Have you started looking at professional moving companies? This is a big decision for your family’s upcoming move which means you need to your due diligence before making a decision. Along with asking around for referrals and getting estimates from your top contenders, you’ll need to research their credentials and make sure they don’t have any complaints against their brand. Take a look at this 7-step guide that will make it easy for you to hire a professional moving company.

Research and get referrals

Begin by doing your research for local moving companies and talking to friends, real estate agents, coworkers, and relatives about their recommendation for moving companies in the area. You can check online listings or the phone book near your home to find out who might be able to help in the area.

Since you’ll need them to come to the home in the near future to give you an estimate, you won’t want to work with someone too far away. It may surprise you that some of the well-known brands or big-name companies are not always going to be the best option and that local businesses are often a better choice.

Talk to Moving Companies

Now that you have some names that you’ve been referred to or had good reviews online, it’s time to start talking to these companies and do your initial screening. Talk to each of your recommended movers and look at their reviews online to see what others have to say about their experience.

Call the Better Business Bureau for your final choices to see if there is anything you need to be aware of. You may want to check websites like movingscam.com to see if any companies have been blacklisted from consumer complaints.

Get an estimate from the final choices

Now that you’ve narrowed it down to a couple of choices, you’ll want to collect estimates from your top choices. For moves out of state, you’ll need to find out if the company will give you a written offer with a capped amount that they promise not to exceed. That way you can at least count on a capped amount that you won’t go over in paying for your move. The final costs of a move are typically more than the estimate and non-binding estimates are legal, but a binding not-to-exceed cap is better.

How the estimate should go

Once you have your estimates, you’ll want to understand how the process works. You’ll need to make sure you have everything from the closets to the attic that you’ll need to be handled on moving day. On moving day, if the movers believe you have more than what was on the estimate, they may try to challenge the estimate and have you to pay more unless you can prove that your estimate covered the correct amount.

This would also be the time to discuss if there will be elevators, stairs, a long distance from the curb, or other details that will affect the move. Make sure to collect the company information, references, and license numbers at this time.

Research final choices

Now you’ll want to compare the bids, and you’ll want to do some research on your final choices from there. While one may be offering a better rate, they may not have been in business as long as another company. Make sure they are incorporated in your state and look through searchable databases of business on the internet. Make sure you review their moving credentials and reviews!

Choose your moving crew

Now it’s time to make your selection. Select a mover that you feel confident about and confirm the details of the move once you’ve called.

Make sure you have an inventory

Lastly, you’ll want to get a written copy of the inventory list on moving day. Make sure they have directions to your home and a good phone number to reach them.

These are the 7 steps you’ll need to hire a professional moving company for your upcoming move. Contact The Professionals Moving Specialists for your Chicago move!