Movers
Finding a Reliable Moving Company
by Business Listings EditorPhoto Credit: ©iStock.com
We all agree: moving is stressful, and can quickly turn into a nightmare when precautions are not taken.
While we can’t totally control everything (some issues crop up that could turn into extended exercises of the Murphy’s Law), you can make it easier with this one crucial step – choosing the right mover.
So how do you find the right moving company that you can trust with your material possessions?
Online Presence
While most moving companies have websites with a list of their services, rates, contact information, and a gallery spread of their work history, many of the people who were scammed by dodgy moving companies found them online.
Of course we can’t ignore the Internet since it is a good place to start compiling a list of potential moving companies in Singapore, but how do we weed out the bad from the good?
Fire off your hunt by searching for moving companies near your area, and narrow the list to at least three. Email or call.
Email allows you to ask questions and be given a written response, which you can mull over for some time. Call, if you want quick answers to your enquiry.
Physical Address
Movers with a registered office address mean serious business. Drop by their office to check out their facility and to determine if they are who they claim to be.
Be sure to check out their moving trucks, ensuring that they are permanently marked with the company’s name – this is an assurance that they are not subcontracting the moving job to another company. Their virtual office may be impeccable, but a meeting up-front can help you recognize rogue movers.
If you can, probe deeper on the following:
- How long they have been in the moving business
- Do they do background checks on employees who do the actual moving
- Any licenses, moving or storage associations, affiliations
- On-site inspection protocol
- Guaranteed delivery date, if any
- Payment schemes
- Insurance coverage
- Dispute settlement program, if any
Tip: A moving company should be able to handle heavy and difficult items such as fish tanks/aquariums, antique furniture, pool tables, and pianos.
The reliable movers will take extra care to disassemble, wrap (in plastic or bubble wrap, and/or with pads), and securely transport such special items.
Investigate and Verify
Chances are, most people have moved at least once in their lives. So ask around – friends, family, and colleagues, if they can recommend or not recommend a moving company.
If, unluckily, you don’t know anyone who has utilized a moving company, check out reviews about your list of potential moving companies. Also check government and independent sources to verify licenses and references.
Get a Written Estimate
Having carefully selected at least 3 potential movers, you should ask for a written estimate – only after letting them do an on-site inspection. Never consider a mover who would give you an estimate without going over the things that need to be moved.
Whatever services or extras they offer, they should also be in writing. Read thoroughly before you sign any document, and never agree to any condition that releases your mover from any liability.
Aside from the binding estimate, the following documents should be presented on moving day:
- Bill of lading – a receipt for your belongings and a contract between you and the company
- Order of service – authorization to transport your belongings from one place to another
- Inventory list – a receipt of items and its condition prior to moving
Don’t ever be coerced into doing or agreeing to something you are not comfortable with, and be vigilant of anything suspicious. If it doesn’t feel right, just move on to the next.
Moving house? Contact reliable movers in Singapore by checking out our Business Directory.