How to Find the Best Movers in Michigan

 

When the time arrives to leave your old home and move to another one when you move in Michigan, or even if it’s around the block or across the country, a mistake can cost you dearly. Many people have scary stories to tell about movers who scammed them, damaged their property, or never arrived on the day of the move. If you are looking for a mover in Michigan, what can you do to make sure you will get what you signed up for? Below we have a few tips on how you can find the best moving company in Michigan.

Ask Your Colleagues, Family Members, And Friends For Referrals

A great referral from one of the above might be all you need to find the best mover near you. If none of them have any experience with movers in Michigan, another good option is to talk to one or two real estate agents in the area for a referral. They very often have regular interaction with local moving companies and could be a valuable source of information.

Check Online Reviews For Mentions Of Scams Or Poor Performance 

You can also check Google and mover reviews websites for online reviews of moving companies in Michigan. While it’s a good sign to see a company has a 5-star rating, it’s not 100% foolproof - it’s not difficult to get your friends and workers to write raving online reviews for your business. When hiring a professional mover for the first time, you'll want to do some homework to become familiar with the industry.  If you specifically focus on the bad reviews, however, you might get a better idea of where the company’s weak spots are. Any mention of scams, failure to arrive or deliver on time, unexpected charges, property damage, or less-than-ethical behavior should be a red flag.

Research Their Track Record With The Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Before deciding on a mover near you, check them out online with the BBB - it won’t cost you anything. Stay away from companies that do not have a good BBB rating or are not accredited by the organization. When it comes to moving, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Inquire Whether Or Not They Belong To A Professional Organization For Movers

Before a mover is allowed to join a trade association and given their professional seal, they will be vetted. That is why a moving company that displays the American Moving and Storage Association’s “ProMover” logo is a better choice than one that has no ties to this organization. Just go directly to the association’s website and search for a list of approved moving companies in Michigan.

Beware Of Red Lights 

If, at any stage during your discussions with prospective movers in Michigan, you get the feeling that something is wrong with a company, try to clear it up with them immediately or walk away. The following could be signs that you should rather continue your search:

• They want a hefty deposit upfront. While paying a small upfront deposit could still be OK, a firm that wants you to pay the whole amount of the quote upfront could be less than legitimate.
• Watch out for other signs of professionalism such as not arriving for an appointment, arriving late, or being unable to properly answer a legitimate question.
• They operate under different names. If you check out a company online, e.g., and when you phone, the person who answers mentions a different company name, there might be a problem and you should be concerned. And if you find out their sales representative has a wallet full of business cards, each with a different name, run like hell. A good company is normally proud of its name.

Get Written Quotes From Your Top-3 List Of Moving Companies 

When you have narrowed down your search to 3 moving companies, get quotes from all of them and then start comparing these. Every quote should preferably be based on a personal inspection of your household property by one of their staff members. Nobody can really provide you with an accurate quote over the phone - and if they do, they could simply be setting you up for hidden charges.

Make sure that the quote covers all the important aspects of the move and that there are no gray areas or phrases that could be interpreted in more than one way. Also find out about any services that are not specifically mentioned in the contract because you will most likely have to pay for them. Examples include assembly of furniture, overnight storage, and packing services.