The best way to control a move is to research the moving company and set rational expectations. A professional moving specialist will be welcoming to your questions and answer quickly without hesitation.
A dependable moving company will also ask YOU questions, such as:
- Where are you moving to? Your load size determines your cost.
- Do you need packing services? This question includes specialty item packing and crating.
- Do you have any stairs? Stair brings cost extra!
- How big is your property? Long carries between the front door and parking cost extra!
- Do you need insurance? Complete Value Protection costs extra!
While you should be able to answer your moving company’s questions, here are the top 10 questions you need to ask potential movers when looking for the best choice.
How long has the moving company been in operation?
If the company only has a few years of experience, you may want to check the business’s background more closely. A moving company that’s been in business for a while proves that they provide quality service, gain many reviews and comments, and operate lawfully. A new moving company will not have a paper trail, so it will be difficult to find reviews, legal action, or other open complaints against them.
2. What is the mover’s reputation?
A company’s credentials are essential, but you might check online customer reviews with other references. Ask the mover to provide you with some further proof of good service. The mover’s readiness and eagerness to provide you with regards will indicate their reliability, efficiency, and professionalism. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) are professional organizations that can provide additional insight into a moving company’s reputation.
3. Is the moving company licensed and insured?
If the moving company could not prove their license and insurance on their website, ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance. You can also check for their USDOT number on the FMCSA’s website. Verifying the legitimacy of a mover ensures your items are transported legally and safely while saving you from scamp companies and moving scams or fraud.
4. Does the mover offer a binding not-to-exceed estimate?
While locating a mover, you are also working on your moving budget. Determining estimates and fees from potential movers can help you find a reliable mover with affordable rates. A binding not-to-exceed estimate means you only must pay for an agreed price, even if your weight exceeds the forecast.
5. Are there any specifics to your move that will cost extra?
This question is about the moving charges related to your specific relocation. It’s good to keep in mind the following information:
- The weight of the shipment charges long-distance and interstate moves
- Local activities are usually charged hourly per worker
- The cargo’s volume generally sets international activities
Before you speak to your moving specialist, these details can also help you ask questions about additional policies related to these different types of moves.
6. How will the moving team prevent damage to walls and carpets?
You want your new home to be protected on moving day. The mover should be able to provide information about their moving techniques and the type of protective coverings they use. Large appliances require moving pads, sliders, and a dolly. Furniture should be dissembled and wrapped in blankets. It would also be wise for the moving company to measure your doorways to plot a pathway before the move day.
7. Does the company provide a trained moving team?
The mover should use regular employees, not contractors. Not only will regular employees be professionally trained and experienced compensation. If the moving company doesn’t provide insurance or workers’ compensation, the customer is liable for injuries on their property.
8. Do you train your moving staff to pack and handle goods safely?
Assess how your goods will be handled and protected during the move. The mover should tell you about the types of packing materials used, precautions they take during the action, and the range of their insurance policies. Every company employee should undergo the same accurate preparation, so it doesn’t matter which team members are assigned to your move.
9. What is the claims process in case of lost or damaged items?
In addition to locating information about the mover’s insurance policy, inquire about their claims procedure. No matter how many precautions your movers take, there is still the possibility that something will get damaged or misplaced during the move. Know the company’s policy in advance, so you’ll be ready to handle claims as soon as they happen.
10. When will your belongings arrive at your new home?
Local moves shouldn’t take weeks to transport your luggage, but long-distance and international activities may take that long. Get a good idea of when to expect your items and keep in contact throughout the process. A seasoned mover will appoint a representative to your move, and they should call you with updates until you receive your belongings.