Things to Consider When Choosing a Moving Company

Why the Right Company Matters

Your belongings carry both financial and emotional value. The wrong choice can leave you with broken items, missing parts, late deliveries, and hidden charges. This guide walks you through the criteria of a truly professional moving company.

1. Does the Company Hold K1 / K3 Authorization?

In Türkiye, freight carriers must hold an authorization certificate issued by the Ministry of Transport:

• K1 License: for intra-city freight.
• K3 License: for inter-city freight.

These certificates show the company is legally registered, taxable, and subject to inspection. Don''t hesitate to ask — reputable firms publish them on their website.

2. Tax Plate and Official Registration

Beyond authorization, ask for the tax plate, trade registry record, and confirm that they issue official invoices. Avoid unregistered "ghost movers" that disappear after taking a deposit. Official paperwork is your strongest legal protection.

3. Insurance and Written Contracts

Professional firms always carry CMR transport insurance or goods-in-transit insurance. Before signing, ask:

• Up to what amount are my goods insured?
• What is the claims process if something is damaged?
• Are insurance details clearly stated in the contract?

Never start work without a written contract. It must clearly state the date, price, scope, insurance limits, and damage procedure.

4. Experienced In-House Staff

The crew handling your belongings makes or breaks the move:

• Do they wear branded uniforms?
• Are they full-time SGK-registered employees or day laborers?
• Is there a furniture disassembly/assembly specialist?
• Are they trained for elevator and exterior-lift operations?

Inexperienced or untrained crews can mishandle even your most valuable pieces.

5. Pre-Move Briefing

A quality firm walks you through the process before the contract is signed:

• How many people will arrive on the day?
• What kind of vehicle is used?
• Will an external lift be needed?
• Is disassembly/assembly included in the price?
• How long will the move take?

Get this information in writing to avoid surprises.

6. Free On-Site Survey

A serious mover offers a free on-site survey to inspect your items in person. "Per square meter" or "per room" pricing over the phone is unreliable and prone to last-minute upcharges. After the survey, you should receive a written, fixed, transparent quote.

7. Reviews and Online Reputation

Do your homework:

• Google Business reviews: average rating, review count, and how the company responds to negative feedback.
• Şikayetvar: complaints filed and resolution rate.
• Armut, Sahibinden, N11: ratings on third-party marketplaces.
• Instagram & Facebook: real customer tags, move-day photos, reels, and story archives.

Don''t rely on testimonials curated on the company website alone. Be cautious with firms that have very few reviews and a perfect 5-star average.

8. Premium-Grade Packing Materials

Half of damage-free delivery comes down to packing. A quality firm uses:

• Double-walled, premium cardboard boxes
• Stretch film and bubble wrap
• Furniture blankets (jute or cotton)
• Foam corner protectors for fragile items
• Specialty plastic covers for mattresses and sofas

Old, cheap, or worn boxes can''t protect your belongings. Ask about materials during the survey, not on move day.

9. Vehicle Fleet

Ask whether the company runs closed-body, panel, or tarp-covered vehicles. Plate, age, and maintenance condition matter. Open-body trucks expose your items to rain and dust.

10. Beware of Suspiciously Low Prices

Prices well below market are usually a sign of "deposit-and-disappear" or "double-the-price-on-move-day" schemes. Get at least 3 on-site quotes and choose the safest, not the cheapest.

Conclusion

When choosing a mover, look beyond price — check licenses, insurance, contracts, experience, customer reviews, and packing quality. Gelecek Nakliyat is a K1/K3-licensed, fully insured, contract-based moving company offering free on-site surveys and premium-grade packing materials. Reach out for a reliable move.