Your friend’s son and his college aged friends have graciously offered to help you move; all they ask is to be paid in pizza and beer. They have some trucks and are ready to help you move all weekend long. What could go wrong? One guy doesn’t show; another is hungover. The truck turns out to be a small pick-up truck, destined to make seventy-two trips back and forth with your belongings. That vase your mom gave you? Accidentally dropped. Your expensive wooden dining room table? Sorry about the deep gash in the wood, but it was an accident. Does this sound like a nightmare? An easy solution to the nightmare: hire a reputable moving companies in OKC.
So where do you find a reputable company? The first step would be asking family members and trusted friends for recommendations and to check out reviews online. Make sure the company has what you need—if you are moving a house full of furniture, make sure the company has large moving trucks. If you are moving cross-country, look for a company that specializes in long distance moving. Before you hire anyone, assess your needs.
When you go online, you will find scores of moving companies Lawton OK; what should you look for? The most important factor when choosing a moving company is to check their legal status to ensure they are licensed, insured and bonded. Many companies make these claims; make sure by investigating the facts. Each state has different requirements, but all moving companies operating in the United States should be licensed with the Department of Transportation. The company is assigned an individual license number that are reviewed annually. If the company has not complied with the law or they are involved in too many accidents, the license is revoked. A company may operate with a revoked number and hope you never check. To confirm the moving company is in good standing, take the moving license number displayed on the moving truck’s front doors, usually under the company’s name. Enter the number on the free Department of Transportation website, you can learn if the company has a valid license or have had any infractions. You can also check with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration that gives permits to companies that move household goods across state lines. This administration’s website lets you check to see if a mover is licensed and insured, and the results of any safety, economic and legal inspections and audits. If you are moving overseas, it is imperative to confirm your company has been approved and is regulated by the Federal Maritime Commission. Regardless of where you are moving, researching the company and gathering important information will be invaluable to you if you encounter a problem with your moving company.
It is important to determine the type of insurance coverage the moving company offers. There are two liability options: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. The former holds the moving company liable for any damaged or lost items and the cost of Full Value varies from company to company. The more economical choice is the Released Value Protection because there is generally no additional cost. This coverage, however, is minimal: the moving company assumes no more than sixty cents per pound, per article. If you own heirlooms and priceless artifacts, full coverage is the way to go.
Once you have narrowed down your choices, you have read reviews and have gotten recommendations, start making phone calls. It might be a tedious process, but it will pay off in the end. Ask if the company has any special accolades, is involved in any local moving memberships or participates with any charitable organizations. This shows a company’s ties to the community and indicates that they are less likely to be a fly-by-night organization. Make sure to ask specific questions—how do they package works of art, what is the procedure for taking apart furniture, and what do they use to transport heavy items up several flights of stairs? While all questions may not pertain to your particular move, asking various kinds of questions will give you an idea of how the company operates and how they address issues. Cost is going to be a consideration, but recognize that a reputable company may charge more. The moving company may also work in conjunction with other professionals, such as house cleaners and painters, so ask for referrals if you need additional services.
So how do you know which companies to avoid? One bad review online shouldn’t dissuade you from using a company, but a string of bad reviews is a red flag. Make sure the company has a valid license, an actual physical address and can provide you with their insurance carrier’s information, in case items are broken or lost in the move. You should get a written estimate of the cost in advance, but don’t be persuaded to pay a large deposit or sign blank or incomplete contracts. Also beware of companies that offer super low prices; there is usually a catch involved. Lastly, make sure the moving company provides you with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration booklet entitled ‘Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move’.
Remember, there are a lot of moving companies; you may be able to strike a deal. Ask about special discounts or consider scheduling your move for midweek or during the off season when most companies are offering discounts. You can also negotiate a lower price with a moving company if you pack the items yourself and just use them for the transportation service.
Hiring professional movers Lawton OK can be costly financially; however, you can save yourself a tremendous amount of time and stress. Not only can the movers professionally pack your items, but they will also deal with the stress and strain of moving the heavy furniture. Also consider your time—packing up your entire house will be exceptionally time consuming. The moving company will also supply bubble wrap, foam cushioning, packing tape and moving boxes—expenses you would otherwise incur if you were doing all the moving yourself. Moving doesn’t have to be stressful; just leave it to the professionals!
City Moving and Storage Offers Moving Services in Following Cities :
Contact Us:
City Moving & Storage
Address:815 SW 2nd St Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73109
Phone: (405) 25-21155