How to Find a Reputable Moving Company

Moving can be an extremely stressful experience. One thing that will help set your mind at ease is hiring a moving company that will take good care of your goods, charge a fair price and get your things where they belong in a timely way. The Council of Better Business Bureaus states that complaints against movers went from 3,800 in 1997 to more than 8,400 in 2009. These numbers are alarming, but you can take several important steps to ensure you find a trustworthy and reputable moving company.

1. Ask for recommendations. Friends and neighbors are a good source of information, able to give their personal experiences with moving companies. Real estate agents can be helpful as well, so call a few local agents. Usually, they are happy to answer questions like this.

2. Call three or four moving companies. Speak to a manager or someone in charge. Ask questions such as how long the company has been in business. Ask if they have a moving license, and make sure to write down the license number.

3. Check each company's website. Most companies nowadays have an online presence. The website should have detailed information listing the company's physical address and number of years in business. The website may even have testimonials from people who have done business with them.

4. Get quotes from three or four moving companies. Make sure these are in writing and read the details carefully. Understand the terms and conditions listed. Ask questions if something is unclear.

5. Check the Better Business Bureau site. This step is crucial, because a person can find any complaints against the san diego moving company on this site. A company with a lot of complaints is a definite red flag to stay away.

6. Obtain the booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." This is put out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. It lists a moving company's responsibilities as well as the rights of the person moving. Go to the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to find this booklet.

7. Check the mover's license number. Go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website to search movers and complaint history regarding safety.

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