1: Do your research in advance

Many customers are surprised when a national carrier they thought they had hired outsources their move to an agent with an unknown name. Although every company on our list is a moving company, most direct sales and connect customers with contract movers. You should get all the information you can in advance about how the various responsibilities of the moving process are distributed among the entities before signing anything.

2: Keep track of your move

No matter how careful a mover claims to be, accidental damage is common. Logistical confusion easily leads to poor service or missed arrival dates. The moving industry in 2022 is particularly susceptible to delays and driver shortages, so prepare for the worst.

Keep a detailed inventory of everything the movers are taking. Photograph objects that could suffer damage and require repairs. Keep copies of all documents exchanged with your broker and/or your mover so that if items arrive late or damaged, or if certain other conditions of a move are not met, you will at least have proof.

3: Take care of your valuables

With medical items, confidential documents, and small valuables like jewelry and personal electronics, exercise caution and carry whatever you can yourself. Even without any foul play, moving companies can end up losing or damaging items.

Moving companies generally do not distinguish between valuables and non-valuable items unless the customer is paying for additional coverage of particular items and may otherwise offer reimbursement simply based on a cents per pound calculation applied to the entire load. Without the additional cover agreed to in advance, businesses are generally not required to fully reimburse customers for damage to items such as expensive furniture or large electronics.

4: Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Since payment practices differ from industry to industry, it is important to be clear about the timing and terms of all financial arrangements with your broker and/or mover. Before making a decision, compile information about a potential deposit, when payment is due, and what happens financially in the event of a delivery delay or incident.

Companies must be able to specify the type of vehicle and the team that will meet a customer. Just ask how your belongings will be handled – will they show up at their destination in the same vehicle they were loaded into? If not, how will this be handled?