Moving can be a stressful time. You need to hire a reliable company that can get the job done safely and efficiently.
Asking the right questions can help you find a trustworthy and reliable moving company. This list of 20 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company will help you make an informed decision.
1. What services are included in your moving package?
If your move requires special services, make sure you know exactly what is included in the price. You don’t want to get a surprise when it comes time to pay the bill!
For example, find out if there are additional fees for weekends, stairs, fuel surcharges, or any other extenuating circumstances. Also, ask what type of insurance they offer. Complete value protection is preferred, as it will cover your items for their full value should anything happen during the move.
Find out if the company offers guaranteed pickup and delivery dates as well, especially if they guarantee to take care of your fragile or expensive items. This way, you’ll be able to plan ahead for any last-minute complications. Additionally, request the original estimate, moving contract, and bill of lading before hiring a company. They should all be dated and signed by both parties.
2. How do you calculate your estimate?
It’s important to know how your movers calculate their estimates before hiring them. This will help ensure you get a fair and accurate quote. Some companies will charge based on weight or size, while others may charge for additional services like disassembly and assembly.
Also, ask if they offer any insurance or full-value protection for your items. This will protect you in case something is lost or damaged during the move.
Many reputable moving companies will provide you with a written estimate that details all the fees associated with your move. This will include labor charges, packing materials, transportation costs based on distance and weight/volume of your shipment, and storage facilities if needed. Be wary of movers that only give verbal estimates or won’t provide you with an estimate at all. This is a red flag that they will probably try to overcharge you.
3. Do you offer insurance?
You want to make sure the company offers liability coverage in case something goes wrong during your move. Ask about different liability coverage options, such as replacement value protection, and be sure to get this information in writing.
You also want to find out if the company has experience handling your type of move. For example, if you are moving to a high-rise apartment building or a townhome with steep stairs, it is important that the company knows how to handle these types of situations.
You may also want to find out whether the company is a carrier or broker. A carrier handles all services with their own in-house staff, while a broker arranges transportation for your shipment using for-hire carriers. If a broker is involved, ask how they will ensure your shipment gets from point A to point B without any issues.
4. Do you have an office and warehouse close to your new home?
Having an office and warehouse close to your new home makes it easier for the movers to drop off and pick up items. It also helps them save money on mileage fees.
When choosing a moving company, it is important to ask what services are included in their moving package, and how much they cost, and check on their website. This will help you avoid surprises and choose a reputable company.
You should also ask if they offer insurance coverage. This is a vital question because it will ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. You should look for a company that offers full value protection or released value protection. Both of these options will cover your belongings for their actual value, which is more than your renters or homeowners’ insurance. It is also important to ask if they will come out and do an in-home estimate.
5. Do you have a fleet of trucks?
You should always ask about a moving company’s cancellation and refund policy before hiring them. This is because life circumstances may change your original plans, and it’s important to have a firm understanding of how the company will handle such situations.
A quality moving company is bonded and insured, which means that they offer compensation in case of damage to your belongings during the move. You can verify a moving company’s bonded status by looking up their MC or USDOT number online.
A reputable moving company should also be able to provide you with an estimate that clearly details all charges and fees. It should also list any services that you can add on (custom crating, shuttle service, etc). Be sure to check out the company’s online reviews and customer testimonials too. You can also request for a referral from their previous customers.
6. Do you have a warranty on your equipment?
Inquire about whether or not the moving company provides its own equipment for their clients, such as furniture sliders and dollies, hoisting tools for bulky items, or small moving vans for shuttle services (in case a larger truck cannot access your home). They may also work with affiliated van lines or subcontract certain components of your move, in which case you should ask if they provide you with shipment tracking.
A reputable moving company will have no problem giving you references and testimonials from past customers. These will give you an idea of their customer service quality and professionalism. They should also be willing to answer any other questions you might have regarding their services and costs. You should also ask about their cancellation and refund policy, as well as their terms of liability coverage options.
7. Do you have a cancellation and refund policy?
It is important to know the cancellation and refund policy of the moving company you are considering. Many shady moving companies hide fees behind mountains of legal-speak or fail to disclose them before you move day. This can include fuel surcharges, stairs, large or heavy items, and other extra charges that you may not be expecting.
You should also ask the company about their liability options and insurance coverage. Most reputable companies offer full-value protection as part of their service. In addition, they should be able to provide you with proof of insurance or a copy of their own policy. Some even offer a refundable deposit for moves canceled within specific time frames outlined in their contractual agreements. It is best to get this information in writing. This will protect you in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
8. Do you do all the work yourselves or do you use subcontractors?
A reputable moving company will employ full-time, highly-trained staff that is capable of performing all aspects of your move. However, some companies outsource or sub contract specialized services like hoisting furniture through windows and tight spaces, shuttle service (in case of limited access to the home), quality packing supplies and materials, storage-in-transit, etc.
Asking these questions will help you select the right moving company for your relocation needs. Remember to compare quotes from different companies before making a final decision. This will save you both time and money. Good luck!
9. Are you licensed and insured?
You may have heard the phrase “insured and bonded” emblazoned on work trucks, in advertisements, or within contracts. You have probably also wondered what it means, what it covers, and why the existence of such a phrase is important.
Moving companies should have a DOT number (if they are transporting goods across state lines) and an MC number (if they are doing local moves). They should have insurance to cover any damages that occur during the move.
Additionally, they should be able to provide you with an inventory of your belongings. This is particularly important for interstate moves, but even movers who do local moves should complete an inventory on all items. This is a great way to ensure that your items are not lost or damaged during the move. It also helps you understand the full cost of your move.
10. Do you have an office and warehouse close to your new home?
Whether you are moving across the street or the country, there will probably be some inconveniences, like finding a new doctor or pharmacy. Having a warehouse nearby can help you avoid these issues and provide better customer service.
Insurance is an important part of any move, especially when you’re dealing with expensive items. Make sure to ask your movers what kind of insurance they offer and whether or not you can purchase additional coverage from a third-party provider.
Ideally, you should choose a company that offers full value protection and released value insurance. This will cover any items that are lost or damaged during the move. It’s also a good idea to ask about any extra storage options they have available. These questions can help you find a great moving company that will take the stress out of your relocation.