By Julie DeLong, A-1 Freeman Moving Group
When you are up to your eyeballs in moving--new residence, new city, new everything--you might disregard one of the most critical selections you will want to make--which moving company are you going to hire to physically move all your belongings? Choosing a reputable moving company in Tulsa and Oklahoma City is crucial to your move's success, so follow these best practices for selecting the best mover for your unique situation.
Ask for Referrals
Ask your real estate contact if they have a moving company who they would recommend. They know who is good, and who is not wonderful but has a snazzy bright website designed to entice you in. Google movers in the area--then check with the BBB and other consumer agencies, like Angie's List, for ratings and issues.
Check for Registration
When you Google movers, you should see the company's DOT registration number along with their contact info. This means they are affiliates of the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, and that they are adhering to federal safety regulation. It also means they are more likely to be upfront with you.
Get Your Estimate in Writing
Professional moving companies have account managers and customer service coordinators on staff to do just that—review the specifics of your move, provide written estimates, and essentially be the point person for you. If your move is not complex and you have all the specifics on what you're moving a phone estimate may work; if you have a sizable home with lots of storage, a basement, and a garage, they should send an estimator to your home to view the full house to ensure an accurate number. Your estimate needs to be in writing--not a verbal ballpark.
On Moving Day
Uniformed movers and marked trucks--It might seem a bit stupid, but be sure the moving van
truck's logo, movers shirts, and the estimate documents all are similar. Professional movers are willing to confirm with you who they work for; if a bunch of guys arrive in haphazard t-shirts, feel free to show them the door. They should also bring the proper equipment--dollies, gloves, hand trucks, and moving blankets.
The crew foreman should walk through your house with you to confirm existing imperfections in furniture. Some movers may even take pictures of scratches, scrapes, and dings with a smartphone and send you the images, so if there is transit damage it is easy to verify.
Moving to Tulsa and Oklahoma City can be anxious, but with the right movers it can be exhilarating and fun, too. A-1 Freeman Moving Group has been in business long enough to make it fun, so we're your point person for any move in town, across the country or around the globe. Contact us today!
