For some people, moving to a new location can be intimidating as leaving behind everything to start over in a new place can stir up feelings of anxiety. At the same time, it can also become an exciting opportunity for personal growth to embrace a new change.

Given the seemingly endless preparation, not to mention having to deal with such mixed of emotions, more and more people seek professional moving companies.

Trusting your logistic needs to a moving company allows you to focus more on the positive aspects of your new journey without being burdened by the challenges of the move, ensuring a smooth transition to the new environment.

In choosing a moving company, it is important to hire a reliable moving company that specializes in their service to avoid uneventful situations. Follow these five tips to choose a trustworthy company for your move.

Check licensing details and reviews

Make sure to check whether the moving company has a valid license. You can check the mover’s license number and the company’s complaint history online. It is important to note that a reliable moving company should offer liability insurance and valuation coverage for your possessions. The insurance will protect your belongings so you can feel more at ease. Avoid companies that operate without a license or insurance.

Apart from licensing, doing thorough research by viewing customer reviews is also recommended. By taking this step, you can be sure that the selected moving company is qualified and experienced to manage your move effectively.

Ask for inventory of belongings

Reliable and high-quality movers will take a thorough inventory of all your personal belongings and determine the move’s bulk and weight. This will be done in person or by a virtual survey. The estimator must be meticulous and check every storage place, including cabinets, drawers, garages, and bookcases.

The weight and volume of your belongings in the truck determine a significant portion of the mover’s cost. Make sure you comprehend this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.

Request a complete walkthrough

A reliable moving company will give you a detailed walkthrough and inquire about the items you intend to move from your current place to your new one. Make sure you are ready to inform the estimator of the items you intend to donate, give away, sell, or leave behind for the new owners to indicate which ones you do not want to carry.

To ensure they fully understand their client’s needs, any reputable service provider should ask a few questions. Since they are experts, they should also give you some advice or suggestions about your relocation. Be cautious of a company that just agrees to what you say without asking any questions.

Avoid paying a large deposit

Before moving, reputable movers won’t ask for cash or a sizable deposit. You should only pay when the moving process is complete. If you pay in advance, there is no guarantee that you can see your items again. To avoid this, make sure you read and understand the contract and the payment terms. It is also a good idea to ask about additional fees that might apply to your moving situation.

If something seems suspicious, you should seek out other payment options. Use a credit card to make your payment to shield yourself from potential fraud.

Avoid signing a blank contract

Never sign a blank contract. Ensure everything is documented, including your pickup and delivery dates, the mover’s estimate, and any additional costs. Read the contract to verify everything you own is listed since anything that is not listed is not eligible for a claim. For example, if your television is not written on the form that you signed before the move, there is no guarantee that the item will be in the box or when the truck arrives at your new location.

Therefore, you can consider asking questions to the moving company or consulting a legal professional if you don’t understand the contract’s terms.