By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you are knee-deep in moving--new house, new locale, new everything--you may overlook one of the most important choices you'll want to make--which moving company should you employ to physically move all your things? Picking a reputable moving company in Killeen is critical to having a smooth, worry-free move, so pay attention to these best practices for selecting the best mover for your needs.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your real estate contact if they have a moving company who they would recommend. They know who's wonderful, and who's not wonderful but has a snazzy bright website designed to draw you in. Google movers in your area--then cross check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for reviews and issues.
Check for Registration
When you Google movers, you should be able to find the company's DOT registration number along with their physical address. This means they are members of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are in compliance with federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be honest with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have customer service coordinators on staff to do exactly that—assess the particulars of your move, assemble written estimates, and basically be the point person for you. If your move is uncomplicated and you have all the specifics on what you are moving an over-the-phone consult may work; if you have a large house with attics, a basement, and a shed, they should send an estimator to your house to view the whole residence to ensure an accurate rate. Your estimate should be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It might sound kind of stupid, but be sure the moving van
truck's logo, movers shirts, and the estimate documents all are matching. Professional movers are glad to tell you who they work for; if a crew of guys show up in unmatching t-shirts, feel free to show them the door. They should also have the proper equipment--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew leader should walk through your home with you to check for existing blemishes in furniture. Some movers may even snap pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dings with a smartphone and send you the images, so if there is transit damage it's quick to confirm.
Moving to Killeen can be worrisome, but with the right movers it can be exhilarating and fun, also. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been around long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
