From proper licensing to Better Business Bureau accreditation, make sure your movers check all the boxes
You did it: You took the leap and hired a mover. No borrowing your buddy’s truck for this move. You make an appointment, pack your belongings, and with the final box taped, your mover arrives… An hour late. In an unmarked truck. Is this what you signed up for?
When it comes to finding the best Indianapolis movers, don’t put your money or your memories at risk. Take these six steps to hiring a reliable moving company.
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Find recommendations. Word of mouth is always a safe start. Ask friends, family and neighbors who have recently moved what their experience was like. Real estate agents are a hidden gem of information, as they often work with movers, especially when it comes to home staging.
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Get Googling. Once you get your short list of recommended Indianapolis movers, it’s time to investigate. Use Google to learn more about the companies’ reputation and certifications. Check for membership on sites such as:
And don’t forget to check consumer-advocacy sites like movingscam.com and Ripoff Report for blacklisted companies with a history of consumer complaints.
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Check them out for yourself. Unfortunately, many so-called moving “companies” aren’t exactly who they say they are. Take a trip over to their office or facility, and look for trucks that have permanent logos (not a reusable magnetic sticker), multiple trucks in good condition, as well as visible signage on the office or building.
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Get an in-home estimate. If a moving company refuses to come in person to conduct your estimate, walk away. And when you do make an appointment, you’ll want to show the estimator absolutely everything you want moved in order to get the most accurate estimate. Don’t forget the attic, basement, backyard and closets. That way, when moving day comes, your foreman won’t have to update your estimate to accommodate surprise items (however—he should do this prior to the move, not once everything is loaded onto the truck).
To ensure your estimate is accurate, you should also make the estimator aware of any conditions at your new home that might complicate the move, such as stairs, elevators or a significant distance from the curb to the closest door.
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Gather all the info. Besides the movers’ credentials, you should also ask whether the company will be moving you itself (they shouldn’t be contracting out), how long the company has been in business (at least 10 years) and how the estimate is provided (never accept an estimate based on cubic feet). By the time the estimator leaves, you should have collected all of the following:
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Full company name and any DBA names (doing business as)
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Address, phone numbers, email and website addresses
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Names and contact information for the company’s references
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USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) license numbers
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The U.S. Department of Transportation booklet called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.”
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- Research the company’s license and insurance. Now that you have the Indianapolis mover’s USDOT and MC numbers, go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website and make a search. If you have an accurate DOT number, you’ll be shown a screen with lots of information on the company—everything from licensing and insurance to safety records (Real Simple has a great checklist of what to look for).
Hire reliable and certified Indianapolis movers
At the end of the day, you’re not looking for gimmicks or too-go-to-be-true offers. You’re looking for trustworthy movers who can get the job done efficiently and professionally.
Give our Indianapolis movers a call at 317-280-3385 today. From a guaranteed quote to personalized service, we look forward to taking care of you every step of the way.
Have more questions? Check out our Indianapolis Moving Companies FAQ.
