May is National Moving Month. That means we’re donning our festive attire, gathering round the piano to sing chorals and throwing our diets out the window as the office fills with tempting treats.
Wait. Wrong holiday.
National Moving Month is a real thing. It’s an annual public awareness and education campaign to help people find a reputable moving company.
The campaign is timed to reach people at the beginning of the busiest season for residential moves. It’s a yearly effort because moving scams and illegal practices never go out of style.
The push is sponsored by the Better Business Bureau and American Moving & Storage Association. Master Movers is accredited with the BBB and a Promover with the AMSA.
Spot a Reputable Moving Company
The best way to outsmart the bad guys is to look for moving companies with a good reputation. Another good practice is to avoid moving brokers. While brokers are legal, they are a middleman that adds expense and complications to your move.
Here are a few more things to look for when you’re choosing a moving company in the Pacific Northwest (or anywhere else!):
- Proper licensing: Interstate movers have a federal license. They will have a motor carrier number. Verify that number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Master Movers has all required licenses. The vital statistics are listed at the bottom of every page on our website.
- Glowing recommendations: The most valuable recommendations for a moving company come from your family and friends. While online reviews can be telling, they should be taken with a grain of salt.
- Competitive estimate: Most experts recommend getting a least three estimates. The lowest price isn’t always the winner. If a company’s price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Most moving companies give both in-home and phone estimates. Phone estimates get a bad rap because they’re associated with moving brokers. Legitimate companies also give phone estimates, though.
- An address: A reputable moving company will have a physical address and a storefront. A company that doesn’t have a place of business may be a fly-by-night operation.
- Protection against damage: Valuation isn’t technically insurance, but it serves a similar function. There are various options for valuation, and every mover will be able to clearly explain the choices.
- Transparent contract: By this we don’t mean a see-through piece of paper. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that your moving company goes through the contract. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for further explanation if something doesn’t make sense.
Trusted Movers for Your Residential Move
We’re proud of our reputation for friendly and efficient service, and we’re on a mission to take the stress out of moving. Call us today for a free estimate!