Here are some quick suggestions to help you make smart choices about how
you're going to move your family possessions to your new home.
Open up the yellow pages and you are likely to find five or more pages of
movers. Where should you begin? How do you find a reputable mover amidst all
the possible choices? Once you receive a quote, should you choose the lowest
bottom line estimate? The vast majority of professional moving companies are
reputable, honest, and dependable. Many are family-owned businesses who have
made a long-term investment in their community, realizing that their best
source of new business is a satisfied customer.
Ask Your Friends:
Talk to your friends, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives. Find out if they
have moved within the last year. See what there experiences were. A solid
mover will receive at least forty percent of their business from referrals.
ICC and the BBB:
Check the movers’ status with the Illinois Commerce Commission or the Better
Business Bureau. The ICC is the licensing commission for movers within
Illinois. The Better Business Bureau helps mediate disputes between
consumers and businesses. Both of these organizations keep records of
consumer complaints about movers. If you compare the number of moves a mover
does with the number of complaints lodged against them, you can get an idea
of how their performance compares. Keep in mind that a company that does 600
moves a month will have more complaints than a company that does 60 moves a
month. A low ratio will usually indicate a mover with superior service.
Get an Estimate: Call
up prospective movers and get a phone estimate. A better moving company will
give a detailed and thorough estimate. The more detail oriented the company
is from the start, the more likely your move will be smooth. Be careful of
companies that give “low-ball” estimates--either quoting low weights on long
distance moves, or under quoting hours on a local move. This is a common
tactic some movers use to get more business. Keep in mind that all movers
will charge for the actual time a local move takes, or the actual weight of
your long distance shipment. In other words the lowest price you initially
hear may not be the lowest cost in the long run.
Get a Confirmation:
Once you have chosen a mover, get a written confirmation of the charges and
dates. This will cut down on any potential confusion the day of the move.
