Hello everybody and thanks for view our moving and storage blog. The purpose of this post will be to provide you with a framework for deciding between various moving and storage companies. It is our hope this information makes your choice easier. This  post will start with the importance of choosing a moving company over a broker. Then various aspects of the process will be covered such as where to find moving companies, the different forms of insurance and how to read moving quotes. By the end of this post you should be equipped to choose the moving company which best suits your needs. The links below will serve to connect you both to other helpful articles we have and to our moving services website.  We are more than happy to assist you with any Tampa Bay Moving & Storage needs you may have. Our South Florida Moving Company is also superb and can provide you with quality moving and storage as well.

First, it is important you choose a professional moving company, not a moving broker. A broker will take your details and sell your relocation to the highest, not the most qualified, bidder. This also means the person you originally spoke with will not be employed by the company which shows up on your move day. This reduces the reliability of your estimate. Also, the consumer protection laws surrounding the moving industry apply only to moving companies, not moving brokers. Thus, choosing a broker increases your risk of falling victim to a moving scam and reduces your rights.

Now that you know the importance of choosing a moving company, not a broker, the question becomes: where do you find a moving company? There are several places to search for trusted moving and storage companies. Consumer reviews are often useful in finding direction. For instance, the Better Business Bureau keeps a rating on many local moving companies. Similarly, Angie’s List is a good place to find unbiased consumer reviews of moving services. These two services should help you weed out the unsavory companies quickly. Within the moving industry, the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) is well known for compiling a list of reputable companies. Realtors, the phone book and the internet are also good places to find many moving companies. Beware, however, because any company can post online or in the phone book!

Once you have selected several prospective moving companies your next step is to schedule in-home appointments.  Beware of any moving company which refuses to view your residence for two reasons. First, each move is unique and the company must see your residence and goods in order to determine the best way to move them. Second, moving companies are legally required to provide you with an in-home estimate if that is what you request. So, if a company refuses to visit, you should probably take your business elsewhere.

Put together a list of questions before the salesperson comes to your home. When the salesperson visits, it is important both that you have these questions ready and that you show them the whole house. Showing the whole house ensures any special pieces are known about ahead of time, and will give your salesperson the best possible idea of what is needed. Also, it makes certain your estimate is accurate. Below are a list of questions you may use to distinguish between professional full-service moving companies and mediocre movers. If you are looking into storage, there is another page with both information on the process and other questions you should ask.

1. How long has your company been in business?
2. Are your employees background checked and drug tested?
3. Are you a moving and storage company or a moving broker?
4. Do you offer binding moving quotes? (The importance, and the different kinds, of quotes is covered below)
5. What are your DOT and MC license numbers? (This ensures they are a registered moving company

The importance of moving quotes and moving insurance will be our next topic. For more detailed information on moving quotes and moving insurance view our entries by following the links. This section is meant to serve as a brief introduction to the matter. After your in-home visits you will receive a moving quote which is meant to thoroughly detail the cost of your upcoming move. If you are not careful, however, the cost of your move could change. It is important you ask your salesperson two questions. First, how do you calculate the final charges? The company will either charge by weight or by volume. Second, is your moving quote binding? If the quote is binding then this means the price of your move cannot change. A non-binding quote opens you up to the possibility of additional, unexpected, charges on move day. This is because this type of quote allows the moving company to unilaterally change the price of your move. Beware the mover who is not willing to stand by their estimate. Follow the following links for information on our Tampa Bay movers and South Florida Movers.