By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you're knee-deep in moving--new residence, new locale, new everything--you might disregard one of the most vital choices you'll have to make--which moving company would be the best one to hire to physically move all your belongings? Picking a reputable moving company in Atlanta is crucial to your move's success, so pay attention to these tips for selecting the best mover for your unique situation.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your real estate contact for a moving company referral. They are aware who's wonderful, and who's not good but has a flashy bright website designed to entice you in. Google movers in your area--then cross check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for ratings and complaints.
Check for Registration
When you Google movers, you should see the company's DOT registration number along with their physical address. This means they are members of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are following federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be upfront with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have customer service coordinators on hand to do just that—assess the particulars of your move, assemble written estimates, and basically be the point person for you. If your move is uncomplicated and you have all the specifics on what you are moving an over-the-phone consult could work; if you have a sizable house with attics, a basement, and a barn, they should send an estimator to your house to walk through the full home to ensure an accurate rate. Your estimate should be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It might seem a tad stupid, but be sure the moving van
truck's logo, movers shirts, and the estimate documents all are similar. Professional movers are glad to confirm with you who they are employed by; if a crew of guys get there in random t-shirts, feel free to show them the door. They should also have the applicable equipment--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew manager should walk through your house with you to verify existing imperfections in furniture. Some moving companies might even snap pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dents with a smartphone and send you the images, so if there is transit damage it is easy to confirm.
Moving to Atlanta can be anxious, but with the right movers it can be exhilarating and fun, too. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been around long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
