When it’s time to make a move, selecting a trustworthy moving organization is critical for not only peace of mind but also for safety. Since movers are responsible for transporting all of your belongings and have access to your home it’s important to be aware of their track record and confirm their reliability.

While most renters have smooth experiences when using movers, there are others who have to deal with late arrivals, no shows, hidden fees or even lost or damage property. Worse yet, some consumers have even alleged that movers have stolen possessions or held their things hostage until fees are sorted out.

So how do you know if you are dealing with a reputable company? Learn the basic steps to verify companies although, it also wouldn’t hurt to get personal recommendations from trusted friends or family.

Step 1: Verify Movers’ Business Licence

Every single moving company authorized in the US. should be registered with the Department of Transportation((DOT) and will receive a permit called a US DOT number. Movers permit numbers need to be renewed annually so checking the number’s legitimacy is vital.

To check a company’s DOT number, visit the DOTwebsite then enter the number where you’re prompted.

Checking the mover’s permit data will also declare any inspection results, reported accidents, among other issues.

Step 2: Check Better Business Bureau Status

BBB receives more than 7,700 complaints nationally against moving companies annually. So in addition to checking on a company’s permit looking up their BBB status is also a smart move. Any company accepted by the BBB is likely a reputable company to use when moving — in order to be accepted a mover must meet the following eight criteria:

• Build Trust
• Advertise Honestly
• Tell the Truth
• Be Transparent
• Honor Promises
• Be Responsive
• Safeguard Privacy
• Embody Integrity

Step 3: Check Moving Company Testimonials & Reviews

Lastly, online testimonials and sites like Yelp.com can be extremely helpful by providing customer reviews of their experiences. Conversely, if you see a number of customer complaints, it’s likely a company you want to stay away from.

You could also request recommendations from family and friends. If they aren’t familiar with any companies, don’t be afraid to go directly to the source by requesting references from potential companies.