One of the benefits of living in a large city like Chicago is the level of competition for clients in all service industries. For people planning a move, this competition in movers is a great way to get a top moving company at a very competitive cost.
Of course, name recognition and prior customer feedback are all standard issues to consider when hiring a moving company, but there is more to the task than just this obvious research. Ideally, when comparing movers have some personal contact with the company, usually through an in-home survey, as well as get the bottom line cost for the move.
In-Home Survey Importance
Unless you only have a tiny apartment or a few specific items to move, a top moving company will always schedule an in-home survey before preparing a quote. This gives the company representative a time to look through your home and determine the weight of the load, which is essential in developing a binding or not-to-exceed estimate.
You will find the moving company representative will be thorough in his or her assessment, which means opening closets and looking into storage rooms. If you know you are not moving some items, particularly larger or heavier items, be sure to point this out.
Avoid Big Deposits or Cash Payment Requirements
A reputable mover will not require an advance on the cost of the move. Some of the smaller companies may ask for a deposit, but it should be minimal and just to hold the booking for the scheduled move time.
If a moving company in Chicago requires a large deposit, or only accepts cash, it is likely that the company is unethical and has had problems in the past with highly dissatisfied customers. Remember, once you pay before you have your furniture in the new location, there is little incentive for the moving company to stay on schedule for the delivery or even provide the services paid for in advance.
A Real Office Location
Scam moving companies or those that just pop up in the peak moving season rarely list an office. They are vague about their location, and may have a P.O Box as an address or only do business via email or phone.
A reputable moving company will have a physical office, staff and movers that are trained, experienced and qualified to do their job.
Making sure any moving company in Chicago you are considering meets the guidelines listed above will help to ensure you are working with a top company. They will also provide a written, binding or not-to-exceed estimate, and you will be able to review the document before you decide to hire the mover.
