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The mover's search should begin selected as early as possible, preferably three months in advance. Strategic planning will allow better communications with managers and the moving support staff. Here is a list in how to select the right movers from the yellow pages or Internet.
1. Visit the mover's facility to see what type of organization it is. Check for modern vehicles and equipment (not depending on rentals); determine the size and housekeeping of the warehouse, and the skill-level & training of the staff.
2. Evaluate the actual experience level of the mover, including its senior & mid-management staff and how well they work together. Ask about the number and complexity of recent moves. The size of the organization can determine the number of quality moves that can be done simultaneously and the flexibility needed to change dates. This is a key factor because it often becomes necessary to rearrange moving dates on short notice.
3. Ensure the mover is using reliable labor. Check the references of its most recent similar moves. Know what the mover is doing now-not ten years ago. References should come from the project manager and the supervisors of the commercial building.
4. Be wary of movers' bids that do not have a "not to exceed" price cap. Those with open-ended hourly rates and initially low bids that do not generally are not the most cost effective in the long run. The price should have a cap, based on an accurate estimate of the move including all items. Get complete copies of paperwork and everything in writing what's expected & promised.
5. Don't solicit bids from movers straight out of the Yellow Pages. Instead, rely on positive word-of mouth, references, and prospecting from movers themselves. In a large metropolitan area, the Yellow Pages may list 50 movers, but only about 25 percent of those are qualified to handle an office move of any size. DO NOT WAIT TO START with finding the best movers for you & your plans.
