At Rightsize Moving Solutions, we are asked many questions every day, including “What’s the best way for moving my parents?” This question is common since we specialize in helping seniors rightsize and move on a regular basis. While the answer has several parts, one part is to follow our top four tips for hiring a reputable moving company, and the other is to look out for our five signs of a moving scam.
4 Tips For Hiring A Reputable Moving Company
Unfortunately, moving fraud and theft happen. Recently, a friend told us about their experience after choosing a moving company. With a short timeline to move, she looked up movers in her area, found one of interest, and after some online homework, she hired them. Except her belongings didn’t arrive at her new home until 22 days after she did. Looking back, her situation was rife with red flags from the start, but luckily this story came with an acceptable ending.
Rightsize Moving Solutions wants you to enjoy a stress-free move with these tips on how to hire reputable home movers.
1. Check The Company’s Insurance & Licensing
Insurance and licensing probably sounds boring to you, but if anything is damaged or anyone is injured during the moving process, insurance becomes vitally important. A reputable company not only gladly shares this information when asked, it also has the license number prominently displayed on documentation and paperwork. Also, any company trucks and vehicles should have a registered Department of Transportation number displayed, usually on the doors or sides of the truck near the company name.
2. Look Up The Physical Company Address
One way to sort reputable companies from nefarious ones is by looking up the physical address listed on their website. The address should be full — street number and street name, city, state, zip code, and phone number. We recommend paying the company a visit in person to scout the location and get a feel for whom you’ll be hiring. But if you can’t go in person, search for the address online and use the satellite view of an online map to view the physical location. Is the street view a legitimate business or vacant lot?
3. Review Their Online Reviews
Online reviews are available for nearly every type of business and moving companies in Wichita, Kansas, are no different. Before you choose one, review their online testimonials on popular platforms such as Facebook and Google. If the company has a history of consistent and positive reviews, they’re most likely a reputable company.
4. The Company Uses Consistent & Thorough Communication
From the start, a reputable company will have regular and detailed communication with you. If there’s any change to the agreed-upon timeline or if they’re running late for the in-home estimate, you’re immediately in-the-know with a trusted company. This is especially important if the move has been booked during a peak season when it’s not uncommon for an established company to use rental trucks to fulfill a move. If a run-of-the-mill rental truck shows up at your front door — and you weren’t aware ahead of time — it’s one of the signs of a moving scam.
5 Signs Of A Moving Scam
1. Cash Only Or Full Payment Upfront
Cash only may sound convenient, but it doesn’t leave a paper trail. Using a debit or credit card gives you the option to dispute a flagrant charge but cash can’t be disputed or traced. Also, any company who asks for full payment upfront or an outlandish deposit may disappear with the money, leaving you stranded on moving day.
2. Inappropriate Phone Etiquette
When you call a moving company, whoever answers the phone should be polite and use the company name at some point during the greeting. Using generic terms, such as “the moving company”, and vague wording might mean the company doesn’t really exist as they proclaim.
3. Vague Or Lack Of Information
Even a seemingly small move should come with a long list of questions from any moving company. Vague questions or a lack of interest and information should raise several red flags at once. A good company will ask and explain questions related to:
- The size, shape, and weight of your personal items;
- If there are any special circumstances or consideration to account for; and
- If the move needs extra services, such as temporary storage.
4. No Estimate / No In-Home Assessment
No two moves are the same which means a company that either doesn’t provide an estimate or an in-home assessment before giving an estimate should be avoided. In addition, an estimate should be written then compared with at least two or three other estimates from different companies. Not only does this give you an inventory but it shows the company is accounting for every item that needs to be moved.
5. The Company Isn’t Registered
Every moving company in Wichita, KS, should be registered with the State of Kansas. This allows consumers to look up the company through the state business registration website, but keep in mind the registered name may differ from the do-business-as (DBA) name. A reputable company will provide the registered name if asked.
Our Service Area
Rightsize Moving Solutions is headquartered in Wichita, KS. Our primary service area includes Wichita and all cities in the surrounding area. We also service clients across the state and region for specific projects. For Kansas City residents, if Rightsize can’t be the best resource for your upcoming move due to scheduling or distance issues, we partner with one the top rated and most reputable moving companies in Olathe, KS to help get the job done.