommendations. They will likely have someone they can recommend who is trustworthy and reliable. Whatever you do, don’t just choose the first mover that comes up in a search engine. You could end up regretting it.
5. Verify their licenses and credentials before the moving process begins.
It is recommended to verify whether or not they possess the required licensing and insurance coverage. Ask for their license numbers, then go online and check whether the companies have any complaints against them.
This way, you can ensure that they can provide quality service since such certifications will guarantee consumer protection. Movers in Austin with such credentials intact usually take their business seriously and hence, prioritize meeting customer’s needs.
Top questions to ask finding trustworthy professional Austin movers
- What is the company’s policy on liability insurance?
- Do they have experience with your type of move?
- Do they provide a free quote or free estimate?
- Can they provide a written estimate?
- Are they licensed and registered with the Better Business Bureau?
- How long have they been in business?
- Are their employees insured and bonded?
- What kind of equipment do they use?
- Is there a minimum/maximum weight that they will transport?
- Can they accommodate special needs or items like pianos or antiques?
- What are the terms of payment?
- What kind of packing services do they provide? Will they pack and unpack my belongings for a fee?
- Do they have a time limit on how long they’ll hold my belongings in storage?
- How will I know when my belongings are delivered?
- How do I contact them if I need to change the delivery date or address?
- Do they require written permission to make changes, or can you modify them over the phone/text message?
When you’ve assessed the trustworthiness of your potential selections and decided on a service provider, it’s necessary to communicate throughout the move. Before arrival, confirm the meeting location and ask about their procedure for payment.
When they arrive at your house, provide clear directions and ensure that all of your furniture is marked. As items are loaded into their truck , take pictures of each item and the condition it’s in. This will help you keep track of your belongings and make sure that they’re delivered in the same condition as when they left.
Finally, when your belongings arrive at your destination, inspect them carefully and compare them to the pictures taken before the move. If there are any damages, contact the moving company immediately and file a claim.
Frequently Asked Questions about hiring trustworthy local movers
What is an FMSCA license?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is a government agency that regulates the moving industry. A FMCSA license proves that a mover has met the safety and insurance requirements set by the FMCSA. To ensure that you only hire a reputable and qualified mover, only work with movers who have a FMCSA license.
If you are unsure whether or not a mover is licensed, you can ask to see their license and identification before signing any contracts. If they refuse, do not hire them as they are likely trying to hide something.
Hiring a mover without a FMCSA license is risky as they may be uninsured or unqualified. You risk your items being damaged or lost and may not be covered by insurance. So if there is even a slight chance you will need an item moved interstate, only hire a mover with a valid FMCSA license.
What are the signs that a moving company isn’t trustworthy?
They would usually find excuses not to provide you with details on paperwork, refuse to be transparent with the fees, and won’t provide you with their physical business address. It’s best to visit their facility first before making a decision.
Why should a mover be registered with the Better Business Bureau?
You can be sure that they will uphold ethical business practices and be accountable to their customers if something goes wrong. You can also check the mover’s rating with the BBB to get an idea of their quality of service. Be sure to read reviews from past customers to get an idea of what your experience might be like if you choose them.
Moving is a big decision, and you want to make sure you’re choosing a reputable company that will treat your belongings with care. Choosing a BBB-registered mover is one way to ensure that you’re making the right decision.
Enjoy a streamlined relocation with expert moving teams no matter where you live with Heavenly Moving and Storage. Book your move knowing you have the full support of the only moving company in Austin on ABJ’s 2021 Best Places to Work and Best of the Best Moving Company Finalist. Get your free quote today or call us at 512-340-0551.