Hiring a good company an important part of moving process

So, you’ve decided to move to a new home. Relocating can be an exciting experience. A new home often can mean a new start for you and your family. However, the actual move can be a challenge. Many hire a professional mover to help.

It’s important to do your homework when choosing a moving company. The BBB has four times more F-rated moving companies across the U.S. and Canada than the average of all other industries. (BBB rates companies from an A+ to F, similar to school grades.) And, the moving industry has six times more fake reviews than any other industry.

Better Business Bureau offers tips to avoid complications:

■ Do your research. The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) identifies movers that have pledged to uphold high standards of trust and to resolve complaints quickly. Ask people you trust for recommendations. Also, look at online reviews.

■ Look into the mover’s claims, credentials and professional memberships. Scammers will not have a good reputation.

■ Look out for company websites that have no address and/or information about a mover’s registration or insurance. Ask for proof of licenses, bonding, insurance, etc.

■ Get three estimates and references from different movers. Keep in mind reputable movers will not give you a full estimate before assessing belongings. Be wary of movers who give an estimate without first seeing possessions that will be moved. If an estimate seems too good to be true, it likely is.

■ Find out how and when payment is required. Be wary if asked for a large down payment or full payment in advance.

■ Prepare for your items to be damaged. While you may have an experienced mover, there is still the potential for damage. Determine what’s covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy and what is/isn’t covered under your replacement valuation protection. And, keep any valuables on your person.

■ Get everything in writing, especially the bill of lading, which should contain mover’s information, breakdown of charges, pickup and delivery times, what liability movers have for belongings and claims protection. Carefully read terms and conditions of the contract.

■ Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the company can’t or won’t answer questions, you may consider another mover.

■ Be leery if mover doesn’t have its own trucks. If a mover uses unmarked or U-Haul trucks, it should be a red flag.

■ Learn about your rights at www.protectyourmove.gov or from attorney general’s office.

For more information about moving companies, visit bbb. org or call 937-222-5825 or 800776-5301.