Things To Check Before Hiring Moving Guys

When it is time to move, a homeowner should never settle for moving guys that do not affiliate themselves with a reputable moving company. Choosing people that don’t have certification, training or insurance is a huge risk that is just not worth it. Every year, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) receives nearly 10,000 complaints against moving companies and scams result in millions of losses. Uncertified crews are much more likely to accidentally damage items, so even if a homeowner can find one they trust, it is still an unreasonable risk to take.

What should homeowners look for when hiring moving guys?

Before making any commitment, make sure the moving company is familiar with standard operating procedures. Do they provide estimates? Will they come out to the home to provide an estimate in person? Do they have useful paperwork that outlines fees and an itinerary? Do they allow clients to purchase insurance on carried items? Can they be contacted easily? Do they have a physical office with staff? These are all important questions to ask, and if the answer to any of them is “no,” then it’s time to find another service.

Handing over your belongings to a group of people you’ve never met before can be scary, and reputable moving companies understand this. For this reason, any company worth hiring will do everything possible to formalize the move and protect the homeowner from harm.

Moving companies in the U.S. need to have licensing by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These agencies both provide oversight in the moving industry, but it’s nearly impossible to keep track of every group of moving guys, so it is up to the homeowner to stay vigilant when looking for a company.

How can a homeowner make an informed decision about which moving company to hire?

The easiest way to get needed information from the company is to request an in-home estimate. If the service won’t provide an in-home estimate or insists on charging for it, they should be considered a high-risk hire. During the estimate, a representative from the business will survey the property and ascertain how much work will be required to complete the job.

While the representative is at the home, they should be willing to provide any information the homeowner requests. At this time, ask for the company’s DoT and MC license numbers. This is a standard request and should not meet any resistance. Avoid any service that will not provide this information.

DoT and MC license numbers can be used to access the FMCSA’s online database (SaferSys) of motor carriers. A homeowner can get a full report of its status by inputting a company’s license numbers. Through here, a homeowner can verify that a moving service is certified to perform residential or commercial transports. A homeowner can also check the company’s insurance and if they have committed any infractions recently. Once satisfied, a homeowner should also check the company’s BBB profile to see if it has any serious consumer complaints.

Hiring a company to transport your belongings is a major decision. Make sure you have as much information as possible before making it.

Finding The Right Moving Services In Houston

When comparing the moving services available in Houston, Texas, there are a few key points potential customers should keep in mind.

•    How long has the company been in business?
•    Is the company registered and licensed by the Texas DMV and/or the U.S. DOT?
•    Exactly what services are offered and what do they cost?
•    Is the company bonded and insured?

Any reputable company should be able to answer these questions easily and positively. The length of time a business has been operating translates to how much experience they have. Obviously, a firm with decades in the industry has a lot more knowledge, tips, and tricks than a company that just started up 6 months ago.

All quality moving services in Houston, or the state of Texas, have to register with and receive an endorsement from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.  And this information is available to the general public on the TX DMV website, making it easy to double-check a company. Any hauler that crosses state lines must also be registered with the FMSCA, or Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration. Linked to the federal DOT, this organization also offers a website to check a company’s validity, and has a helpful list of checkpoints for choosing moving services in Houston or anywhere else.

Determining exactly what level of assistance the customer needs is a good trait in reputable company. Many will offer free on-site estimates, help the potential client figure out what they may need for packing materials and supplies, and walk the client through the whole moving process. Most businesses will have boxes and packing materials available for a customer who wants to do the work themselves, and suggest various levels of services to those who do not. A good company can lessen the customer’s stress and work considerably, and pack, label, load, transport, unload, and unpack an entire household quickly and efficiently.

Finding A Moving Company In Katy

When hiring a moving company for the Katy area, a homeowner should select a business that is experienced and professional. This Houston suburb is about 10 miles west of the city and sits right off of Interstate 10. For many years, it was a small town that wasn’t all that distinguishable from other Houston suburbs. In the last couple decades, though, it has exploded with growth, transforming the sleepy burb into an impressive town. While it still doesn’t compete with The Woodlands in terms of size or affluence, it is quickly catching up.

One of the major reasons for this growth is the excellent set of schools in the area. Families with school-age children relocated to Katy en masse during the 1990s and 2000s, driving the economy up and giving the town a family friendly feel. Most of the venues in the town cater to families, and the suburb’s host several festivals every year that are perfect for children and parents.

Before selecting a moving company for a Katy relocation, check out online reviews of Houston businesses. An experienced and resourceful business like Johnnie T. Melia’s can service the entire greater Houston area. While there are dozens of groups in Houston that provide relocation services, many of them are too small to travel far outside the city. Melia’s operation is large and efficient enough to perform jobs throughout the area simultaneously. Homeowners won’t have to endure late or missed appointments due to overextended workers.

