Tips for Selecting a Mover in Des Moines

So, you’re moving? Congratulations and take a deep breath; changing apartments can be daunting. Since you’ve probably grown beyond borrowing a friend's van to haul your stuff, one of the most important decisions you make will be choosing a moving company. Here are a few tips on how to make this choice, and what to look for in a good moving company. 

Recommendations

Start your search for a great mover by asking those you trust if they have any ideas. Check with friends, neighbors, and family members about their own experiences. Other good contacts are real estate agents who often see the good and bad as folks change homes. 

First Contact

Once you have a list of recommendations, do your own background check. Start with a Google search of the name of the company with the word "review" afterward. This will help you find forums that customers may have posted experiences to.

Check with the American Moving and Storage Association to see if the company is listed, though not all reputable companies get a listing. Go to the Better Business Bureau site to see if they have any complaints or reviews. There are also two consumer sites to use for a background screening: www.ripoffreport.com and www.movingscam.com. The second site actually has a list of companies they endorse, but this should not stop you from doing your own background work. 

Estimates

Now that you’ve narrowed down your list, get estimates from 3 to 4 companies. To make sure the estimate is accurate, show the estimator everything in your home and explain any issues the movers may have to contend with, such as stairs or elevators. Make sure the written estimate contains the company's name, address, phone number, contact person and USDOT number and Motor Carrier number. If they don’t have these numbers or won't share them, you should move on. Make sure you understand all the charges listed on the estimate and confirm that there are no more to be added at your final destination. 

Also make sure you get a binding estimate in writing. The best kind to get is a "binding not-to-exceed" estimate which will hopefully protect you if the movers hold your belongings “hostage” while they request more money. 

After all the legwork and all the searching, you should end up with a great company that will handle your things with care and treat you both professionally and respectfully. Now, all you have left to do is pack each of your prized possessions, although if you really want to splurge, some movers will do that, too. Good luck!