Do You Need a Fort Collins Moving Company? How to Choose the Right One

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Have you ever noticed how different products and services are rarely equal? There’s almost always at least one tiny difference that makes one a slightly better option. This can also apply to moving companies in Fort Collins.

One company may be infamous for losing items while another has problems meeting scheduled deadlines. Since a move is often stressful enough without adding problems, you want to find the right moving company. But what should you look for in a moving service other than checking to make sure you can afford their prices?

 

Start with Referrals

Sure, you can run a local Google search for moving companies near me. You’re going to get a list, possibly several pages long. Yep, it can be overwhelming. You don’t have time to thoroughly vet every name the search engine pulls up.

Before running an online search, start conversations with your friends, family, and co-workers. Find out who’s recently moved and what service they used. What are their impressions and would they refer the movers? Another idea is to ask your real estate agent if you have one. They already helped you find the perfect house, they can probably give you some moving advice.

 

Three is a Magic Number

Okay, your online search is overwhelming. Your friends, co-workers, and family are some help. Take the names of the movers provided by your family and friends. If you end up with three names, you’re all set. If you’re short on the name of a moving company, pick a top-rated one from your online search list.

Ideally, you want to get estimates from three moving companies. This will give you a good idea of what your move is going to cost. A quick tip is to get an in-person estimate. Moving companies generally charge by the amount of stuff. An over-the-phone estimate probably isn’t going to be close to the final moving costs.

 

Pay Attention to Red Flags

When you’re getting your moving estimate, pay attention to any potential red flags. This is also when you can get a pretty good idea of the company’s level of professionalism. Some examples of red flags can include if the moving company asks for a cash payment upfront.

Even if they claim it’s only a refundable deposit, take it as a warning sign. Reputable moving companies aren’t going to ask for a cash deposit upfront or even during the move. Try to have a list of questions ready during the estimate. If the movers can’t answer your questions, they may not be the right company for the job.

Check Out the BBB Website

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a free service that’s invaluable when you’re checking out a moving company’s reputation. The BBB gives companies a grade ranging from A+ to F. Obviously, you want to stay away from moving companies with low BBB grades.

Ideally, stick with movers who have at least an A- rating. You also want to use the website to check the movers’ accreditation status. If you can’t find the company listed on the BBB website, you may want to move on to the next moving service on your list.

 

Insurance and Licensing are Crucial

You probably already know movers, at least the ones behind the wheel, must have a valid driver’s license. This is simply a requirement for all drivers in Colorado and every other state. However, the moving company may be required to hold different types of licenses. For example, interstate movers are regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All interstate movers must have a USDOT number, there aren’t any exceptions.

Along with licensing requirements, you also want to check for insurance. Does the moving company have insurance to cover damage to your belongings if the service provider is the one at fault? What about insurance for the moving personnel? Are the movers covered if an accident occurs?

 

Check the Moving Company’s Address

Just because you see an address listed on a website or a business card doesn’t automatically mean it’s legitimate. You can easily fudge an address and sometimes it takes years for anyone to figure it out.

Before deciding on a moving company, take a drive past the listed business address. If you can’t find the moving company’s physical location, they’re probably not the right service for you. Finding a moving company in Fort Collins doesn’t need to be difficult or even stressful. With a bit of research and helpful recommendations, you can pick the best moving company.

 

Picture of Author: Amanda Jones
Author: Amanda Jones

Amanda Jones specializes in content marketing. She holds a Master's degree in Marketing Management from the University of Florida and a Content Manager Professional Certificate from the University of Miami.

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