Top 5 Tips for Finding a Phoenix Mover You Can Trust

Finding reputable and trustworthy professionals for your service needs can feel very overwhelming, and planning for an upcoming move is no different..

Whether for a residential move, office move or any other kind of commercial need, working with quality pros will often make a huge difference in terms of everything from your costs and bottom line to your comfort and convenience.

At CMS Companies, we offer the very best moving services available for Phoenix and the surrounding neighborhoods, including residential moves, office moves and much more.

We welcome comparisons of our services to others in the area — both because we want clients to get the very best, and because we’re quite confident that your research will reveal us as your top Phoenix moving option more often than not.

Here are our top 5 most important things to consider when finding a trustworthy Phoenix mover:

Licensed and Insured

First and foremost, as you’re beginning your search for a quality moving partner, you should immediately cross off any and all options that are not fully licensed and insured. This is not an area where it’s worth taking any risks, and there are plenty of reputable companies to choose from here in the Phoenix area.

When we talk about licensure for a moving company, we’re specifically referring to a DOT number.

The U.S. Department of Transportation assigns this unique number to all legitimate interstate moving companies, and you can use it to look up basic information about any given mover — everything from their insurance coverage to their complaint history (more on that in a minute).

As for insurance, there are two types you should be aware of and confirm with your mover before hiring them. The first is cargo insurance, which will protect your belongings while they’re in transit.

The second is liability insurance, which protects both the mover and you in the event that something happens during the move itself (damage to your home or property, for example, or injuries to anyone involved).

You might like: Licensed, Bonded & Insured Phoenix Movers You Can Trust

Reputation Matters

Once you’ve cleaned up your options to only those that are fully licensed and insured, the next step is to check for a positive reputation.

You can do this in several ways, but two of the most effective are by looking up customer reviews and/or checking for complaints online. Google, BBB and Facebook seem to be the most popular sites for reviews. We also recommend moving-related sites like moving.com or mymovingreviews.com.

Each of these platforms should be able to provide you with a good idea of what past customers thought about their experience. Keep in mind, not all reviews make it online and you can always ask the mover for some testimonies directly.

As for the Better Business Bureau, they will maintain a record of any and all complaints filed against a company, as well as information about how (or if) those complaints were resolved. This can be an extremely valuable resource as you’re trying to narrow down your final choice.

For more insights, check out our guide on Phoenix moving tips.

Check on Business Longevity

Another key factor to consider as you’re looking for a reputable Phoenix mover is business longevity. In general, the longer a company has been in business, the better — provided, of course, that they’ve managed to stay in business by providing quality services and maintaining a positive reputation (as discussed above).

In most cases, you should be able to find this information right on a mover’s website. If not, a simple Google search should do the trick. At CMS Companie, for instance, we’re proud to inform customers that we were founded all the way back in 1912, and we’ve been serving the Phoenix area with quality moving and storage services ever since.

Look Out for Cost-Related Red Flags

When it comes to moving, there may be some red flags of certain inexperienced or even less reputable professionals on both sides of the cost spectrum.

On one end, a company that’s offering you cost estimates that are alarmingly lower than the competition should definitely raise some eyebrows.

In most cases, this is a sign that they’re either cutting corners somewhere or are not being entirely forthcoming about all the potential costs and fees involved in your move.

If a company is willing to give you a finalized moving cost without getting a visual look at all you are moving through a virtual or in-person appointment, we would almost always assume you’ll be receiving some unexpected moving charges.

They are not fully prepared to service your move if they are not aware of the size and scope of the move.

Verify Business Address

Another great way of weeding out any less-than-reputable movers in the Phoenix area is to verify their business address. A quick Google Maps search should do the trick here, and you can even use Street View to get a better idea of what the business looks like and where it’s located.

If a mover doesn’t have a physical location in the Phoenix area (or if their location doesn’t seem to match up with what they claim on their website), that’s definitely a red flag.

It’s possible that they’re simply a broker posing as a mover, or that they’re based in another state entirely and are therefore not subject to Arizona’s moving regulations. Either way, it’s best to avoid doing business with them.

With the right research, finding a reputable and trustworthy Phoenix mover doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Just keep the tips and advice above in mind, and you should have no trouble finding a moving company that you can feel confident about entrusting with your upcoming move.

For more on this, or to learn about any of our other services, speak to the staff at CMS Companies today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How important is it for a Phoenix mover to be insured and bonded?

It’s very important. Insurance protects your belongings during the move, while a bonded company offers protection against fraud and failure to fulfill the contract. Always ask for proof of both to ensure your move is secure.

How can I avoid moving scams?

Be cautious of red flags like unusually low estimates, requests for large cash deposits before the move, lack of a physical address, or movers who refuse to provide references. Always research the company thoroughly and trust your instincts.

How do I prepare for the movers’ arrival?

Before the movers arrive, ensure all items are packed (unless you’ve arranged for packing services), clearly label boxes, and create an inventory list. Secure a parking spot for the moving truck and prepare a clear path in and out of your home to facilitate the move.

How can I make my move more affordable?

Declutter your home to reduce the volume of items being moved, pack items yourself where possible, and choose a moving date during the off-peak season. Also, use moving supplies like boxes from local stores or friends who have recently moved.

What should I do if there’s an issue with my move?

If an issue arises, communicate with your mover directly to seek resolution. If the problem isn’t resolved to your satisfaction, you can file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, the American Moving and Storage Association (if they are a member), or your state’s attorney general’s office.