Written by: Isaac Grant
Date:

A reputable moving company is an invaluable asset during relocation. Their services make the entire endeavor simpler, as you don’t have to take on so many tasks. They make the burden lighter, by taking a big part of it upon themselves. And, they’re always there to offer advice and guidance when you need it. However, there’s one thing movers can’t help you with – finding a reputable moving company. But, that’s why you have Verified Movers. In this guide, we’ll help you familiarize yourself with the traits of a reputable moving company, in great depth. By the end, you will every piece of info necessary to ensure you hire the best team for your relocation. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in!

The importance and value of respectable movers

What is the secret to a good, successful move? Is it choosing the best location for your new home or business HQ? Is it packing everything neatly? Or is it creating the perfect plan of action? All these factors play a big role in the success of your relocation. There’s no doubt about that. However, hiring a reputable and reliable moving company precedes them. But, why is it so?

A woman with glassess and headphones using laptop to research the traits of a reputable moving company.

Finding the most reputable moving company should be at the top of your priority list.

The simple answer is: because moving is an incredibly intricate and complex process. As such, it takes a lot of skill, knowledge, and experience to plan, and even more to execute. However, elevating mentioned traits to a sufficient level for a stress-free relocation is next to impossible for an average person. Not because of the lack of desire – but because of the lack of opportunity to do so. Let’s take a look at this through the numbers.

Movers through the numbers

An average American changes their residence around twelve times in their lifetime. Now, let’s take an average life expectancy, which is around 80 years. A bit of simple math tells us that an average American has the chance to hone their moving skills once every six to seven years. And, let’s face it, that period is enough to forget you even moved, at all.

Now, let’s take a look at an average newbie long distance moving companies Bellevue employ, for instance. First, to even become a mover, they have to go through rigorous training. So, that already puts them ahead – even if they didn’t test their skills in real relocation. But, let’s ignore that for a second. An average reputable moving company’s employee handles a move a day. More, in most cases, but let’s keep it simple. So, that means that even a new mover, a complete freshman, needs only two weeks to gain an experience, that takes others a whole life! Or, that in one year, they gain the experience of almost 22 average lifetimes. Just let that sink in.

Movers carrying cardboard boxes.

Knowledge and experience are crucial for the success of a relocation. And movers have both in droves!

What does this mean?

The previous analysis is enough to show just how beneficial movers are for relocation’s success. That experience alone can make all the difference in the world, especially when you’re moving long-distance. But, reputable movers don’t rely on experience alone. There are other factors that distinguish them from their less versed counterparts:

  • TrainingBest long distance movers go through an intense training process. This gives them the skills necessary to tackle moving tasks efficiently.
  • Insight – Intricacies of the moving process are too many to count. Trained, experienced movers know how to recognize them and, thus, counter the negative effects.
  • Conscientiousness – Seeing and handling so many relocations gives movers a cognizance of what the very act of relocation means to you, as an individual. Therefore, their guidance and support extend far beyond just physical support.

One of the most important traits of reputable movers is that they hone these qualities in their employees. And, if they do that – it’s easy to see how it reflects on their entire operating method.

Two people shaking hands at a job interview

Reputable moving companies know what traits to look for and hone in their employees.

Breakdown of traits of a reputable moving company

You’ve seen what makes a good, responsible mover. Now, it’s time to translate all of it to a much larger scale. In other words, it’s time to see what are the traits of a reputable moving company:

  • Licenses: Reputable moving companies operate within the confines of the law. So, they’ll have the necessary documentation to prove it.
  • Insurance: A respectable company has the confidence that it’ll do the job right. As such, they’ll take responsibility for your belongings, and offer various insurance options.
  • Experience and reputation: If the company exists for many years, and has many satisfied customers, it is a good sign it is reliable.
  • Positive online reviews and awards: A company with positive reviews is more likely to offer you quality service.
  • Transparency: A reputable moving company won’t deny you the info or conceal the costs.
  • Extra services: If a company provides more than previously agreed upon, and free of charge, it means they have your best interest in mind.
  • Dedication: A company and its employees will go through thick and thin, to see your relocation through in the best way.

It’s imperative to note that these traits of a reputable moving company aren’t optional. “Some” of them simply won’t do the job. So, if the company you’re reviewing falls short of even one of these traits – it may be wiser to reconsider.

Licenses are the basis of a reputable moving companies’ work

The moving company needs to have all the licenses necessary for them to do their job. If they have licenses that means that they are respected in their line of work. This is directly linked to the number of customers they have. A moving company without licenses will not have many people hiring them. Especially today, when customers have easy access to the internet and can familiarize themselves with the inner workings of a company.

A person signing a document

Possession of a valid license is one of the major traits of a reputable moving company.

For instance, The Better Business Bureau (BBB), has a seal of approval that they bestow on reliable moving companies. This seal serves as proof that the company is good enough for you to hire them. Or, if you are doing a long-distance or an interstate move, you should also check the FMCSA website to see if they have permission to conduct an interstate relocation.

Checking these sources is crucial, regardless of the type or scope of your relocation. So, if you live in Louisville, for instance, make sure that the cross country moving companies Kentucky have proper licensing for your move. It will help you avoid nasty surprises, amateurish movers, and, most importantly, fraudulent moving companies.

Movers’ primary purpose is to ensure the safety of your belongings

Another thing that you need to pay close attention to is the company’s insurance policy. Let’s presume, for a second, you’re moving from Montgomery, AL to, say, Portland, OR. That’s a 2,500+ miles trip that’ll take even the most capable long distance moving companies Montgomery has at least 40 hours to complete. Your belongings have to endure that journey. And, during that time, anything is possible. But, if a said company is reputable – they’ll take the responsibility for your items.

That said, it’s important to note that moving companies do not sell insurance. Rather, they offer a version of it called “valuation.” It’s a moving company’s way to take legal responsibility for your belongings. Valuation options reputable companies offer are:

  • Released Value Protection: This option is based on the weight of your items. Usually, it’s $.60 per pound, although this can vary from state to state;
  • Full Value Protection: The reimbursement amount is based on the current market value of your items.

However, bear in mind that neither of these options covers the so-called “items of extraordinary value.” These are items whose value is more than $100 per pound per item. Now, you can leave these items, too in the hands of your chosen moving company. However, you’ll have to declare them and they retain the right to deny moving them. And, even if they don’t, said items will still fall under one of the two mentioned categories, insurance-wise.

Experience and reputation are major traits of a reputable moving company

This is one of the traits of a reputable moving company many people pay most attention to. The movers need to be experienced in their line of work and you should not accept anything less. This does not mean that you will not be able to find a good young company. On the contrary. They may also be a good option if you want to hire a cheap moving company.

A person giving four star rating

A positive user experience is a telltale sign of a reputable moving company.

However, there is a much higher possibility that the company is good at its job if it has a good track record. A good reputation comes with experience. Companies with bad reputations often do not last long. Another thing to mention is that experienced moving companies are also more expensive. Consider this when looking for cross country movers Oregon if you live in Portland and want to move to a different state.

Reviews and awards – because the opinion of your peers’ matters

We have already mentioned the website BBB. Other than the seal of approval, they also offer a reviewing service. When people want to leave a review of a moving company, they can go on BBB and rate the company and write what they liked about the service and what they did not. However, some companies are stooping low enough to create fake moving reviews about themselves. This is usually done by scammers and their conduct will not be tolerated after they are exposed. In addition to this, good and reputable moving companies often receive awards for their successful business. Awards are usually given to the best ones so if you want to hire one of those, the only thing that may suffer is your wallet. Totally worth it though!

Transparency is key in any type of business

Any type of business that is not run on deceit that is. And good moving companies never conduct their business that way! If you are aware of every single dealing your company is doing when you hired them, you can be sure that they are reliable. They have nothing to hide and honesty is important when you want someone to handle your precious belongings. True professionals will want to talk everything through with you and will reply honestly if you ask them something. Certainly one of the traits of a reputable moving company!

A shady character with glasses

There’s no shady business when dealing with reputable movers.

A reputable moving company will go above and beyond to ensure your seamless transition

The old mantra “the customer is always right” reigns supreme here. Even though the goal of every business and company is to earn money, sometimes they have to make compromises in order to satisfy their customer. And when a moving company does this, they can be marked as reliable. Rarely does someone deny themselves profit for customer satisfaction, and if they do, you can be sure to trust them with your belongings. They also get more and more customers when the word about their reliability spreads. We believe that sacrificing a small profit for that is a very good long-term goal. Ask the moving company you are planning to hire if they are offering some free services like getting a free moving quote. If they say yes, it is a good sign that you made the right choice.

Finding outstanding movers is easy when you know what the traits of a reputable moving company are

After that elaborate article, you should know everything about the traits of a reputable moving company. Which allows you to cherry-pick them among the sea of others. Even so, that process will take a substantial amount of your time and energy. But, it doesn’t have to. You can always choose the easy way and give Verified Movers a call. We have already did all the research for you. All you have to do is pick a company that catches your eye and moves without a worry on your mind.