Online review sites like Google, Yelp, Foursquare and Angie’s List are excellent resources for a homeowner looking for a reputable service. It’s best for a homeowner to confine their search to businesses that have a long history of positive feedback and remediation with their unsatisfied customers.

Reasons For Moving To Tomball

Moving to Tomball, Texas offers the life style of a rural country community while still allowing access to the amenities of the greater Houston area. A town with interesting historical roots, it was founded in the mid-1800s by German settlers who were drawn to its good, rich soil and stands of timber. Farming, ranching, and timber were the first industries of the town, then known as Peck. In 1907, the community members voted to change the town name to honor the work of this man, and so the town became Tom Ball, which got shortened later on. The community has around 20,000 residents, and encompasses about 12 square miles.

Despite all that growing and moving, Tomball has kept its small-town roots intact, and celebrates the historical events that have helped shape the community. Each year brings the annual German festival and Oil Field festival, featuring days of live entertainment, parades, re-enactments, vendors, food, and more. There are dozens of museums, historical buildings, old cemeteries, and other points of local interest. Within just a few minutes of driving are hundreds of acres of parklands, open to hiking, fishing, biking, canoeing and kayaking. No matter the interest, there is an activity close by. The Tomball Independent School District is made up of thirteen schools, with good ratings and a low student-teacher ratio. There are also several private schools available. Nearby is Lone Star College, which offers associate and certificate programs and college credit programs through the high school. The town also features its own hospital, with a variety of specialists and surgeons on staff.

One of the easiest ways to avoid the stress of relocation while moving to Tomball is to enlist the help of a knowledgeable, professional company. JT Melia Moving and Storage has been in business since 1969. They have the experience of transporting thousands of households safely, whether from the Houston area or from across the country.

Problems With Picking The Cheap Moving Companies in Houston

There are several reasons to avoid cheap moving companies in Houston and opt for established professionals instead. May homeowners choose unlicensed workers because they hope it will end up costing less. However, there are many risks when hiring amateurs, which can easily cost the homeowner more than hiring professionals in the first place. Theft, damage and inefficient service are all common problems that can be avoided with experienced and licensed people.

Cheap moving companies in Houston are rarely licensed, certified or insured. Before operating as a motor carrier, a relocation business must be registered with both the Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier safety Administration. These oversight groups ensure the consumer is protected with an extensive list of industry regulations. Licensed motor carriers are legally bound to follow these regulations, while a group of amateurs likely will not. Functioning as a motor carrier service without licensing is illegal.

Professionals must be certified to handle commercial, interstate or international jobs, among other things. This certification lets the homeowner know that the service is trained to not only get everything to its destination safely, but to do it in an efficient manner. When traveling to another country, proper certification is critical, because ignoring international shipping laws will likely result in the items being confiscated.

Finally, without liability and worker’s compensation insurance, a relocation service will not be responsible for any accidents. If an expensive piece of furniture is damaged, destroyed or misplaced on the way to the home, the homeowner will have to pay to get it replaced. If a worker is hurt while on the homeowner’s property, he may be held responsible.

How To Select The Best Moving Company

Before deciding on the best moving company to handle personal possessions and irreplaceable belongings, it is important to research and ask questions to avoid potential mishaps. In difficult financial times like those experienced these days, everyone is looking to save money. However, in the event that the choice is to hire a professional, it is highly recommended that experience, reviews and recommendations be considered equally as important when getting moving quotes. Deciding which relocating professional is the most reliable can be a bit unnerving. Entrusting strangers with a houseful of valuables is extremely stressful. Make sure that the proper questions are addressed before making the final decision.

Be certain that every business that is interviewed is licensed with the Texas Department of Transportation. All trucks should hold a TXDOT certificate that ensures that they are compliant with the state of Texas.  The state also requires specific liability insurance.  Be certain to ask for documentation on both of these.  Also call the Better Business Bureau or visit them on the web to obtain information on customer complaints. It is also wise to ask for client references before making the final decision.  Nothing is more assuring than hearing a real person share their experiences.  Client references are more than beneficial when deciding on a professional relocating business.  The primary concern should be quality of service, reliability and years of experience.  In most cases these few steps can lend some piece of mind.   The internet can also provide valuable information.   A few simple clicks through various sites can direct potential customers to review sites that can help during the decision process.

Proper research can assure customers find the best moving company that can provide a desirable relocating experience.

The Responsibilities Of A Houston Apartment Mover

To find the right Houston apartment mover it’s best to know the responsibilities of the client and the transport company before and during the relocation process. Full service companies will take care of every relocation need from packing all a clients belongings to appliance reassembly. The client’s responsibilities begin by choosing a reputable company registered with the Better Business Bureau, Southwest Movers Association and the State Consumer protection office. The client is also responsible for asking for the U.S. Dot and TX DMV numbers up front. A business partnered with National van lines and listed with the Federal Motor Carrier Association should be chosen for cross-country and intercontinental relocations.

