Picking the right company is critical to a smooth experience when preparing for a move. Asking the right questions is essential to finding a moving company you can trust because there are so many. Here are 15 questions to ask moving companies to help you make a smart decision.
1. Are you licensed and insured?
Make sure a moving company is licensed and protected before you hire them. This is a crucial question to ask movers because it ensures they follow legal and industry standards. For moves across state lines, make sure they have a USDOT number. You can learn more about this on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration‘s (FMCSA) website. Local workers should have licenses from the state.
2. What types of insurance do you offer?
It’s important to know what insurance choices are out there. Most companies offer basic liability coverage, typically $0.60 per pound per item. Find out about full-value protection. It covers more things and ensures you get more money for lost or broken items. This is one of the most significant questions you should ask a moving company to ensure your things are safe.
3. How long have you been in business?
You need a lot of knowledge to work as a mover. One of the questions you need to ask a moving company is how long the company has been in business. Established companies usually have better processes and a proven track record, making them more reliable for handling various moving challenges. This is a crucial question to ask movers to gauge their reliability.
4. Can you provide references or customer reviews?
A reputable moving company can give you suggestions or point you toward customer reviews. Checking online reviews on platforms like Yelp or Google to understand their service quality is one of the most important questions to ask a moving company. Look for patterns in the comments about how reliable, professional, and happy people are.
5. Do you offer free in-home estimates?
Another question you need to ask movers when getting estimates is if they offer in-home estimates. The moving company can look at your things and give you an exact quote during a free in-home estimate. This is better than a phone estimate, which may only account for some factors. During the quote, make sure to get a full breakdown of the costs so there are no surprises later.
6. What is your pricing structure?
Find out how the moving company figures out its prices. Are they charging by the hour or by the weight of your things? Also, find out if there are any extra charges for things like stairs, long carries, or oversized items. This helps you make a reasonable budget and avoid costs you didn’t plan. Understanding the pricing structure is a crucial question for movers when getting estimates.
7. What is your cancellation policy?
Life is unpredictable, so you might have to stop or put off your move. Figure out the fees for canceling the service and how to do it. Having this information in writing can save you from financial loss if plans change unexpectedly.
8. Do you provide packing services?
Packing can be overwhelming. Ask the moving company if they can help you pack. Professional movers can efficiently pack your items using suitable materials to ensure safety during transport. This service can save time and reduce stress, especially with fragile items. This is a helpful question to ask movers to ease the packing process.
9. Will you handle the disassembly and reassembly of furniture?
For safe shipping, big pieces of furniture often need to be removed. Ask the movers if they can take things apart and put them back together again. This can be very helpful because parts can get broken or lost if not handled properly.
10. Do you have experience with specialty items?
If you own valuable or delicate items like pianos, antiques, or artwork, ask about their experience with these items. Check with the movers to ensure they have the tools and know-how to move your things safely.
11. What is your delivery timeline?
Understanding the delivery timeline is crucial, especially for long-distance moves. Discover how long the move will take and if they offer set times for delivery. Some companies provide a delivery window, while others can commit to a specific date.
12. Are your employees trained and background checked?
Ask about the training and background checks of the moving company’s employees. For a move to go smoothly, you must be sure that the people moving your things are professional and reliable.
13. Do you have a Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating?
Check the company’s rating on the Better Business Bureau’s (BBB) website. A good rating indicates that the company handles customer complaints responsibly and maintains a positive reputation. It can also highlight any unresolved issues that may raise a red flag.
14. What items won’t you move?
Some moving companies, like dangerous materials, plants, or pets, have rules about what they will and will not move. Clarifying these restrictions upfront to make the necessary arrangements for those items is one of the crucial questions to ask a moving company.
15. Do you offer discounts or promotions?
Remember to ask if there are any deals or savings. Some businesses will discount you if you pay with cash, are an AAA member, or are in the military. Some deals can help you save money on your move.
Find the Right Moving Company By Asking These Questions
Asking the right questions about moving companies can help you choose a reliable and trustworthy mover. Ensure they are licensed and insured, understand their services and pricing, and check their experience and customer reviews. By doing this, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free move.
These questions to ask moving companies will help you narrow your options and find the best fit for your needs. Remember that you want to find a moving company that meets your needs and gives you what you want.