Looking to avoid high prices, treasured belongings getting broken, and staff that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up? When you’re getting ready to move, you need a moving company you can rely on. But do you know how to choose a moving company? To make an educated choice, consider the movers’ reputations, experience, offered services, and cost. For a stress-free move, check reviews, ask for recommendations, and always verify credentials.

Picking Maffucci Moving & Storage as your moving team means you won’t have to worry about the latter. Our credentials will always check out, and our reliable team will always show up to do the heavy lifting. For the easiest move of your life, choose Maffucci Moving & Storage.

For Your Consideration

Run-of-the-mill moving companies are everywhere these days. With so many options, how do you know which one to choose? And how do you know that what they’re selling themselves as, is what you’ll actually get? The fact of the matter is that not all movers are worth the time, energy, or money it’ll cost you to work with them. So, how do you spot the company that’s worth it from the one that isn’t? Here’s our expert advice from more than 100 years in the industry. Consider their:

• Reputation and experience. If a moving service has been in business for many years – more than 12 is a good sign – their customers are satisfied.
• Services offered. Check if they provide supplemental services such as decluttering, staging, packing, or storage. Choosing a company that does it all is best and will save you money in the long run.
• Licensing, insurance, and certifications. All moving services must register with the federal government and have a DOT number. If they can’t provide you with this, run!
• Transparent pricing and estimates. We recommend comparing the prices of a few different movers to find the one that best suits you– though we’re confident the choice will be us.
• Customer service and communication. Since they’ll handle your belongings during transport, communication should always be clear, reliable, and friendly.

Tips for Choosing Your Movers

Choosing the right mover will take some time, given all that you’ve got to consider. Moving is enough of a stressful adventure without having to worry about whether you selected the right company for the job halfway through. To avoid future headaches, you’ll want to weigh your options heavily. Maffucci Moving & Storage is here to offer moving tips that are sure to help you in the process.

1. Consider word-of-mouth recommendations. Ask around for recommendations for a moving service. For most people, there’s no better source than a trusted friend, neighbor, or co-worker. If someone you know has worked with movers, ask if they feel strong enough to share their information with you. You might also be able to find a reliable mover by asking your real estate agent!
2. Check online reviews and testimonials. If no one you know has a recommendation, check for online testimonials. Most companies in today’s highly digital world will have a collection of reviews available online for you to comb through. You can get a fair sense of how the moving company treats its customers and if it provides an efficient, secure service.
3. Search for their online licensing and accreditation. The easiest way to verify the moving company’s accreditation is by checking with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for free. It’s better to be safe than sorry and stick with a BBB accredited moving company.
4. Request quotes to compare services. To start, compare the prices for multiple movers on websites. From there, request quotes for your specific home and objects. Estimates should be based on an in-person survey of your goods. Always get the quote in writing—this way, you have something to refer back to if they attempt to raise the price on you later.
5. Creating a comprehensive checklist for moving can help streamline the process. Ensure your checklist includes everything from gathering packing materials to scheduling moving services and changing your address. This will keep you organized and reduce the likelihood of overlooking crucial tasks.

 

Show Me the Money (Getting an Estimate)

The first thing you should know about getting a moving estimate is to get more than one. You’ll want to be able to compare quotes from multiple moving companies to find the one that offers the exact service(s) you need at the best price. To get the most accurate quote as possible during your consultation:

• Create an inventory of all the items you’re moving
• Honestly communicate your needs from the movers
• Consider if you’ll need storage and ask if they have it
• Acknowledge whether you’ll need help packing
• Ask a lot of questions (Licenses, insurance coverage, all services offered, fees, binding estimates, experience, references, etc.)
• Be flexible with your timeline (and somewhat your budget)

How To Spot a Moving Scam

Once you’ve secured your new home, you’re ready to start moving prep. Start by slowly packing up and shopping around for a moving company while considering what services you’ll need. With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., how do you know which one to choose? How can you tell which “businesses” are real and which are scams? When looking for a mover you can trust, keep an eye out for the following red flags:

