Ensuring a good move

Moving to a new home or relocating your business is a significant life event. The process can be stressful, and choosing the wrong moving company can turn an already challenging task into a nightmare. To avoid rogue movers and ensure your belongings are handled with care and professionalism, it’s crucial to understand the value of industry certifications and accreditations. These credentials provide assurance that a moving company is committed to ethical standards, safety, and quality service. This article explains key certifications and accreditations to look for when choosing a moving company.

What Is CRTS and Why Does It Matter?

CRTS™ Certification is a symbol of professionalism and standards in move management, senior relocation, and senior transition services. It is awarded to individuals who meet certain requirements, including experience, eligibility, and exams. CRTS™ professionals assist older adults and their families through stressful transitions, such as moving to a senior living community or modifying a home to age in place. The certification ensures that individuals have the competence to perform quality services in the unregulated senior transition and relocation industry. All Caring Transitions franchises have a principal owner or employee that carries this certification.

Key Certifications and What They Mean

1. AMSA ProMover: The American Moving & Storage Association’s ProMover certification is a mark of integrity, ensuring that the company adheres to ethical standards and provides quality service. This credential helps consumers identify reputable movers committed to honest business practices.
2. FMCSA Registration: All interstate moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This registration confirms that the mover complies with federal safety regulations, protecting consumers from unlawful or unsafe operators. Always check a mover’s FMCSA registration number before hiring.
3. ISO 9001:2015 Certification: This international standard certifies that a moving company has a robust quality management system in place. It demonstrates a commitment to continual improvement and customer satisfaction, providing extra confidence in the mover’s processes and reliability.
4. FIDI FAIM: The FIDI Accredited International Mover (FAIM) certification sets a global benchmark for international moving companies. It verifies that a company meets strict quality and operational standards, making it essential for those planning an international move.
5. IAM Membership: The International Association of Movers (IAM) represents movers worldwide who are dedicated to professionalism, knowledge-sharing, and best practices. An IAM member is more likely to be informed about the latest industry standards and trends.
6. BBB Accreditation: Accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) signifies a company’s commitment to resolving customer complaints and maintaining ethical business practices. Checking a mover’s BBB rating and complaint history can reveal their reputation for customer service.
7. EPA SmartWay: This Environmental Protection Agency program recognizes companies that take steps to reduce carbon emissions and minimize their environmental impact. Movers with this recognition are committed to greener, more sustainable operations.
8. A+ Rating from Angie’s List: An A+ rating on Angie’s List is a sign of reliability and excellent customer service, based on verified customer reviews. It’s a useful indicator of past performance and client satisfaction.
9. IOMI® Certified Office Mover: For office and business relocations, this certification from the International Office Moving Institute (IOMI®) ensures the mover has the expertise and training to handle specialized office moves with minimal disruption.

Why Certifications Matter

Certifications and accreditations are not just badges or marketing tools—they represent a moving company’s dedication to professionalism, safety, and customer satisfaction. By choosing a mover with the credentials listed above, you reduce the risk of lost, damaged, or stolen belongings and avoid the pitfalls of dealing with rogue operators. These credentials also indicate that the company has been vetted by reputable third-party organizations and is committed to upholding industry best practices.

Tips for Verifying Credentials

• Ask the company for documentation of their certifications and licenses.
• Check the FMCSA website for registration and safety records.
• Review the company’s BBB profile and rating.
• Look up customer reviews on Angie’s List and other trusted platforms.
• Confirm international accreditations like FIDI FAIM for overseas moves.

Conclusion

Choosing a moving company is more than just comparing prices—it’s about ensuring the safety, security, and reliability of your move. By prioritizing companies with recognized certifications and accreditations, you can have peace of mind that your possessions are in good hands. Always verify the credentials of your mover to protect your belongings and ensure a smooth, stress-free move.