Eight Tips on Picking the Best Moving Company

When hiring a mover, the last thing you want to happen is get ripped off. That’s certainly a legitimate fear – moving scams are so well-known because they happen so often. But you don’t have to live in fear when you hire a moving company. You just have to know the right way to approach it.

Let’s get the bad part out of the way. These are the types of things you want to avoid:

  • The mover doesn’t show up when they say they will show up.
  • The mover quotes a low price, but they don’t have the all the services you want.
  • The mover puts everything on the truck and then charges you a higher price then what you negotiated.
  • Your items are broken, and the mover doesn’t take responsibility.
  • The mover shows up with untrained, unprofessional people.
  • The mover puts stuff on the truck and then you never see it again (the worst-case scenario).

Does that cover most of your fears?

Now, here’s the good news: It doesn’t have to happen to you.

Hiring a Moving Company? Follow These Tips!

These tips apply no matter where you are or where you plan to move. You can have problems with a mover in a small town just as easily as in a big city. On the other hand, you can also find a great mover in most locations:

Research, Research, Research

One of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a moving company is waiting until the last second and making a fast decision. That’s a strategy that often leads to regret. Research the moving companies in your area. Things to remember when doing research include:

Start with online reviews. Keep in mind that every business gets negative reviews from time to time. But overall, you want a trend of positive reviews. Also, search for patterns where people complain about the same issues. Chat with friends, family and associates for any recommendations they might have.

Check out websites. The company’s website should have information showing proper licensing by the state and federal government. It should also clearly spell out the company’s services. Be wary of “word salad” content with few facts about the mover’s services.

Find companies for your move. Different moving companies handle different types of moves. If you plan to move from New York to Florida, you’ll need a company licensed for interstate moves. If you have a small, local move, some companies work specifically in that area.

Avoid brokers. Many moving companies will contract other companies to do the moves for them. Because brokers don’t handle the move themselves, the quality and reliability of the service depend on the moving company they select, which most often leads to miscommunication or pricing discrepancies. In contrast, a direct mover like Good Greek Total Relocation manages every step from packing and transportation to storage, ensuring better accountability and consistency in service.

Get More Than One Estimate

Narrow your list of choices down to the best 2-4 movers, then contact each one of them. See what kind of quote each gives. Keep the following in mind when asking for a quote:

  • Know the exact distance you want to move (pricing is partially based on distance)
  • Tell the movers, in detail, the items they need to move. Leave nothing out.
  • Provide a range of dates for when you want the move done
  • Specify what services you want (i.e., packing, storage, auto transport, etc.)
  • Ask about any extra charges that could occur on moving day

Keep in mind that the only way to accurately give a quote for a move is by getting an in-person inventory of everything that needs to get moved. If you offer the above information and answer any other questions the mover might have, you can get a ballpark estimate, but it isn’t always the most accurate. Good Greek’s Outside Sales Consultants will come to your home and give you the best estimate for your move!

Know What Services You Require

As noted above, when asking for an estimate, you need to only consider companies that offer the services you require. It’s worth expanding on that idea. Because moving is stressful and costs money, people often miss the forest for the trees. They get caught up in details and miss the big picture.

For example, do you really want to pack everything, or do you want movers to do it? Do you need a mover who offers safe storage space? Are there family heirlooms or expensive items – pianos, motorcycles, classic cars – that need to get moved? If so, you will need movers who provide those levels of service.

Did you know Good Greek also has services like junk removal and automobile transport? For a full description of Good Greek services, visit GoodGreek.com.

Find Out About Insurance

Every legitimate mover must carry insurance. However, these policies – usually mandated by the state – can differ depending on your location. In some cases, the minimum amount required by the state may only compensate you based on the weight of the item. Others require full coverage where the mover must pay the cost to replace a broken item. The costs to the customers also can vary. The bottom line: find out the details of the insurance coverage they offer for damaged or lost items. Also, research third-party insurance options.

Don’t Sign a Blank Contract

Don’t sign anything that does not include the final price. When you get down to deciding between a couple of movers, have them come to your home to get an accurate assessment of the cost based on an inventory of what you plan to move. They then should offer a price that doesn’t change when moving day rolls around. You should only sign a contract that provides a maximum amount for the move, barring any special services you request from that point on.

Don’t Pay a Large Deposit

This is another way to separate you from your money. Good movers ask for payment for services rendered, not for payment before they put anything on the truck. When you pay in advance, you lose control of the situation. Hold back payment until the move is done, or move onto another mover who doesn’t ask for huge amounts of cash up front.

Have Backup Move Dates

Everyone has a plan A for a moving date, and you should try to stick to that as best you can. However, it’s also smart to have a Plan B date that will also work. If you have flexibility, it’s also wise to choose a time that is not super busy – movers tend to get busier at the beginning of summer, for example. Generally speaking, moving during the winter months gives you a better chance of getting the movers on the dates you want them. It also is less expensive in most cases.

Some Other Issues to Know About Hiring a Moving Company

While the above covers the major points to remember when you hire a moving company, there are other issues to keep in mind, as well. They include the following.

  • Be wary of low-ball moving estimates, that’s often a “bait and switch” tactic
  • Always ask about extra fees, such as for moving belongings up or down stairs
  • Pay attention to how the moving company treats you from the first contact, it will say a lot about their customer service
  • Lean toward experienced movers who have plenty of reviews
  • Check everything once you unpack to look for damage or find if something is missing

The best advice is not to give up and settle! Moving your belongings is one of the most important things people can do. You want a reliable, professional and ethical business when you hire a moving company.

To ensure a positive moving experience, visit GoodGreek.com today or call 786-745-7706.

Good Greek offers exclusive discounts and packages on its services for Law Enforcement Officers and those in the public safety sector.

ABOUT GOOD GREEK:

The American Trucking Associations named Good Greek Mover of the Year in 2024 and is the World’s First and Only Total Relocation Company. Good Greek Relocation Systems offers Realty Services, Insurance and Title Services, Junk and Debris Removal, Auto Transport, and of course, Moving and Storage. For over 27 years, the Good Greek, Spero Georgedakis, has provided game changing services in South Florida. Credited with revolutionizing the perception of the industry, Spero and his team promise to provide the “Best Move Ever” – putting respect for the client and customer service first. Headquartered in South Florida with locations throughout the state, Good Greek is the Official Movers of Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride, Orlando Magic, Orlando Solar Bears, Miami HEAT, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Inter Miami CF, University of Central Florida, University of Miami Hurricanes, Florida International University Golden Panthers, Florida Atlantic University Owls, and the University of Florida Gators. Good Greek also is partnered with Lakeland Flying Tigers, JetBlue Park in Fort Myers (the spring training home of the Boston Red Sox) and Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter (the spring training home of the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals).