Hiring a Mover

Choosing the right moving company can mean the difference between a smooth, hassle-free move and a potentially disastrous one. Here are some tips for selecting a reputable mover:

• Get referrals from friends and family members who were happy with their movers. Your real estate agent also may be able to suggest a moving company.
• Contact your local Better Business Bureau to see if the company has a history of unresolved complaints.
• Check to see if the company is certified by the American Moving & Storage Association (www.moving.org). AMSA-certified movers have agreed to abide by a set of ethical guidelines, have undergone physical inspections, and have the proper insurance and valid business licenses.
• Interview the mover in person. Have a representative from the company you are considering physically inspect your home's contents and give you a written estimate. Get estimates from more than one company.
• Make sure the mover has an actual physical address. Often, movers advertised on the Internet are brokers who subcontract the work for a profit, and you won't know anything about the people who show up, if they show at all.
• Request a copy of the mover's insurance certificate. Keep in mind that such insurance provides only minimal coverage of your items. Check your homeowner's policy to see if it covers your belongings against loss and damage while they are being moved. If it doesn't, consider purchasing a moving insurance policy from the moving company or a third-party insurance company.

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