Allegheny Valley Transfer Company knows that not everyone has a large family or a group of friends with big SUV's to help them move. It can be hard to find a strong friend or relative to do the heavy lifting for you. So, if you don't move all of your possessions yourself, your only option is to hire a moving company to do it for you. Comparing moving rates and moving estimates isn't always the best way to select a mover. Too low of an estimate and you risk getting scammed, too high of an estimate and you're getting ripped off. So, how do you know what to look for when selecting a Pittsburgh moving and storage company?



Here are some questions you should ask a moving or storage company:

• What services are being included in my estimate?



• What types of valuation do you offer to protect my belongings?



• Are your employees drug tested & background checked?



• Do you subcontract labor?



• If I place my belongings into storage, may I visit your warehouse?



• What are your PUC and DOT numbers?



• Do they have a verifiable company name & physical location?



• Does the company operate under multiple names?

When choosing a Pittsburgh moving company, one of the most important things to keep in mind is not to be deceived by unusually low prices. If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If the moving estimate you are given is provided solely by telephone or online, this may be a bad sign. How do you know the cost is too low? If you are moving long distance, or over 40 miles, the cost should be based upon the total weight of the furniture, boxes and other items you are moving. The amount of space these things take up in the truck should not factor into the cost. If a moving company tells you otherwise, then you should not trust them with your belongings.

Reputable Pittsburgh Moving Companies

A reputable Pittsburgh moving company will ask to visit your home to estimate the cost of your move. This is not an unusual practice, and is what Allegheny Valley Transfer prefers. If you are moving a home or office and the moving company says they do not need to visit your home or office, chances are you will not receive an accurate estimate. If they are not willing to invest the time to give you an accurate quote, why would you select them to move you? By not taking an inventory and physically seeing what you are moving ? the responsibility for an accurate quote falls on you, not the moving company because the quote will be based on the information that you provide.

Another important point to consider is that a reputable moving company will not ask for the full cost of the move to be paid in advance, normally a small deposit is all that is required to secure your dates.

You should also be aware that federal regulations require that a moving company provide you with a copy of ?Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move? booklet, so be very cautious if you do not receive this booklet.

A Pittsburgh moving company that is not trying to take advantage of you will also provide information about valuation and their licensing as well as their contact information. If any of these things are not freely given, you have cause for concern.