3 Ways to Avoid Bad Moving Companies

Moving day can be stressful. There's a lot to prepare for, and you can be crunched for time to get it all done and out. When this day comes, you want a reliable moving company to help move your possessions from point A to point B. You don't want a company that will leave you hanging with your money in their pockets.

Watch for These Indicators

To avoid wasting your time and your money, avoid bad movers by looking for these indicators:

Bad reviews

If someone has a truly horrible experience with any company—not just a moving one—it will be online. So, do your research! It's not easy to spot an unprofessional moving company, especially if their shady actions are covered by branded vehicles and a nice looking website. However, if they've angered customers more than once, it's going to be ranted about online. Check the company's reviews on the Better Business Bureau website for complaints, especially if you found them on Kijiji or Craigslist. If the same issues are referenced multiple times, it's not likely to be a simple misunderstanding.

Red flags

When you Google this moving company, does a landline phone number appear? Is their address an actual business or a residential house? Do they only accept cash? These can be indicators of a shady moving company. Bad movers can operate under several different names but use the same phone number as a point of contact with customers. If you look up the phone number, make sure it only represents one business. Similarly, make sure the number is to a real landline and not a cellphone. Most importantly, a reputable moving company will accept almost every form of payment. If they refuse to take credit cards or certified cheques, something is wrong.

Too good to be true estimates

Have you ever heard of the saying you get what you pay for? Well, it's true. If you get an estimate that seems unusually low in comparison to other movers, it's too good to be true. Don't automatically sign a contract with the company that gives you the lowest estimate. Some disreputable moving companies will give you a false estimate in order to secure your business. Before the move is completed, though, they will demand more money. When getting a quote, be sure to get an accurate estimate based on your contents.

Fly-by-night moving companies really dampen your moving experience. They waste your time when they don't show up and make off with your hard-earned money. To avoid an awful moving experience, do your research, look for red flags, and be wary of low-ball estimates.