If it has been a while since you last moved or if the last time you did so involved old boxes from the grocery store and friends who helped out in exchange for pizza, getting a quote as to how much it will be to hire professional movers can be a bit shocking. Unfortunately, many people have wound up doing business with less than reputable persons or have had a terrible moving experience as the result of saving money. Therefore, it will behoove you to know how to spot reputable, professional movers who can safely and efficiently move your items and how to avoid amateur, risky movers who could damage or lose your items, as explained below.

Avoid Movers Who Only Charge by the Hour & Give You an Estimate Over the Phone

Since it is so easy to underestimate the amount of stuff that you and your family own, especially if you been in your home for a few years, it is often quite challenging to accurately determine how much needs to be moved. As a result, professional movers can usually be expected to provide an estimate only after they have assessed your belongings.

If you are speaking to movers who only want to give you an hourly quote and cannot confirm how many hours they expect the move to take, it's not a good sign. The same is true of any mover who gives you a quote over the phone, since the quote you will get is not in writing and therefore may not be a binding and easily enforceable agreement.

Professional Movers Can Be Expected to Behave Professionally

Although you obviously cannot expect your movers to show up with a briefcase and wearing a three piece suit, you should still be able to expect certain behaviors from the people with whom you will be entrusting your belongings. That means that your movers should return phone calls or emails in a timely manner. They should also be able to provide you with evidence of the amount and type of insurance that your belongings will be protected by in case of loss, damage or theft.

In addition, another crucial component of a professional moving company needs to be that it complies with the laws in your area and is therefore licensed and registered as those laws require. If you are speaking with movers who are unable or unwilling to provide you with evidence of any of the above qualities, it is best to either avoid doing business with them entirely or to proceed with the transaction at your own risk.

In conclusion, it can be tempting to hire some guys with strong backs, a truck and a dolly to relocate some or all of your items for your next move. However, doing so can be disastrous. It is important to be aware of the advice discussed above to help you know what to look for in a reputable mover so that you can avoid the disreputable ones. To start comparing the better options, contact companies like Sunshine Movers.