Choosing the right moving company is a big decision. With so many options available, reading online reviews is one of the best ways to narrow down your choices and find a mover you can trust. However, not all reviews are created equal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to compare moving company reviews to make an informed decision.
Contents
1. Use Trusted Evaluation Platforms
The first step in comparing moving companies is finding reliable review platforms. Not all websites are equally trustworthy, so it’s essential to start with a few reputable options where customers leave honest and detailed feedback. Some of the best platforms include:
Better Business Bureau (BBB): The BBB assigns businesses a letter grade based on their track record, customer service, and how they handle complaints. A company with a high BBB rating demonstrates reliability and professionalism, making it an excellent first stop when researching movers.
Yelp: Yelp offers detailed reviews from real customers and often includes photos and firsthand accounts. These reviews can give you a more in-depth look at a mover’s quality of service, professionalism, and any potential issues you may want to avoid.
Google Reviews: Google is a great place to search for movers in your area and read customer feedback. Pay attention to both the star rating and the content of the reviews to get a well-rounded view of each company’s strengths and weaknesses.
Angi (formerly Angie’s List): Known for vetting service providers, Angi’s reviews are based on verified customer experiences, giving you a trusted source for comparing moving companies.
Nextdoor: Nextdoor is a platform for neighborhood-based recommendations. It’s a great place to find movers who have been recommended by your neighbors, especially if you’re looking for a local company that others nearby have used and liked.
2. Filter Ratings from Lowest to Highest
One of the best strategies for reviewing moving companies is to filter the reviews from lowest to highest. This way, you can start by reading the negative reviews to see if there are any recurring complaints. If you notice consistent issues, like hidden fees or damaged items, it’s a red flag. However, keep in mind that not all negative reviews are indicative of poor service—sometimes, the issue could be a one-off experience.
By starting with the lowest reviews, you’ll gain insight into how the company handles problems. Do they respond professionally? Do they offer to resolve the situation? Companies that take the time to address complaints show that they care about their customers and want to make things right.
After reading the low-star reviews, work your way up to the 5-star ones. This approach will help you get a full picture of what the company does well and how they handle challenges.
3. Look for Detailed Feedback
As you read through reviews, focus on the ones that provide specific details rather than vague comments. Look for mentions of:
Punctuality: Were the movers on time?
Professionalism: Were they courteous, friendly, and respectful?
Carefulness: Did they take care when handling furniture and fragile items?
Pricing: Was the final price close to the estimate? Were there any surprise fees?
Detailed feedback helps you better understand what to expect and allows you to compare the strengths and weaknesses of each moving company more effectively.
4. Consider the Number of Ratings
When evaluating reviews, it’s important to consider both the overall rating and the number of reviews. A company with a handful of glowing reviews might not be as trustworthy as one with hundreds of reviews and a slightly lower rating. Large volumes of feedback can give you a more accurate picture of a company’s performance over time.
For instance, a company that consistently receives high ratings from a large number of customers is more likely to provide a dependable service. However, don’t just rely on the number of reviews—always dig into the details to make sure you’re getting a true sense of what the company offers.
5. Pay Attention to How Companies Respond to Ratings
A moving company’s response to reviews, both positive and negative, is a telling sign of its commitment to customer satisfaction. A company that takes the time to respond thoughtfully and respectfully to reviews, especially negative ones, shows that it values its customers and is dedicated to resolving any issues that arise.
Companies that brush off complaints or respond in a dismissive manner might not be as focused on providing top-notch service. Always take note of how a company interacts with their customers online—it can tell you a lot about their professionalism.
Final Thoughts
Comparing moving company reviews doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By using trusted review platforms like BBB, Yelp, Google, Angi, and Nextdoor and filtering reviews from lowest to highest, you’ll get a more accurate picture of what to expect from each company. Focus on specific details in the reviews, consider the number of reviews as well as the overall rating, and always check how the company responds to feedback.
As you go through this process, you’ll be able to identify the movers who stand out from the rest. For example, Safe Responsible Movers in Boston has built a solid reputation for their professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction, making them a great choice for anyone planning a move in the area.
In the end, taking the time to read reviews carefully and consider all factors will help you make the right decision for your move.