When Richard Johnson hired the moving company claiming to charge the lowest rate, little did he know what he was signing up for. Only when he found that the company has actually moved all his items to a warehouse a few miles from his place and asking for a hefty charge to shift it to the designated destination, that he realized his mistake. He ended up hiring a separate team of movers and paying over five times the cost to get his things finally moved to the new place.

Incidents such as this are not uncommon and many will narrate such tales of harassment experienced while dealing with movers. Do not make this your experience as well.

Finding the right movers and packers such as Matco moving needs proper research. It can be a little time consuming, but will save you from frauds and unnecessary harassments. Whether you are looking for movers to shift your residence or workplace, keep in mind a few points and check few things before taking the final decision.

What should you check before hiring a mover and packer?

Here are a few pointers that should help keep you avoid unnecessary troubles and allow you to pick only the best.

1. Check all available options and background

This requires maximum effort and you will need to prepare a list of probable choices. Only when you have a list should you progress and check out the background of the company. There will be information available with the registered association of packers and movers in your country. The American Moving and Storage Association or the Canadian Association of Movers will be a good place to start researching. You will find details of consumer complaints as well.

2. Verify their credentials

Even though a company might declare on their website that they meet all the necessary compliances, make sure that you check and re-verify them. The US Department of Transportation provides a DOT registration number to carriers operating between states. It is possible to check the status with the help of the DOT and Motor Carrier Number and ensure that you are indeed dealing with a legitimate mover.

3. Check their insurance policy

Insurance is important when you are moving your items. If anything is damaged during the transport, it is insurance that will ensure that you are covered. However, there are two different types of cover available. The default one is the full value (replacement) protection. This will require you to pay for the insurance policy. However, this provides maximum coverage and ensures that you do not suffer any monetary loss in case there is any damage to the item. The alternate coverage will provide 60 cents per pound per article. With costly items becoming lighter, this isn’t a smart choice, though this is free of cost and you will have to mention beforehand that you wish to opt for this.

4. Check quote and estimate

A good mover will provide an exact quote only after properly checking what needs to be moved. Be wary of companies that provide quoted without creating a proper estimate. Also, make sure that the estimate is as close to your estimate as possible.

5. Check out the location of the mover

It is better to get a local mover as it becomes easier to trust and lowers the chance of being conned. However, even if you are hiring a mover after checking from the internet, make it a point to visit the office and talk in person. That way you will have a better idea about the people you are hiring.

Take out some time and ensure that you get only the best and most reliable. This short checklist should be of help.