By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you are deep in the weeds of moving--new residence, new town, new everything--you might disregard one of the most vital choices you will need to make--which moving company should you employ to physically move all your belongings? Picking a reputable moving company in Austin is critical to having a successful move, so follow these tips for selecting the best mover for your needs.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your realtor if they have a moving company who they would recommend. They are aware who's great, and who's not good but has a shiny bright website designed to lure you in. Google movers in the area--then double check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for reviews and complaints.
Check for Registration
When you search movers, you should see the company's DOT registration number along with their physical address. This means they are affiliates of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are in compliance with federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be fair with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have customer service coordinators on staff to do exactly that—review the specifics of your move, assemble written estimates, and essentially be the point person for you. If your move is simple and you have all the details on what you are moving a phone estimate might work; if you have a big house with attics, a basement, and a shed, they should send an estimator to your house to view the entire residence to ensure an accurate number. Your estimate should be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It might sound a tad stupid, but make sure the moving truck's logo, movers shirts, and the estimate letterhead all are similar. Professional movers are glad to let you know who they work for; if a crew of guys show up in haphazard t-shirts, feel free to question them. They should also bring the applicable equipment--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew leader should walk through your home with you to confirm existing imperfections in furniture. Some moving companies might even take pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dings with a smartphone and send you the pictures, so if there is transit damage it is quick to confirm.
Moving to Austin can be stressful, but with the right movers it can be exciting and fun, also. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been around long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
