At any of our San Joaquin Valley Homes developments, we do everything that we can to make home-buying an upfront, easy, and convenient process for you. Unfortunately, we can’t say the same for moving into new housing because that procedure is out of our control. We can offer some tips on how you can find the best movers.

1. Get recommendations.

Ask family members, friends, co-workers, and members of your church and social circle for the names of moving companies. Broadcast an appeal on social media stating where you’re moving from and moving to. Do not depend on services that find you a mover because some of them are scams.

Once you have the names, research them on Yelp or Angie’s List. Get information about the companies from the Better Business Bureau to look up any complaints and from the American Moving and Storage Association to see if they’re a member. Finally, search for the company on Rip-off Report and Moving Scam to ensure that they’re legitimate.

2. Get an estimate.

Narrow down your list to three or four companies. Ask them to come to your home to give you estimates. Ask them if they do the moves themselves or if they subcontract the process. Go to their headquarters and check out their facility, their trucks, and their employees. Their vehicles should be permanently marked with the company name. Take down as much information about the company as you can including business names, license numbers from the Department of Transportation and Motor Carrier, phone numbers, email addresses, and business addresses. Ask for references and contact them.

Your moving quote should depend on the weight of what you’re moving and where you’re moving to, and not on cubic feet. It should include everything that you want to move. Ask what services are included and how that changes the price. For example, expect to pay more if you expect movers to pack up for you instead of their moving packed boxes.

Clarify how your goods will be compensated in case of damage. Moving companies typically offer released value protection, which costs nothing but only gives you 60 cents a pound on any losses. You can also buy “full value protection” insurance to cover the total value of any lost or damaged items. Check to be sure that your homeowners insurance does not already cover moved goods.

3. Pick a company.

Compare the quotes, services, and reviews of your choices. Throw out any company whose bids are much lower than the others. It’s likely that they’ll tack on extra charges. Don’t be afraid to contact the contenders again to clarify anything you don’t understand. If they don’t give them the answers you need, drop them from consideration. Also drop any companies that demand an up-front deposit, which is something a legitimate company will not do. A good mover will ask you questions but don’t be afraid to end your discussion by asking them if they have any more question.



4. Go through the move.

On moving day, make sure that the moving company that you hired is the one that shows up. Do not sign blank paperwork. Make sure that you understand any documents and that all spaces are filled properly. Get a written company of the mover’s inventory list and ensure that it matches your own list of inventory.

Confirm that the details on the bill of lading is correct and give the movers explicit directions on where to move the goods as well as multiple ways of contacting you. Find out as well how you can contact them throughout the move.

If you want more information on how to move into new housing or are interested in buying at one of our developments, please contact us.