Tips for choosing a reputable and reliable moving company
Of course, you want to hire quality movers to make your move go smoothly. With these tips, it should be a little easier. you should choose only best mover and packers in Dubai.
Vet the mover
Make sure the mover is insured and registered. For interstate movers, a USDOT number is required by FMCSA. For in-state moves, regulations vary. You can check with your state, county or local consumer affairs agency or your state attorney general. You can also use the FMCSA search tool database or contact the Better Business Bureau and consumer protection agencies. You can also get a list of reliable movers from associations such as the American Moving and Storage Association.
Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Check the moving company’s references. Tell them you want a list of three customers from your area who have moved in the past three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.
Get several quotes, and read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. This booklet also has the information you’ll need if your goods are lost or damaged during the move. Also, ask the mover questions (more on that below).
Take a thorough moving inventory
A reputable moving company will take a thorough inventory of all your belongings either in person or through a virtual survey. This means checking every room and all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages and bookcases. If you are moving any items from any outdoor spaces, they should be also included in the inventory. This is because the best movers and packers in Dubai estimate is largely based on the weight of your stuff and the space your goods will take up in the truck. Be sure to tell an estimator if you don’t plan to take any of the items with you to your new home. Getting an accurate estimate is very important.
Get a written estimate
Get several, from different moving companies, and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person inspection of your household goods, as we’ve mentioned above. We recommend getting at least three quotes from different moving companies.
Tips on avoiding moving scams
The most common moving scams you could run into include:
- The hostage – When a mover won’t give you your belongings back until you pay double or triple the amount of your original estimate.
- Bait and switch – When a mover switches your moving arrangement at the last minute, and it ends up costing you way more than originally agreed upon.
- Outrageous delivery charges – When a mover tacks on additional costs for made-up reasons and forces you to pay more in order to get your things back.
- Late delivery – The mover doesn’t deliver your belongings on time – or worse, never delivers them.
- Reckless abandonment – When the mover takes your money ahead of time, closes shop and ditches your belongings.
Here are some tips on how to spot major red flags and avoid falling victim to a moving scam.
Never pay a large deposit. Reputable movers won’t demand cash or a large deposit before moving. You should only pay upon delivery. Otherwise, you may never see your belongings again. And pay with a credit card to help protect you from possible fraudulent activity.
Avoid moving companies with a name switch. To avoid being flagged by the BBB, some less than stellar companies operate under different names. If the company doesn’t have a local address, its employees don’t answer the phone with the full name of the business, or you find out that there are any other names the company “does business as,” those are all red flags. Also, the company should have the details on its licensing and insurance readily available to you, including state and federal license numbers.
Know your packing costs. If you decide to have the movers pack your belongings, ask about the packers’ experience. Most packers are careful, but you want to avoid the chance of getting someone who tosses whatever they can into a box and then seals it up with little regard for breakage. Also, the packing cost might end up being too much, so you’ll want to consider some alternatives, like packing yourself or asking family or friends for help.
Beware of extra fees. Make sure to ask your mover about any additional fees that may apply to your situation. Those could be having to negotiate stairs and elevators, moving in a high-traffic area, or on a street too narrow for a moving truck to fit. All those surcharges aren’t unreasonable but should be discussed in advance.
Don’t sign a blank moving contract. Never sign a blank contract and get everything in writing. Read your contract and make sure all of your belongings are listed as a result of a moving inventory. You can’t file a claim for something that doesn’t appear on the inventory list.
