Moving to a different place adds a new chapter in your life’s book, which can be extremely exciting but challenging at the same time. Now, why are we saying challenging? Because it takes a lot of effort to pack up your belongings and relocate. It reduces a significant load off your head if you decide to choose a moving company, hence ensuring a stress-free move.
If you’re in New York (NY) and seeking professional assistance, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and find a reputable and trustworthy moving company. In this blog, we will decode the secrets of how to choose a moving company. Let’s get started.
How To Find A Reliable Moving Company In NY
Here are some factors to take into account when it comes to how to find a reliable moving company in NY to ensure your belongings are handled with care.
Seek Recommendations
The first step towards choosing a moving company is in NY is to seek recommendations from friends, family, and acquaintances. Personal referrals play a significant role in assisting you with finding a company that can prove excellent for your move. Why seeking recommendations is so important?
Trustworthiness: People you know will never give you unreliable recommendations, and it also carries a level of authenticity that online advertisements or reviews may lack. These individuals provide unbiased opinions and have no vested interest in promoting any company or anyone.
Detailed Insights: Talking to someone who has first-hand experience in moving gives you detailed insights into their experience with the moving company. You can ask specific questions about the company’s professionalism, efficiency, and how they handled any challenges that arose during the move.
Local Knowledge: Ask local people about moving companies operating in the local area. They can suggest companies that provide local moving services in NYC that are familiar with NY’s traffic patterns, parking regulations, and other logistical challenges that may arise during a move into the city.
Customized Recommendations: By understanding your specific moving needs and concerns, those providing recommendations can tailor their suggestions to match your requirements. They may suggest companies with expertise in handling specialty items, long-distance moves, or any other specific services you might need.
Potential Discounts: Some moving companies come up with amazing referral discounts for both the referrer and the referred customers. If someone referred you, you might be eligible for a cost-saving incentive, making it a win-win for both parties.
Read Online Reviews
The Internet has given a boost to all businesses. You can read reviews of the products and services to make informed decisions. Visit websites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau to read reviews from previous customers. Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to avoid any kind of stress further.
Diversify Your Sources: It would surely be a mistake to rely solely on online reviews from only one website. Research thoroughly and follow various means to find out more about the moving business. Each platform may offer different perspectives and information about the moving companies, providing a more comprehensive view.
Look for Recent Reviews: Recent reviews give you a better idea of the current performance of the company. So, it would be great if you focus on the review from the last six months to a year.
Consider the Overall Rating: A high overall rating is an indication of good services provided by the moving company. Also, sometimes, a few negative reviews among many positive ones might not be a deal-breaker if the negative feedback doesn’t involve critical aspects of the moving process.
Evaluate Responses to Negative Reviews: How a person or a company responds to negative reviews tells a lot about them. A reliable company addresses the concerns of the customers in a professional manner and offers solutions to rectify the situation. On the other hand, an unresponsive or defensive attitude towards negative feedback may indicate a lack of accountability.
Consider Context and Specific Needs: Every move comes with different needs. Find if the moving company you are selecting is aligning with your specific requirements.
Seek Additional Information: If you find a moving company that seems promising based on reviews, you need to put more efforts in uncovering additional information. You can also call the company to ask questions and gauge their customer service.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
The licensing company you should select must have a proper license and insurance to avoid moving scams. A legitimate moving company in New York is the one with appropriate licenses and insurance coverage in place. Having proper licenses ensures that your belongings are safe and you are protected from potential liabilities.
The licensing requirements varies from place to place. As far as New York is concerned, all moving companies here should be registered with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). The registration process involves meeting certain criteria, which often include background checks, proof of insurance, and adherence to safety regulations.
You can’t overlook the aspect of adequate insurance coverage. Despite taking careful steps, accidents can happen during the moving process. Having insurance ensures that you are protected in the event of any unforeseen damage or loss to your belongings.
Get Multiple Quotes
Don’t just select the moving company in the first go. Get multiple quotes and compare moving services of several companies. Find if there are any additional fees associated with the moving companies to strike a balance between quality and affordability.
Get a quote from Big Apple Moving to know more.
Check for Red Flags
It is important to be aware of the red flags that may indicate an unreliable moving company. These can include demanding a large upfront deposit, lack of a physical address or office, frequent name changes, or unprofessional behavior during communication. Reputable movers will be transparent, communicative, and willing to address your concerns.
Essential Questions to Ask Moving Companies
Before making your final decision, there are some questions to ask the moving company. The answers to those questions will help you get clarifications about their moving policies and how safe is your move. So, here are some questions to ask your moving company –
Is your company licensed and insured?
How many years of experience do you have in handling your move?
How long will it take to complete a move?
Do you also offer packing services?
What is the cost associated with every move?
Do you have any hidden fees?
Conclusion
A smooth and stress-free location depends on finding a reliable moving company in NY that also offers packing services. Take some time and research thoroughly about the moving companies to arrive at the right decision.
Having said that, Big Apple Moving is always there to help you with every kind of move and our professionals will take care of every moving aspect. Get in touch with us for more information.
FAQs
How do I make sure my moving company is legit?
Ensure your moving company is licensed and insured. Read reviews and ask for references to verify their credibility. Also, pay attention to their overall rating and how they respond to negative reviews.
How can you avoid being scammed by moving companies?
Avoid scams by getting multiple quotes, researching the company thoroughly, and never paying large deposits upfront. Always insist on a written contract detailing all services and costs.
How far in advance should I hire someone?
Hire the moving company at least 4-8 weeks prior to your move. This becomes all the more important if it is the peak moving season, to secure your preferred date and time.
How long will it take to move my home?
The time taken to move your home depends on various factors like the size of your home, distance of the move and the complexity of the job. A local move might take 4-8 hours, while long-distance moves could take days.
How and when do I pay the movers?
Typically, payment is made upon delivery of your items, but some companies might ask for a deposit upfront. Payment methods often include cash, credit card, or cheque.
Is there a minimum number of hours for the moving service?
Yes, many moving companies have a minimum hourly requirement, often ranging from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the company and the type of move.