• Answering the phone with “movers” or “moving company” rather than a specific name
• Only accepting cash or direct deposit
• Requiring customers to sign blank contracts or paperwork before the move
• Inability to answer questions or provide vague answers
• Requesting large deposits before the move during off-season periods or cash payments up-front
• Showing up in unmarked or rented vehicles
• Refusing to give a written estimate or contract before booking
• Offers instant quotes instead of agreeing on an onsite inspection to give an accurate estimate
• Not having or refusing to provide a physical address
• Raising the price or charging hidden fees without cause
• Refusing to give references or customer reviews

The most common “mover” scams include overcharges, hostage items, disappearing movers, and fake credentials. The overcharge scam works by providing a low estimate to secure your business and then jacking up the price with added fees once they have your stuff. This could also be called a bait-and-switch scam. To avoid this, get a written estimate outlining all expenses (preferably a binding estimate that doesn’t allow them to change the price later on).

The hostage item scam means they refuse to deliver your items until you pay additional charges they didn’t tell you about. In this scam version, they may also attempt to make you sign a release/waiver before they unload your items. To stop yourself from falling victim to this, always ensure you receive a detailed contract outlining all fees and terms before you move or sign anything.

The disappearing movers play is precisely what it sounds like. They load your belongings onto their truck, and you don’t see them again. To avoid this scam, look for a company with plenty of reviews and a good track record for successful deliveries. In a fake credential con, they will provide you with forged documents; this is the hardest scam to identify if you don’t check with FMCSA. Always verify the USDOT number and any other credentials the moving company offers to avoid getting caught in their lies.

Finally, the no-show movers. With this scam, they’ll provide an estimate and charge you immediately but won’t show up on the day of the move. Research your mover thoroughly before booking on the BBB or FMCSA website to spot a scammer. Note that charging a deposit doesn’t always indicate a scam, but a trustworthy moving company, such as Maffucci Moving & Storage can provide real credentials that will put your mind at ease.

The Importance of Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications for Movers

Relocating is a long-winded and frustrating process on its own without having to worry about your mover’s qualifications. But what are the qualifications, and why are they important? A moving company should be able to provide its customers with proof of licensing, insurance, and certifications—no exceptions.

Licensing

All movers are required by law to register with the federal government. This permits them to conduct business and ensures they meet the standard level of excellence. Regulations like this are in place to protect the general public and their belongings but also prove a company’s legitimacy.

Valuation & Protection

A moving company must offer its customers two valuation protection options: full-value protection or released value. This way, if an accident causes damage or your items are stolen, you can recover their worth.

Certification

Always check the validity of your movers’ certifications. Some may have expired, meaning they aren’t allowed to operate at that current time by law. Additionally, your selected moving company may not be authorized to operate in your area. Consult with your local government to confirm.

To save yourself a hassle, select a company that can provide you with licensing, insurance, and certifications without hesitation. Experts like those at Maffucci Moving & Storage have the necessary skills and tools to move belongings of all shapes and sizes.

What Maffucci Can Do for You

Moving companies may upsell you on services that don’t align with your needs just to increase their profits. Not Maffucci Moving & Storage. We’re dedicated to ensuring your move is smooth and will see that you spend as little as possible. Why? Because we’d want someone to do the same for us. Our team of relocation experts is ready to help with your move, whether it be residential or commercial.

Maffucci Moving & Storage’s residential services include local and long-distance full-service moves, packing and unpacking assistance, and storage. Our team is equipped to handle the most fragile moves involving electronics, fine art antiques, and pianos. Don’t have room for it all in your new home? We offer residential storage for your convenience.

If you need commercial move assistance, Maffucci Moving & Storage has office relocation services, liquidation/decommissioning, school/university moves, and lab/hospital moves. Additional special services include junk removal/donations and crafting and rigging help.

For a Smooth Move Choose Maffucci Moving & Storage

Maffucci’s moving services are unmatched. With our customer-centric approach, over ten decades of experience, commitment to safety and security, transparent pricing, and honest communication, you’ll always know what you’ll get with us.

Our goal is to be known as the most trusted moving company with a smooth process, providing customers with a hassle-experience. Our team of qualified professionals will guide you through every step with professionalism and compassion.

Contact us today to speak with a moving specialist and get a free estimate.