Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your relocation process. You are entrusting a company with all of your worldly possessions. A positive experience with a professional, reputable mover can make your moving day smooth and stress-free. A negative experience with a dishonest or incompetent company can turn your move into a nightmare of broken belongings, hidden fees, and immense frustration. In the vast Southern California market, there are many movers to choose from. Knowing how to properly vet a company and spot the red flags is crucial for protecting yourself and your belongings.
1. Check for Proper Licensing and Insurance
This is the most important first step and is non-negotiable. A legitimate moving company must be licensed and insured.
- For Moves Within California: The company must be licensed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Their license number, which is a “MTR” number, should be clearly displayed on their website and their vehicles. You can verify a company’s license status and complaint history on the CPUC website.
- For Moves Across State Lines: The company must have a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Insurance: The company must carry both liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if a mover is injured on your property or if their truck is involved in an accident.
The FMCSA’s “Protect Your Move” website is an excellent resource for consumers, providing tools to check a company’s registration and complaint history. Never, ever hire a mover who is not properly licensed and insured.
2. Get Multiple In-Home Estimates
Don’t rely on an estimate given over the phone or through a generic online form. A reputable moving company will insist on sending a representative to your home to conduct a visual survey of your belongings. This is the only way for them to provide you with an accurate, written estimate.
- Get at Least Three Bids: This allows you to compare prices and services.
- Ask for a “Binding” or “Binding Not-to-Exceed” Estimate: A non-binding estimate is just a guess, and the final price can be much higher. A binding estimate is a contract that guarantees the price will not go up unless you add more items to the move. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is even better, as it means the price can go down if the move weighs less than estimated, but it cannot go up.
3. Read Reviews and Check for Red Flags
Do your homework. Look up the company online and read reviews from past customers on sites like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.
- Look for Patterns: Don’t be swayed by one or two negative reviews, but look for consistent patterns of complaints, such as showing up late, damaging furniture, or adding hidden fees.
- Red Flags to Watch For:
- A company that demands a large cash deposit upfront.
- A mover who answers the phone with a generic “Movers” instead of the company name.
- A website with no local address or licensing information.
- An estimate that seems too good to be true (it probably is).
4. Understand Valuation Coverage
“Valuation” is not insurance; it is the moving company’s level of liability for your belongings. By law, they must offer you two options:
- Released Value Protection: This is the free, basic option, but it provides minimal protection. It covers your goods at only 60 cents per pound per article. This means if your 50-pound, $2,000 television is destroyed, you would only receive $30.
- Full Value Protection: This is the more comprehensive option, which you pay extra for. With this coverage, the mover is liable for the full replacement value of any lost or damaged item.
Your Trusted Southern California Local Moving Company
Choosing the right moving company is the key to a successful move. By doing your research, you can hire a professional and reputable team that will treat your belongings with care. For residents in Southern California, the team at Right Way Movers is a fully licensed and insured company committed to providing honest and reliable local moving services. Contact us today for a free, in-home estimate.