Denver Moving Checklist of Do's and Don'ts for Local and Long Distance Movers

Difficult economic times can sometimes bring out the worst.  This industry is particularly susceptible when all that is needed in the opportunist’s mind is a buddy and a truck. So Buyer Beware!

Here are a few Dos and Don’ts of choosing a reputable moving company.

Do your research:

1. Check the web. Do they at least have a website, an office with a real person?  This is a great place to start compiling a list of moving companies that you might want to work with. At Affordable Moving, there is always someone to answer you calls and concerns. Our office staff will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.


2. Contact the Better Business Bureau. Find out if any of the movers on your list  has 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.  Affordable Moving has the highest rating of all moving companies in Colorado.
   
   
3. Ask about the people that will be doing the actual move. Are they using hired help / subcontractors or are they professionally trained and employees of the moving company?  For example, at Affordable Moving our movers are fully bonded and employees of the company.


4. Make sure you understand how the moving company wants to be paid. Ask about the payment schedule up front. Most moving companies require a down payment as a retainer,  with the remaining amount owing when your belongings are delivered to the new location. Beware of movers that request cash only. This is a sure indication of a rogue mover!


5.  Find out if your potential mover is registered with the Department of Transportation. If so, they must have a Department of Transportation (DOT) number.This information can be found on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.


6. Get a  written statement that includes all charges. For example:  If the move is based on an hourly rate, find out the point at which the time starts. For example. At Affordable Moving “time starts at your door or the door of the move”  To ensure you only pay for the time worked ask the moving company to put the hourly rate and all fees in writing. If the moving company charges a flat rate, ask the company to state the flat amount and any other fees that apply. You should specifically ask if there will be any outstanding charges.


7. Check  the company's insurance policy. How do they cover items  that are damaged or lost in the move?


8. Is the company you’re dealing with is a broker. A broker is the go-between and will actually hire another company to complete the move. This means that you don't know who will be moving your things. If you do hire a broker, make sure to get details on the company that will be doing your move. Investigate both -  the broker and the moving company.


9. Have someone at your old house making note of the items being loaded on the truck and have someone at your new home to make note of the items when the movers deliver your household goods.  - At your new home, check off the boxes and items as they're loaded into the house. Make sure nothing is missing and carefully note any damage.


10. What is the moving company’s policy if there is a gap between moves? For example, at Affordable Moving, we can store your items between moves to eliminate any downtime between closings. Your things are stored into a closed container and held at our warehouse, ready to be brought to your new home, whereby eliminating an additional load and reloading of your possessions

Don't

• Don't hire a company that refuses to provide an agreement.
• Don't hire a company that only takes cash
• Don't hire a company that seems too good to be true.
• Don’t hire a company before checking references or at least The Better Business Bureau
• Don't hire a company that isn't registered with the Department of Transportation.
• Don't hire a company that has any outstanding complaints.
• Don't let a company move your stuff until you have a written copy of any and all additional charges