How To Choose A Local Moving Company You Can Actually Trust

Planning a local move can be accompanied by its fair share of logistical risks and challenges. With an uptick in the prevalence of moving scams, how do you know that you’re being quoted a fair price, that a moving company is licensed and certified, or even real? There’s no reason why you can’t enjoy peace of mind when it comes to your move.

From trusted logistical protocols to ensuring you’re protected throughout your move, finding a reputable moving company can be a game changer for you and your family. In this article, we tell you what to look for in a reputable and trusted local moving company in South Florida.

Always Check That Your Mover Is Fully Licensed

Checking a company’s license credentials is an excellent first step to take when choosing the right mover.

It’s imperative to request and verify their Florida IM number. Any company providing an intrastate removal service in South Florida must be registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Any moving company registered with FDACS will have an Intrastate Mover (IM) registration number. Once you have the IM number, you can simply input the number into the FDACS registry to confirm that they are, in fact, registered.

Knowing that your chosen mover is registered through the FDACS removes your risk of being scammed by a counterfeit or non-compliant moving company. If you’re undergoing an interstate move, then you’ll also want to acquire their USDOT number, which is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Know The Difference Between A Moving Company And A Moving Broker

A moving company owns and handles its own moving trucks and staff. They oversee your full inventory from start to finish. A moving broker coordinates your move with the actual movers but doesn’t perform the move themselves. The challenge of going through a broker is that there is more potential for a communication breakdown.

At the end of the day, it’s always helpful to have one point of contact who is responsible for the move. If you have any questions on moving day, you want to be able to make one phone call and speak to the person who has a full understanding of the intricacies of your move.

Always Insist On A Written Estimate

Although it’s tempting to go on a verbal quote, by insisting on a written binding estimate, you’ll be protecting yourself against hidden or surprise fees that can quickly rack up. Any moving company that offers a binding estimate will ensure they do a visual survey at your premises before they provide an estimate.

A visual survey is vitally important for moving companies to tally up your inventory items while also taking note of any awkwardly sized items such as a piano or a full-length mirror. A visual survey ensures that the mover knows exactly how many boxes and packing supplies to provide, what size truck is needed and the associated labor requirements, all of which contribute to your final moving fee.

If a moving company is willing to offer a written binding estimate without a visual survey or visit, be cautious in proceeding, as this could burn you in the long run when a heap of additional costs is suddenly included. A binding estimate ensures that the price that’s quoted is the price you pay.

Avoid Any Large Up-Front Deposit Requirements

Reputable moving companies usually require a 30% deposit, which is understandable to secure their services. If a company insists on a 50% or higher deposit, your warning bells should sound. Additionally, if a moving company insists on a wire transfer or a cash deposit, this should be even more reason to avoid them. A deposit should be a fair percentage that gives the mover surety while providing you with the assurance that you’ve secured a trusted local moving company.

Confirm Your Prospective Movers’ Physical Address

Moving companies require real estate to park their removal vans and for inventory storage. Don’t just accept that an address mentioned on their website is genuine. Check the listed address on Google Maps satellite view. Although their warehouse space may be in a separate location, you’ll be able to at least see an office space. By accessing Google Street View, you’ll be able to see signage and a storefront.

Better still, if you live close by, why not take a drive past their stated address to allow for that added peace of mind?

Experience Is Always Key

Experience in the moving industry counts for a lot. Movers that have been around for a while have likely learnt all the secrets when it comes to performing an efficient and timely move.

The benefits of an experienced mover include:

1. Safe handling of fragile items
2. Effective packing techniques with no wastage
3. Provisions are taken for the safety of moving employees
4. Thorough understanding when navigating local traffic and routes
5. The use of specialized moving equipment
6. An all-round professional moving experience

Your Trusted Local Moving Company In South Florida

At Allegiance Van Lines, LLC, we pride ourselves on being one of the most reliable and trustworthy moving companies within Florida. With over 10 years of happy and satisfied customers, we offer full-service moving services.

Your journey with Allegiance all starts with a comprehensive visual survey. This familiarizes our team with your unique moving needs and allows us to provide a detailed estimate. We also provide you with a detailed checklist to help ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible.

As a family-owned, fully insured, and licensed moving company, why not allow us to take care of you and your belongings? Call us today at (561) 210-5120 for your free estimate.