Did you land a new job in Charlotte? Or you just bought a new home, and you are thinking about how to move to Charlotte? Moving a business or home is both exciting and stressful, but it could mean a fresh new start for you.
Charlotte is among the twenty-five largest cities in America. It is also the largest city in North Carolina. Almost 800,000 people work and live there. This means there are so many movers in the city. However, finding a quality Charlotte mover will take so much stress away from you.
Steps to Finding a Good Moving Company
Although finding good movers may seem daunting, doing some research will not only save you money but also help you avoid scams. The steps below will help you find a good moving company.
1. Request Recommendations
You can ask a real estate agent, friends, or coworkers for recommendations. You can also check the yellow pages to see if there are moving companies near your office or home. You will need the company to provide an estimate of the cost of moving your belongings. In this regard, do not rely on anyone who gives you an estimate without looking through your closets to know how many items you want to convey.
Additionally, do not assume that companies with big names are the best. When you go through their websites, you will likely find estimates. But do not bank on them. Ensure you meet with the mover to avoid scams.
2. Screen the Recommended Movers
After searching for companies, you need to do some background checks on them, you can use the internet to do this. Simply check the BBB (Better Business Bureau) website to see if the companies are listed there. In addition, call or send an email to the AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) to confirm if the companies on your list are members.
However, you should know that membership in AMSA is voluntary, so some companies may not be published on their list. But you can check certain consumer-advocacy websites to see if the companies have a good or bad reputation.
- Call for In-Home Estimates
At this stage, you should have chosen about 3 or 4 companies that you can call for estimates. If you are coming in from another state, ensure the company sends a written estimate or one that will not exceed a certain amount of money. These estimates are legal documents that place a cap on the amount you will end up paying for the move.
If you do not get a written estimate, it is nonbinding. Although it is legal, the final amount will exceed the estimate. Estimates for moving interstate are based on the distance you will travel and the weight of your belongings. You can visit https://www.thespruce.com/binding-estimate-hiring-movers-2435985 to learn more about binding estimates.
4. Show The Estimator Everything
The estimator should see everything you wish to move. This will help them calculate the estimate. On the day you decide to move, if the foreman sees that you have more property than was checked in the estimate, they will challenge the initial estimate. This happens before your belongings are packed into the truck and not after.
If this happens, you will have no other option than to pay higher than the estimated cost. Also, ensure you find out from the estimator whether the condition of your new building will affect the move. This could be elevators, stairs, or the distance from your curb to your front door.
Furthermore, ask questions about the company when the estimator comes to check your home. Be sure they are not outsourcing the job to another contractor. Find out the number of years they have been operating because you want a company that has been around for some years, ideally 10 years or more.
5. Review All Estimates
The estimates may serve dual purposes, a bill of lading and an order for the service. Another basic document the company should give to you is an inventory list after loading your belongings. At the top of the estimate, ensure you see “written binding estimate” and at the bottom, the signature of the mover and date.
An interstate movement will clearly describe the following:
- The type of goods
- Quantity of the goods
- The distance from your old place to the new one.
- The pickup and delivery time.
- Additional services like packing and provision of supplies.
If there is something you are not sure about in the written estimate, ensure you call the company to confirm. If necessary, have them send a written revised copy to you; do not just rely on verbal communication.
6. Compare Bids
After collecting estimates from the 3 or 4 companies you chose, compare them to see if some things are tallying. If you discover that a company is offering you a price that is significantly lower than others, you should be careful of them. Also, check the companies with very high bids and try to identify where the additional costs are erupting from.
If you do not understand the bid, ensure you call the company for clarification. Do not also be afraid of negotiating for a modest rate. There are lots of movers in the market, so companies will be willing to reduce their prices to avoid losing you to their competitors.
7. Check the Company’s Insurance and License
At this stage, you need to confirm from the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) if the company has the legal backing to do business. Go to the FMCSA website, enter the USDOT number of the company and then search. Also, you can search using the MC number or name of the company. If the DOT number is accurate, you will get a lot of information about the company.
8. Choose a Mover
You are now confident enough about the mover you want to hire. The next step is to confirm the details and dates of the move, then collect a signed bill of lading and order for the service. On the day you choose to move, provide the mover with clear directions to your new house.
Also, ensure you can reach the mover via phone call all through the move. You can check out this website to get more helpful tips for moving your belongings.
Conclusion
If you are moving to Charlotte, you are in for something big. It is an interesting place to live and work, and it is home to some Fortune 1000 firms. But before you call any mover to get your stuff down here, ensure you follow the steps we shared to avoid scams and stress.