r Next Big Step

When it comes to moving expenses, most of us want to avoid as much cost and stress as possible. From using our own boxes to borrowing a friend’s truck, most of us do the most to keep moving costs at a minimum. However, there are some situations in which you move and cannot avoid hiring a moving company to ensure the process goes smoothly. So, when you must hire a moving company, make sure you make a good decision and hire a team you can trust.

To start, when you need to hire a moving company, ask around and get referrals you can trust. Inquire to friends, family, and colleagues about which local moving companies they’ve used in the past, their experiences, and what they paid for what services. If you cannot gather enough information this way, read online reviews - but be objective as you do so. While you can generally trust that your friends and loved ones tell you the truth, not every review is partial. Read several reviews and come to your own conclusion while remaining objective.

Watch out for red flags. The kind of red flags to watch out for during a consult with a moving company include a payment being asked for up front or a company unwilling to put the quote in writing. And, when they come to your home for an estimate, look for uncertainty of skills and inability to ask questions. Make sure they have the right equipment, such as dollies and trucks, because if they don’t, that may be your biggest red flag. And, don’t forget, listening to your gut about a moving company is still a valuable resource. If the team isn’t quite right, don’t move forward with the services.

Speak to each moving company to make sure they are licensed, certified, insured, and wholly trustworthy. Alongside the red flags, this legal legwork is a critical part of becoming a reputable and trusted company. Before hiring a moving company, perhaps during the estimate, ask them about their licensing and certification. A trusted company will be forthright and willing to offer all the information you need. Throughout the “interview process,” always ask questions and make sure you can truly trust with your home, family, and items.

Whether you are moving into one of The Pointe apartments in Columbus, Ohio, or across the country, hiring a trustworthy mover is often a necessary expense. Consider several factors before you hire a mover, and discuss wh