DavidTheLocator: Moving To Houston? Tips To Finding A Reliable Movi...

DavidTheLocator: Moving To Houston? Tips To Finding A Reliable Movi...: Everyday at Innovative Realty Group we are relocating clients from across the country. Moving all of your precious heirlooms and other p...

Moving To Houston? Tips To Finding A Reliable Moving Company.

Everyday at Innovative Realty Group we are relocating clients from across the country. Moving all of your precious heirlooms and other personal items can be a very stressful situation if not put into the right hands. It only takes one incident to make a move a "regrettable move." So, how do you choose a reliable moving company?

Most companies have websites that list their services, service history, destinations they will move to, and roughly how much it will cost. This is a great place to get background information and to start compiling a list of potential companies. Also, most companies will list contact information, including e-mail addresses, allowing you to ask questions and be provided with a written response.

Also ask around. Most people you know have moved once or twice in their life, so ask friends, family and colleagues if they can recommend a company, or if there's a company they don't recommend. Both lists are invaluable when choosing a mover.

Contact the BBB. Find out if any of the companies on your list have generated any reports. Information you can get will usually contain any grievances filed and if the grievances were resolved successfully. It's rare that a company does not have any unhappy customers; the key is to ensure that if there were complaints, that in the end, the customer was satisfied with the result. Read the report carefully, and if you're thinking of using a company who had a grievance filed, ask them specifically about this case and how it was resolved. Depending on the severity of the complaint, you may choose not to pursue this company.

Go to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website and find out if your potential mover has a Department of Transportation (DOT) number. This number ensures that the company is registered with the Department of Transportation.

According to FMCSA, there are signs that the company is a rogue mover. They offer the following tips:

• The mover doesn't offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or Internet—sight-unseen. These estimates often sound too good-to-be-true. They usually are.
• The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
• The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves.
• The company's website has no local address and no information about licensing or insurance.
• The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance.
• When you call the mover, the telephone is answered with a generic "Movers" or "Moving company," rather than the company's name.
• Offices and warehouse are in poor condition or nonexistent.
• On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned and marked fleet truck.

Make note of anything suspicious. And above all, if it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.

And last but not least, keep track of your items. Take pictures and document your most important items prior to the move in the event that anything is accidentally damaged or lost.

We look forward to helping you find your next home in the Houston Metropolitan area. For more information, visit our website at www.DavidTheLocator.com and call us at 281-326-HOME!