Whenever you're hiring a service like a moving company, you're going to want the very best for your household goods. But, if you've done some research, you know there are dozens of  moving companies are spread all over Minneapolis.

All of them seem good, but how can you choose which one is the best?

You're placing everything you own in their hands. It is important that you choose nothing but the finest in the world of moving services. If you're wondering how you can pick the right one to get moving, you're at just the right place. Here are five factors that your moving company needs to have.

Clear Cut Rates

One of the biggest problems with the moving industry is that the rates and costs aren't clear.  Companies have hidden charges that are thrown in your face once the move has been completed. The first time you give them a call, they'll give you a quote based on simply the distance and the number of bedrooms.

 However, they call this a base cost that is almost doubled once you actually get the move done. So, if you're really looking for a credible moving company, you can try asking for a detail quote at the beginning of the move.

A clear estimate means that the company will list all the charges for their professional moving services they will provide based on your moving project.

 The hourly quote you get at the start will be close or exactly what you pay at the end of your move if there is no unforeseen circumstances or more items than what was reported for the move estimate. If a company is offer a detailed quote, this means that they're keeping their costs transparent and customer satisfaction is one of their top priority.

Licensed Moving Services

What a lot of people don't realize is that a group of people renting a truck does not mean they are a moving company. Lots of folks are renting trucks and doing the moving themselves. They have no credibility or years of experience providing moving services.

If you're looking for a moving company that really knows what they're doing, you need a licensed, bonded and insured company.

A legit moving company needs registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation and has a DOT and MC  number. You can research their DOT number here.

Moving Company History

A company's digital footprint is one of the most important factors in making them a credible company. Before you go ahead and start working with one of the Minneapolis moving companies, you should do some research and see how long the company has been in existence.

If the company's digital footprint goes back a couple of years or so and is reputable, you should definitely go ahead and get a free moving estimate and possibly work with them. You should almost never work with a brand-new company that doesn't have a good reputation.

The only way you should be working with a new moving company is if you've been specifically recommended to use their services or if you're getting a discount on their service.

Reviews in Minneapolis MN

We already talked about the digital footprint and why it's important to do your research before working with a moving company. However, reviews are the most critical part of a company's online image within the Twin Cities and beyond.

The only way to know how your experience will go is by talking to folks that have actually gone through the services themselves. So, spend a few hours sifting through legitimate reviews online and see exactly what previous customers think about the company you're about to work with.

Even, if a customer moving experience was not the best, pay attention to the company respond, if any or ask about their conflict resolution process.

Insurance

Moving could be is a pretty dangerous activity to put all your possessions through. Regardless of how good a moving company is, human error is always a possibility, and it's something that a company can't guarantee that won't happen even with their best team of movers .

If you're just moving some couches, a couple of beds, and other menial items, you probably don't need insurance. However, if you're about to move rare artifacts and family heirlooms, it's important that you insure them. If you're working with a credible moving company, you have the option to insure some or all of your items.

This helps in case of any accidents. If any of your items get damaged and you opt into the full value protection option, the moving company will take up full responsibility for the damaged and reimburse the cost of repair or replacement. If not, the basic general liability insurance is sixty cents per pound per article.

Fake Movers

There's a new trend growing in the United States. People are setting up fake moving companies with an illegitimate PO box. Once you contact them and ask for a quote, they'll tell you to place an initial deposit. This is common amongst moving companies. However, the percentage of the deposit is not that high.

You can research their DOT or MC number here.

 They charge 5% or a maximum of 10%. Fake moving company may ask you for deposits up to 20% or more. That's a huge red flag, and if your moving company is asking for that big of a commitment, you should definitely think twice before giving them any money.

A sure way to check whether or not your moving company is legit is to visit their listed address. It has to be something permanent like an office, if not, they should confirm a legit mailing address if operating from a home office.

If the company is just a trailer with a logo slapped onto the side, that's another red flag. If you see an office and a few trucks with the name of the company, you can rest easy and work with the company without any fear of getting scammed. 

Reach more:  Checklist for hiring moving companies MN and How much do movers cost in Minneapolis

Closing Thoughts

The moving company you're working with could either make your experience really convenient, or it could make it the worst day of your life.

 It is extremely important that you select the right company in Minneapolis, St Paul or within State border to take care of your full service move or whatever your moving project is. Most cases, it is just one day, but that one day is of the utmost importance. Make sure that you do careful research and ask for recommendations of locally owned moving company before you make a commitment.

The right company will make the process of moving fun and exciting.