The problem of fraud is on the rise. It is vital to ensure that the moving company holds an official license to move. Interstate moving companies will have their license issued by the United States Department of Transportation, and local moving companies will have state licenses, operating under their own set of moving regulations. If the moving company operates in NYC, check if they hold the BIC (Business Integrity Commission) license. The BIC is a license issued to companies who “meet the standards of integrity, honesty and good character pursuant to a vigorous background investigation.” 

Make sure to check that the moving company has a unique USDOT number. 

When you move, all your belongings, treasured possessions, and memories in the truck are at risk of being damaged or lost during the journey. So, you need to be aware of how you will be covered in case of mishaps. As required by law, licensed interstate movers should offer two types of protection – Full value protection and released value protection.

The mover is liable for full value replacement of damaged or lost goods in the shipment under full value protection. 

While released value protection is provided at no extra costs, it is a much lower protection plan. Under this, the mover is liable for 60 cents per pound per lost or damaged article.

Not all moving companies provide the same type of services. Some have expertise in managing the complexity of commercial moves; some have experiences moving around cities like NY. There are those who have specialized services such as moving special items like pianos. The technical know-how of packing and handling different types of furniture ensures your belongings stay safe during the move. Choose movers whose services match your needs.

Ask about their fleet and drivers. Do they have their fleet of vehicles? Do they switch to subcontractors halfway through the journey? 

Moving is a large project, and besides the time involved, there are also considerable financial implications. Many companies offer an estimate, which is subject to change depending on the costs incurred during the actual move. Some of the possible add-ons may include additional packing materials, traveling time, moving up a flight of stairs, etc. However, if you prefer to work within a set budget, look for a company that offers fixed rates to ensure that your move will not blow your budget. It should include all the potential add-ons that may come along the way. Hiring a mover that provides transparent pricing will save you from unwelcome bills. Don’t forget to also ask about their payment options and cancellation policies. 

It is easy to search the internet for reviews and ratings these days. Do your due diligence to find out what other customers say about the moving company. Are they on time? Can they be easily contacted during the move? Do they have more negative reviews than positive ones? Don’t forget to ask your family and friends for referrals too.