The danger of hiring an unprofessional office mover
Moving an office-regardless of its size-is costly and requires a significant amount of pre-planning. As important as it is to properly pack equipment, furniture, records, and other items, it’s just as vital to hire reputable office movers in Darnestown to ensure everything is securely transferred to the new location. Selecting the wrong office mover can pave the way for liability risks, lost and stolen information, and even business closures.
Mini-storage services are a growing trend in office moving. These companies place office items in their mini-storage facilities and claim that business owners will save on costs associated with traditional moving and storage. But businesses should beware. A mini-storage company does not have the same insurance protection as a professional office mover. Furthermore, mini-storage services can auction a company’s items if it does not pay its bills on time and it’s legal for them to do so.
Needless to say, mini-storage office movers are some of the more unprofessional services available. Since they’re not held to the same codes as traditional movers or storage facilities, an organization can expect to risk thousands of dollars and open the door to lawsuits in the future. Mini-storage companies are notorious for setting up shop and then bolting unexpectedly. Even after lawsuits, they are known to pop-up under different names and business licenses. They use exceptionally low prices to reel in their customers, which should be a clear warning sign to businesses looking to hire an office mover.
Selecting the Cheapest Mover
When you start looking for office movers, get a few in-person estimates and a complete list of the services they provide. You might be surprised at how many additional “hidden” fees some companies charge. Plus, cut-rate office movers often don’t have the necessary experience, equipment, and procedures in place to ensure a successful move. So, while one moving company may seem like the cheaper option, it could be the more expensive choice in the end. As with most professional services, you get what you pay for.
They’re not properly licensed
The last thing you want to do is hire a moving company that isn’t properly licensed. If you’re hiring movers for an interstate move, they should be licensed with the United States Department of Transportation. Ask for their U.S. DOT number to look them up in the FMCSA’s system. Keep in mind that local moving companies who move customers within the same state won’t be regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Instead, they will be regulated by the state. So if hiring local movers, check to make sure they are properly licensed with your state.
They’re not insured
Uh oh. If your moving company isn’t insured, this is typically a big fat sign that they aren’t legitimate movers. Professional moving companies should be insured in order to protect themselves from potential lawsuits, as well as pay customers back for any damaged goods. If their business lacks insurance, then you can bet the mover won’t be able to make good on paying customers (i.e. you) back for the loss of your items.
Why hire a professional mover?
Hiring a professional mover to assist with your relocation could increase your chances of having a smooth and stress-free moving experience. If you are thinking about hiring a moving company, the following are a few reasons to hire professionals to help with your next move.
- Peace of Mind
Planning a move can be overwhelming and stressful at times. Professional movers understand the best ways to navigate the roads and how to handle your belongings to keep them safe and protected. Knowing that your possessions are in safe hands will help to ease your mind on moving day.
- Reliability
A professional moving company will often be the most reliable option, rather than attempting to move with the help of friends and family. Professional movers undergo rigorous training to learn the best moving techniques so that they can keep your belongings safe.
- Accountability
A moving company will be held accountable for your move and will work to ensure that all of your belongings arrive at your doorstep safely. Relocating without the help of experienced movers gives you the responsibility of seeing that all of your belongings arrive safely, which can result in added stress during your move.
- Fast
A moving company will be able to give you a date and time that you can expect all of your possessions to arrive at your new home. Many companies pride themselves on prompt, professional service, and by finding a good mover, you can expedite and simplify the moving process. Not to mention, they can squeeze your couch through that staircase much more quickly than you can!
- Efficient
A professional moving company will be more efficient at handling bulky items such as furniture or heavy boxes during your move and will be able to more efficiently transfer all of your belongings to the truck and, later, into your new home.
Questions to ask:
Even when you are using a legitimate, honest moving company you may have a bad experience if you don’t know what services the company is providing at what cost. Here are some basic questions to ask:
- What are the insurance terms for the move? You will typically purchase an insurance option for items damaged or lost in transport. Does the insurance cover the full value of the item?
- Is the quote price an estimate or a “not-to-exceed” ceiling?
- Are there any hidden fees? Moving companies often work from a “tariff,” which lists items for which you could be charged, such as if there are stairs involved.
- How long has the company been in business.
- Is the moving crew employed by the company, temporary hires or casual laborers?