10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Moving Company
One way to make sure you have an easy time moving into your new home is having the right moving company. Ask these questions before choosing one for your move.
Are you getting ready to pack up and move? You’re not the only one. In fact, almost 10% of Americans move every year.
Whether you’re moving across the state or across the country, it helps to have a plan.
After all, you have enough to worry about already. By hiring a professional moving company, you can take one task off your shoulders.
Unsure of who to hire? We’re here to help. Here are the 10 questions you need to ask before choosing a moving company.
With these tips, you can find a company capable of helping you through a quick, easy move.
Start your search with these 10 tips today!
1. How Many Years Have You Operated?
First, you want to look for a moving company with years of experience. A long-running company doesn’t necessarily higher the best services. However, it does indicate the movers have many years of hands-on experience.
It also means their services were satisfactory enough that they remained competitive in the area.
The longer a business has operated, the more likely they’ve worked out the kinks. A newer company, however, is likely still making changes to their operations.
As you begin finding long-running companies in the area, you’ll also have an easier time learning about their professional reputation. Are they punctual? Are they capable of meeting and exceeding expectations?
A company that fails to meet the expectations of their clients, however, won’t remain open for long.
2. Is Your Moving Company Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
When researching a moving company, make sure they’re properly licensed. Look for companies that are members of the American Mover and Storage Association. These businesses have to comply with federal laws.
In other words, a company that’s a member of this organization is more likely to handle your possessions with care.
Look for companies that are members of the Better Business Bureau, too. You can visit the Better Business Bureau website to check for company reviews. Look for reviews that indicate the moving company is professional and reliable?
Before moving to another state, look for a moving company with a US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. The USDOT number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check for this number online to confirm the business is safe and operates legally.
Some moving companies also offer liability insurance. As you research different moving companies, ask about the coverage they offer. You might want to consider purchasing moving insurance before your move.
When researching different moving companies, see if they’re an Updater Certified Moving Company. These companies are licensed, insured, and registered with the FMCSA. Ask to see proof of the company’s licensing and insurance information instead of taking them for their word.
3. Is Your Moving Crew Covered?
Unfortunately, accidents happen sometimes. In order to protect your best interests, make sure to look for an insurance company that offers their team workers’ compensation. You can also take the time to ask about the company’s on-the-job injury policy.
Choosing a company that’s covered by worker’s compensation will give you peace of mind that you’re not responsible if there’s an accident.
4. Do You Have Previous Clients I Can Speak With?
If you want to learn more about a moving company, ask for references and reviews. However, most companies handpick the most complimentary reviews to show prospective clients. In addition to asking for reviews, make sure to head online to complete your own research.
You can check the Better Business Bureau and Google My Business listings for customer reviews. As you read these reviews, make notes about the company’s services and professionalism.
5. How Do You Prevent Property Damage During The Move?
You don’t always have to purchase moving insurance. For long-distance moves, however, you do want reassurance that your possessions are protected. Make sure to ask the moving company how they intend on preventing damage.
The movers should protect your new and previous home’s banisters, corners, floors, and walls when moving furniture. Do they use corner guards, moving blankets, and other protected materials? If not, what precautions do they take?
How do they intend on treating special items, such as glass-fronted furniture and antiques? If you have a lot of delicate items, make sure to aks before the move.
6. How Do You Determine a Moving Quote?
Different moving companies have their own pricing structures. Before hiring a movie company, make sure to get quotes from different businesses in the area.
Make sure to determine what you’re paying for. One company might seem more expensive than another until you realize what’s included in the cost.
You can also ask about binding versus non-binding estimates. Binding estimates guarantee the total cost while non-binding estimates might increase based on the weight of your move.
7. Are There Extra Fees?
Some companies might add additional fees to your final bill. For example, flight and elevator charges or carrying possessions over a distance might add to your initial estimate.
Are their surcharges for fuel or oversized items?
Ask the company about any extra fees they might have you pay for before your move.
8. Do You Have Any Discounts Available?
Don’t feel shy about asking if there are discounts or promotions available. Some moving companies offer discounts for students and veterans or during the off-peak season. Ask and see if your situation can earn you a discount!
9. Do You Offer Packing and Storage Services?
Some moving companies offer packing and storage services. Will they shrink-wrap your sofa or label your boxes to keep an accurate inventory? Some companies offer appliance service charges as well.
Don’t forget to ask if these services are included or added to your initial estimate.
10. How Do You Handle Disputes?
When moving to another state, there’s always the potential for damages. Before choosing a moving company, ask how they intend on solving complaints and claims. Will they help if you’re not satisfied with the services you received?
Ask how many complaints they’ve received in the past too. Learning about their previous complaints can tell you more about their record.
Get a Move On: 10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
Ready to start moving? Before a long-distance move, make sure to ask your moving company these 10 questions. Their answers can give you peace of mind you’re choosing an experienced, professional business before your big move!
Ready to get a move on? Contact us today for local and nationwide moves!
One tip about how to get the best price from moving company is:
Do not procrastinate- timing is money. Plan on moving when the weather is favorable and rates are low. Get your own boxes, put on some good music, buy the pizzas, invite friends/family, and pack/label everything for the movers.
It’s great to learn that you should look at reviews online before hiring a moving service. My wife and I are wanting to move to a new area and we were wondering who we could hire to help us move larger furniture. I’ll be sure to tell her that we should look for a moving service that has good reviews online.
You made a great point when you talked about the importance of choosing a company that is not only insured but licensed and bonded. My husband and I are looking for advice to be able to choose to right moving company so we can move peacefully. We will start looking for a moving company, and we’ll make sure that they are insured.