By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you're knee-deep in moving--new house, new city, new everything--you may overlook one of the most important selections you'll want to make--which moving company would be the best one to contract to physically move all your belongings? Choosing a reputable moving company in Little Rock is vital to having a successful move, so adhere to these best practices for choosing the best mover for your circumstances.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your realtor for a moving company referral. They know who is good, and who is not wonderful but has a snazzy bright website designed to lure you in. Google movers in your area--then check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for ratings and issues.
Check for Registration
When you search movers, you should be able to get the company's DOT registration number along with their physical address. This means they are affiliates 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 fair with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have employees on staff to do just that—review the particulars of your move, put together written estimates, and fundamentally be the point person for you. If your move is not complex and you have all the particulars on what you are moving an over-the-phone consult may work; if you have a large residence with attics, a basement, and a garage, they should send an estimator to your residence to walk through the full residence to ensure an accurate rate. Your estimate needs to be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It might seem a bit dumb, but be sure the moving truck's logo, movers uniforms, and the estimate letterhead all are matching. Professional movers are glad to let you know who they are employed by; if a group of guys get there in unmatching t-shirts, feel free to question them. They should also bring the proper equipment and supplies--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew foreman should walk through your house with you to check for existing defects in furniture. Some moving companies will even snap pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dents with a smartphone and send you the pictures, so if there is transit damage it is easy to verify.
Moving to Little Rock can be worrisome, but with the right movers it can be exciting and fun, too. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been in business long enough to make it fun, so we are your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
