There are only a couple professions you should trust as much as your moving company: your doctor and your lawyer. A moving company is more than just the people who drive your boxes across town. They are the people you’re trusting to care for your most valued possessions, and who you are giving unfettered access to your house, family and life. Choosing the right mover is just as important as choosing your next home. Here’s what you should look for.
Reputation
Some things can be bought, a reputation is rarely one of them. In New York City, that’s truer than almost anywhere else. Reputation takes time to build, and is a collection of customer service experiences, pricing, quality of service, and longevity. It’s safe to say, if a company has been around for quite a while, it’s because they’ve provided all those other important factors for just as long. Check yelp, google, Angie’s list, and foursquare for real customer feedback.
Licensed
Anybody can call themselves and box truck, a business, but only legitimate movers are licensed by the state they’re operating in. While it may seem like just a piece of paper, a business license will hold a company to standard set by the state, and ensure you have the legal recourse necessary if something were to go wrong. They must have a physical address and phone number, eliminating the risk that the person you paid will disappear into the sunset.
Insured
Moving is risky business. Heavy objects, fragile items, expensive electronics, all of them can be tricky to move safely. If you’ve found a reputable company, this shouldn’t be an issue, but you’ll want to make sure they are insured just in case. It’s important to note that all insurance policies are different, so make sure to clarify what they cover, and how much they’ll reimburse you should something happen.
Equipment
Ever see a run-down truck, or a New York City cab covered in rust? Chances are, you immediately made a judgement on that business based on what you saw, and that’s perfectly reasonable. A mover that cares about service and quality will be sure to invest in its fleet of vehicles and it’s moving equipment. Take a trip to the company’s headquarters and check them out. You’ll want to see well maintained, clean, and sound equipment, anything less is a sign that the owners aren’t too concerned about keeping their business looking and operating efficiently.
Employee Appearance
Would you trust a police officer wearing a stained shirt and dirty shorts? How about a doctor with straggly hair smoking a cigarette? Probably not. Once again, a business owner who takes pride in his employee’s appearances is more likely to care about customer service and a quality moving experience. While you shouldn’t judge a stranger for their appearance, it’s certainly a smart idea to judge the people you’re paying to move your home by their appearance. The care they take in looking professional is a good indicator for the care they’ll take in moving your family.
Finding the right people for any job can be difficult at times. With the plethora of moving companies available in NYC, it can seem down right overwhelming. Take your time, do your research and follow these tips and tricks and we’re sure that you’ll be able to find the right people for the job.