Buyer Beware of These 9 Red Flags
A move is definitely no small task, and you want seamless, not nightmare. When you're transporting a lifetime of belongings or the business assets that represent all your hard work, you need a mover to relocate you with efficiency and care.
The best way to avoid a moving nightmare is to research companies before signing on the dotted line. For starters, be mindful of these red flags:
1. UNTRUTH
The moving company says it doesn't have to complete a site survey to provide an estimate.
2. TOO LOOSE
A rep from the moving company gives you a price on the phone or in an email. But here's the important point: If it's not on an official estimate form it's not a written estimate - and that means it doesn't hold water.
3. MONEY HUNGRY
The moving company asks for a large deposit.
4. WHERE IN THE WORLD IS...
The moving company does not display a physical address on their website.
5. WHO ARE YOU, ANYWAY...
When answering the phone, the moving company uses a generic name like "Movers."
If you've already hired them, watch out for these troublesome signs. You may still recourse:
6. UNCREDENTIALED
The moving company is not listed with the Department of Consumer Affairs or the Better Business Bureau.
7. MISSING THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENT
The moving company did not provide this required brochure: "Important Notice to Consumers."
8. TESTIMONIALS PLEASE
Take a few minutes to check their reviews on Google, Yelp, and Facebook, etc. It could pay dividends.
9. INCOGNITO
On moving day, the moving company arrives in an unmarked truck.
The more you research before you choose a mover, the better equipped you'll be to make the right choice. Be sure to do your homework.
DON'T BE A VICTIM. USE A LICENSED MOVER. IT MATTERS.
Don't let the excitement of your move blind you from this important fact: You could be a victim.
The fact is there are far many unethical and unlicensed movers in the market place, and employees of these companies prey on unsuspecting consumers, especially at the height of the busy summer moving season. These folks come into your home or office, load all your things onto a truck and then drive away. You're left trusting that your belongings will be delivered on time, in good condition - and at the agreed upon price.
The good news is New Jersey law establishes the criteria with which moving companies must operate to be licensed. These include minimum insurance coverage, fitness standards, uniform contract requirements and claims procedures.
Licensed moving companies are tax-paying companies that provide jobs and obey the law.
Regulation of household goods movers helps protect you. It's important you do your part, too. Hire a licensed mover.
Getting Ready for a Move Takes Time
Plan Ahead and Stay Organized
When you're planning for a move, almost everything you do will take longer than you expect. Use that thought as a motivator to stay on track. Then make your mantra: Plan ahead and stay organized. Here's a timeline to help you to just that.
EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE
√ Pick a mover.
√ Make an inventory of everything you plan on moving.
√ Decide what goes in the truck, car or trash.
√ Consider where you want to place furniture your new home.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE
√ Clean out closets.
√ Have a yard sale.
√ Transfer academic records to your kids' new school.
√ Transfer medical records to your new doctor.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE
√ Confirm the booking with your moving company.
√ Arrange to have the movers come over two days before moving day, if they are packing for you.
√ Get boxes and packing tape if you are packing yourself.
√ Start packing out-of-season clothing and other items you won't need right away.
√ Fill out change-of-address cards at the post office
√ Notify friends, family, the bank and your insurance agent of your new address.
√ Send a change-of-address email to publishers for your magazine subscriptions.
√ Collect all your important papers, such as birth certificates, passports and medical and dental records.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE
√ Arrange to have the utilities disconnected a few days after the move.
√ Get the utilities set up at your new residence.
√ Start packing room by room.
√ Arrange for a babysitter on moving day if you need one.
√ Reserve the freight elevator in your building for moving day.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE
√ Arrange to move plants and pets.
√ Get rid of items you're not allowed to move, such as gasoline and propane.
√ Keep packing.
√ Consider hiring a plumber or electrician to disconnect appliances you plan to move.
ONE WEEKS BEFORE
√ Open your new bank accounts if you're making a long-distance move.
√ Move sure you have enough medication to last through the move.
√ Have your doctor write a new prescription you can fill after you move.
√ Disconnect any appliances you'll be moving.
√ Drain gas and oil from any power equipment you'll be moving.
√ Finish packing.
√ Pack a bag of first-night essentials, including a broom, dustpan, garbage bags and light bulbs.
MOVING DAY
√ Supervise the move.
√ Strip your beds.
√ Ensure that everything gets on the truck.
Consumer Checklist for Hiring a Professional Moving Company
Before you hire any moving company make sure they answer YES to all 32 questions
Use these 32 questions to make an "Apples to Apples" comparison of the companies you talk to about your move.
Reputation and Stability of Company:
√ Have you been in business for 10 consecutive years under the same ownership and company name?
√ Will you provide me with your required federal USDOT and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, as well as your required Public Mover license to perform moves within New Jersey?
√ Do you have a list of at least 3000 testimonials from satisfied clients?
√ Do you only use trained professionals instead of casual labor?
√ Will your company actually perform the move or will it be performed by another moving company?
√ Is your company an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating?
√ Do you maintain $10 Million of umbrella coverage, as well as General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance? Will your insurance agent send your certificated directly to us?
√ Do you have a letter of good standing from your bank?
√ Do you maintain business accounts with local suppliers and are you in good standing?
√ Does your company own only new or late-model trucks?
√ Are you an active member of the American Moving & Storage Association and the New Jersey Warehousemen and Movers Association, and do you follow their Code of Ethics?
√ Are you a Pro-Mover awarded by the American Moving & Storage Association of the New Jersey Warehousemen & Movers Association (NJWMA)
Experience & Service:
√ Have you successfully completed over 15,000 residential and office moves in the last 10 years?
√ Do you have a written, step-by-step packing and moving process that your company follows?
√ Do you have a firm policy to return all calls within 2 hours?
√ Are you reachable 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?
√ Do you employ full-time, knowledge customer service representative with over 25 years of experience?
√ Have your moving consultants earned the "Certified Moving Consultant" professional designation?
√ Do you have a written policy on Customer Service procedures?
√ Are all of your movers in uniform and have they had any recognized third party training on proper packing and loading techniques?
√ Are all of your new employees subjected to a pre-employment screening including criminal background checks?
√ Do all of your drivers have the required medical card and are they subject to drug testing?
√ Do you have strict, written policies that prohibit the use of alcohol or drugs by your crews?
√ Do your crews have a written cleanup procedure?
√ Will you provide a detailed, written, accurate estimate for the work specified?
Are you in the market to buy a home? Let the experience of the Tress Team at Keller Williams help. We will provide a free, no-obligation consultation to buyers to begin the process of purchasing your dream home. Get started with your home search at www.TressHomes.com and/or email us at tresshomes@gmail.com.
