How to Choose the Right Moving Company

It’s the busy season for the moving industry, and with the rise in business comes a rise in the risk of trusting the wrong company. If you’re planning a move this summer, now is the perfect time to start learning how to find the right company for your relocation needs. There are several industry standards that reputable moving companies must abide by, and it is important to take these into consideration as you look for a company.

Written Estimates

When searching for a mover, it is important to get several written estimates beforehand. Many online and over-the-phone price estimates are not legitimate, and as such most professional movers are more than willing to travel to your home to give you an accurate estimation of the realistic costs of your move. Columbus movers E.E. Ward always sends out a relocation expert for estimates. While in your home, they take a thorough inventory of your possessions, measure dimensions and try to analyze aspects of your home that might cause trouble with the move, such as staircases and steep driveways. Afterward, they’ll provide you with a written estimate for the cost of your move.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Registration

If you’re moving out of state, verifying that your mover is registered with the FMCSA, a branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation is important. If you have any doubt that your mover is registered, you can check their carrier number on the FMCSA website. As an interstate relocation provider, E.E. Ward is fully registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and the FMCSA.

ProMover Certification

The ProMover certification is the gold standard created by the moving industry trade organization, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Similar in nature to an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau, a ProMover designation ensures that your mover is held to the highest standards. Before becoming ProMover certified, a company must run background checks on all employees, be within compliance with all state regulations, and sign a contract with AMSA pledging to abide by the AMSA code of ethics as well as all state and federal laws and regulations. E.E. Ward is proud to say that in addition to being ProMover certified, we have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Knowing Your Rights as a Consumer

Before signing anything, it is vital to know your rights as a consumer. You can find more information regarding your rights at protectyourmove.gov as outlined by the FMSCA. Ohioans can find additional information through the Better Business Bureau and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.

Signing a Contract

Once you decide on a moving company, it is essential to sign a written contract with your provider. This contract should clearly state the pick-up and drop-off time for your possessions in addition to a full inventory of all of your belongings. Signing a contract is important because it can help to protect you in case of a dispute between you and the mover.