Choosing a moving company can be a challenge. You are entrusting your valued possessions to strangers, and you want to make sure your property is in good hands. If you are looking to select a New York moving company, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

New York Moving Company Licensing

New York moving companies should have proper registration with the New York State Department of Transportation. To find out if a New York moving company is licensed by the Commissioner of Transportation, call 1-800-786-5368 or e-mail the DOT at NyMoving@dot.state.ny.us. The mover is also required to give you a copy of the official Summary of Information booklet, which details the moving company's obligation to you.

Finding a New York Moving Company

There are plenty of moving companies advertising New York moving services. You should not necessarily choose the first one you find. Get two or three options, and have the movers provide an estimate of what the move will cost, based on the items to be moved and the moving distance. Compare estimates, but also try to get references for each company. Some New York moving companies have better reputations than others do. It can often be worth a few extra dollars to make sure your items are packed and moved safely and efficiently.

Verify your method of payment in advance with the moving company. Most moving companies will accept a variety of forms of payment including cash, personal check and credit card. Read the estimate carefully. Make sure you understand all costs and terms before signing anything. You and the mover should agree on an arrival time, what needs to be packed and shipped and how long the process is supposed to take. Make a note of the moving company's New York State Department of Transportation registration number. If you cannot find it on the contract, ask the mover to provide it. This will make things easier if you have any complaints or questions about the company.

New York Moving Company Complaints

If you have a complaint against a New York moving company, you can file said complaint with the New York State Department of Transportation (Nysdot.gov). If the moving company is from out of state, you can contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (Nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov) to register your complaint. If you wish to register a complaint with the New York State Department of Transportation, download and fill out the consumer complaint form, available on their website.

If you feel that items have been lost or damaged in transit, you should contact your moving company in writing immediately. The moving company is required by law to respond within 30 days. They must either come to an agreement with you or deny the claim within 120 days. If they deny the claim, your best recourse may be to take the moving company to small claims court.