The greatest up-hill battles for any Houston apartment mover are elevators, parking availability, and the accessibility of the apartment from the truck. These issues are solved once the client has approved the transport business with both complexes management to carry out the relocation. To be approved a company must present there proof of insurance, which is usually available for download online. Finally, before approving the business, both complexes may want paperwork with the date, times, and needed parking locations, the moving contract, and all leasing agreements.

The Houston relocation company should grant all clients guaranteed service and pricing quotes, at no cost to the client. The client and the consultant should also specifically review details about the complexes like elevators sizes and the distance from the door to the parking lot to ensure accuracy of the estimate. The consultant will also provide clients all the required packing supplies and many helpful suggestions for a smooth and cost effective relocation. These suggestions include making sure china cabinets and wardrobes have been cleared of all breakables, and the doors have been secured shut. With the help of the consultant and constant communication, the client and Houston apartment mover can create a harmonious and satisfying relocation.

The Steps In Choosing A Moving Company In The Woodlands

To find the right moving company for a Woodlands relocation, remember not to limit the choices by only considering local businesses. Many Houston metropolitan area businesses, such as Johnnie T. Melia Moving, may be more experienced and better equipped to handle relocations to or from the Woodlands.

When searching for a mover, immediately eliminate any moving company near the Woodlands that is not a registered member with the Southwest Movers Association and the Better Business Bureau. Reliable online testimonials can often reveal as much about the business and their values as their completed work.

The next step for a client is to determine what services the company provides, if a consultant will be assigned and the costs of any required services. The best business to choose is a full service business that provides free, on-site quotes. Full Service includes packing and unpacking every item a client owns. Each item will be unloaded in the assigned section of the home and unpacked the same day. Full service businesses like Johnnie T. Melia Moving provide clients access to a secure storage facility for both short and long term needs. This is useful for any items that cannot be transported during the initial relocation, or for those who are waiting for their new home to be ready.

It may be best to avoid selecting a moving company for the Woodlands that specializes in only one type of relocation or is generally inexperienced. The most reliable companies will have years of experience. They should have successful results from office to residential relocations, from the local city to an international level. Selecting the wrong business for an international or office relocation may cost the client thousands in profits and property. Taking time to research any company beforehand will be well worth it. This is a big decision that shouldn't be taken lightly.

Finding Cross Country Moving Companies With Experience

Cross country moving companies are extremely helpful when relocating to another state. These professionals usually have more resources available than local operations. Experienced businesses will be able to provide a range of services and get everything to the new home on time. To help make the transition as easy as possible, the homeowner should verify fees and contract terms. He or she should also prepare ahead of time to help the workers do their job.

Relocation professionals can pack, load, transport and set everything up at the new property. It’s up to the homeowner to decide which of these services will be necessary. A client can save a lot of money by handling some of the work without help, but this will also take extra time.

Some relocation professionals are able to transport everything through the air. This will be much faster than freighting them by truck, but air travel costs rise quickly as weight increases. Cross country moving companies should be notified as soon as possible if a homeowner wishes to transport their belongings by plane. If a hitch will be needed to transport a vehicle to the new property, the business should be notified as soon as possible.  Guaranteed availability will often depend on the amount of notice given.

Before signing a contract, the homeowner should verify that the business has enough insurance to cover everything being transported. Standard insurance covers about $.60 per pound of cargo, which will not be enough if there is significant damage done to anything. A homeowner with special valuables should either carry them in another car or ask about purchasing full value or declared value protection for his or her items.

Homeowners Looking For Moving Companies In Houston TX

Moving companies in Houston TX can be easily found using the internet. There are hundreds of professionals in the city that offer relocation services, but only a handful have the experience and ability needed to work through any job. To locate these, a homeowner will need to sift through some online reviews and see what others have to say. A reputable business should be able to help out with every step of the process, from packing to driving to arranging furniture at the new property.

Google and Bing are both good starting points, but for extensive reviews, the homeowner might want to check out Yelp, Angie’s List or Foursquare. Moving companies in Houston TX that have positive feedback across multiple sites should be considered for the job. Any business that is flagged for hidden fees or late service should be avoided. These are some of the most telling signs of unprofessionalism.

Personal and professional referrals are also helpful. Real estate agencies need to employ relocation services frequently to help transport items from one property to another. They will have a strong idea of which business can be trusted and which to avoid. Requesting an in-home estimate can provide a homeowner with extra information to help make an informed choice. These estimates are usually free, and will allow a client to interface directly with a representative from the business. They should also have a copy of any contracts the service uses. Any professionals that do not offer a contract should be avoided, because this is the only way a consumer can protect himself. Fees, dates associated with the relocation and protections granted to the client should be outlined in this document.