PICKING THE PERFECT MOVERS IN GREENVILLE, SC
So, you’ve bought or rented a new place! First of all, we want to congratulate you on your move. We here at Swamp Rabbit Moving understand that moving into a new place can be a stressful time (but also a little exhilarating). There’s nothing quite like that thrill of a new home, but it’s important to remember that there are many things to consider when moving, such as finding the perfect company to move all of your precious belongings.
No matter if you’re uprooting your life to or from Greenville or Charleston, finding the right movers is an important step in your journey. Unfortunately, there can be a lot of bad business in movers, and some people learn that the hard way. At Swamp Rabbit Moving, we want you to have the best experience possible, and our friendly, hard-working team is ready to help you. Here you’ll find our top tips for picking the moving company for your needs.
1. Get at least three estimates.
Don’t jump on the first offer you receive. By pricing out three separate moving companies, you can ensure you’re getting the best rates (for the best work possible). Be wary of those who charge too little or too much. Trust your gut — if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true. Alternatively, a quote that’s way too high can also be a red flag. Bear in mind, too, that a reputable mover won’t require a huge deposit. A “guaranteed” quote is also a big red flag — you should look for three types of contracts:
- A non-binding estimate. This means the company can’t require payment more than 10% above the original estimate, and any overages have to be paid within 30 days of delivery.
- A non-binding to-exceed estimate. These ensure that you won’t have to pay any overages beyond the original estimate (which is the absolute maximum you’ll need to pay for any services).
- A binding estimate. This is the price for the move and all extras and services. If you request any services beyond that (like unpacking), extra fees must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
2. Make sure you get a moving inventory.
Any reputable moving company will take inventory of all your belongings to determine the bulk and weight of your move. This can be done in-person or via a virtual survey. Make sure the estimator is thorough (like checking all of your storage places such as cupboards, drawers, garages, and bookcases). The majority of a mover’s price is based on weight and space needed. A good estimator should ask questions about what you plan to take to your new home, so be sure to notate what items you plan to give away, donate, or sell.
3. Avoid a company that uses a variety of names.
By doing business under different names, a company may try to avoid being assessed by the Better Business Bureau. The company should have a local address and available information about licensing and insurance. You can also find out if there are any “doing business as” names, not to mention their state and federal license numbers. A smart move is to do a quick online search for any complaints. You can, too, find more about the company’s history by calling the consumer complaints hotline at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, at 888-368-7238.
4. Get reliable references.
Talk to your friends, family, and neighbors about their experiences or ask who they hired to move their belongings. If no one has any reputable recommendations, you can get a list of reliable movers from associations like the American Moving and Storage Association.
5. Be aware of any extra fees.
Some companies will upcharge you for various reasons, such as having to negotiate furniture up or down stairs or elevators. Be sure to ask your mover about any possible additional fees that may apply to your move.
6. Get everything in writing.
We repeat: Get absolutely everything in writing, and never sign a blank contract. The estimate and extra fees should be listed, not to mention your pickup and delivery dates. Read through your contract with a magnifying lens and ensure all of your belongings you want moved are listed. By doing so, you reduce the hassle of having to file a claim for something that doesn’t appear on the inventory list.
7. Ask questions.
Not sure about something from your quote or contract with your mover? Always ask questions for clarification.
By utilizing these tips, you can avoid some of the unfortunate scams that do happen. Some of the more common scams are:
- Bait and switch: The mover changes your moving agreement at the last minute, and you end up with a much higher price tag than originally agreed upon.
- The hostage: This happens when a mover refuses to give your belongings back until you pay double (or even triple!) the original quote.
- Unreasonable delivery charges: A disreputable mover will tack on made-up fees and force you to pay more to get your things back.
- Late delivery: Your belongings don’t arrive on time or not at all. (And who wants that to happen? Yuck!)
- Abandonment: The mover will take your money ahead of time, ditch your stuff, and close up shop.
If you do run into any problems with your mover, bear in mind that you have nine months to report any problems to the moving company and file a complaint. The mover then has 30 days to acknowledge that they received your claim, and within 120 days of receiving the complaint, the mover can deny your claim or make an offer to reimburse you for any damages or items lost. A good idea is to open every box on moving day to ensure there’s no damage.
Again, no matter if you’re in the Greenville or Charleston areas, Swamp Rabbit Moving is here to make your transition into your new home as smooth as possible. Don’t worry — we hop to it! We offer a variety of services including local residential moves, commercial moves, packing and unpacking, and even long-distance moves. Moving is our passion, and we are licensed, insured, and bonded, so let us help with your move!
If you’re ready to get your move on the road, you can find Swamp Rabbit Moving at 2106 Airport Road in Greer, SC 29651. We look forward to serving our customers from Greenville, Spartanburg, North Charleston, and West Ashley.