Do you intend to relocate somewhere else? If so, hiring a moving company is a perfect choice. In that way, you can save time and energy, as well as avoid any obstacles.
But how can you choose the right moving company that will successfully cater to your needs? The best way to filter companies is by asking smart questions because not every offer around is as reliable.
This will build your confidence that everything you have will be in good hands. The more meticulous you are when it comes to the questions you decide to ask about moving companies, the better.
Want to explore more on this? Read our guide today!
- How Long Have You Been in the Industry?
First of all, when interviewing moving companies, be sure to ask about their expertise in the industry. Find out how long they have been in business and how many moves they have completed. Look after their reputations, images, and track records.
The more experience a moving company has, the better equipped they will be to handle your move. Most likely, they already have the knowledge and resources to make sure their service is safe and efficient.
For example, if you’re relocating to a high-rise apartment, a townhouse with lots of stories, or to a big city, then you should ask if they’ve done anything like this before. If they have, they should be able to prepare for anything, such as parking restrictions, steep stairs, a lack of elevators, and narrow doorways.
- Can You Provide Service Preferences?
It is a good idea to query if they can provide service preferences. This can help you to scale down your choices and find one that fit your needs. If you have a lot of heavy furniture, for instance, you’ll want to be certain the company you’re hiring can handle it.
In most cases, movers will provide you with references from previous customers. Either through online testimonials or upon request. These can serve as a basis for your judgment, whether they are worth the expenses or not.
Moreover, you should check their business page and other review sites. Through this, you can discover what other customers are saying about their customer service and work ethic.
Yes, there will still be some dissatisfied customers. But if the majority of the reviews are positive, you have probably found reputable professional movers.
- Do You Have a License and Insurance?
Always, it is a wise aim to ask a moving company if they are licensed and insured. There are many moving companies without these out there, so be careful.
A simple way to do this is to verify if they are an Updater Certified Moving Company. If yes, you can ensure that they are in compliance with all laws and regulations. They should also have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).
However, if they cannot give you any proof, it may be best to look elsewhere. They may be less expensive, but if something goes wrong during the move and they are unable to replace your valuables, you may find yourself in a tight spot.
- How Do You Estimate the Costs?
Of course, you must not forget to assess how they estimate potential costs. This will allow you to compare different companies and find the one that is best for your budget.
Besides, it is also important to ask what services are included in the estimate. So, there will be no surprises on the day of the move.
To get an idea of your moving costs, ask how they calculate their pricing structure. Some movers charge by the weight of the items loaded onto the moving truck and the distance traveled. Others charge by the hour and the size of their teams. Others charge a combination of the two.
- What Are the Potential Extra Fees?
Aside from the general expenses, there can be extra fees you need to know. These may include charges for fuel and even insurance. There may also be flight charges, which involve carrying items up and down stairs, elevator charges, and long-carry charges.
You should also be aware of hidden fees. These are either buried beneath your contract, misrepresented, or go unnoticed until they appear on your final bill.
- Do You Offer Packing Services?
Another smart strategy is to avail of packing services. Packing services or “accessorial charges” include the packing, unpacking, crate, or appliance disconnection. If they offer this, there will be additional fees added to your overall moving costs.
On the bright side, it can save you a lot of time and stress. Furthermore, they can also ensure that your belongings are packed in the correct manner and that everything is in its proper place.
Thus, inquire with various companies about the types of packing services they offer, how much they charge, and what you should prepare.
For unloading cases, moving fragile and heavy objects requires practice. You should guarantee that your moving business provides a well-qualified team who are physically capable of moving everything in your home.
- Do You Recommend Liability Insurance?
If you’re hiring a moving company, you might be wondering if you need to purchase liability insurance. The answer is “maybe.” If you have homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, your belongings may already be protected if they are damaged during the move.
Still, it’s nice to check with your insurance provider to be sure. You may also want to buy extra insurance from the moving company if you have items of high value.
There are several types of moving insurance that your moving company may offer, each with its own set of advantages. On top of that, licensed interstate movers must provide two types of liability coverage, which are Full Value Protection and Released Value.
- Do You Background Check Your Employees?
A background check on employees is essential since they will be going through your valuable items. You want to be sure that the people who are handling your belongings are trustworthy and won’t put your things at risk.
You can check the employees’ criminal records, as well as their driving records. This also excludes out potential employees who have been fired from previous employers for theft or damage. If they are clear, it will give you peace of mind, confidently knowing that everything is secure.
- How Do You Handle Loss and Damage Claims?
Moving is already a complicated and often stressful process, made even more so when something goes wrong and items are damaged or lost. To avoid problems, it’s important to ask prospective moving companies how they handle loss and damage claims before hiring them.
See if the company has insurance to cover the cost of replacing your damaged belongings and process for filing and resolving claims. You need to get everything in writing so that you have a record of what was on the agreement.
By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your move goes smoothly and that you’re able to get compensation if something does go wrong.
- Will It Be Possible to Cancel?
Regarding the contract, you may ask if it will be possible to cancel. You may have a change of plans or your circumstances may change and you need to call off. It is important to know if this is possible and what the terms and conditions are for cancellation.
Some moving companies will charge a cancellation fee if you cancel far enough in advance. Others will even permit you to back out the day before your move without penalty. On the other hand, some may not allow cancellations at all.
Before signing any contracts, seek clarification about their cancellation policy if there is even a remote possibility that you will not be moving.
- Do Your Employees Have Workers’ Compensation?
Not all moving companies provide workers’ compensation to their crews. So, you should inquire about their policies about on-the-job injuries.
Workers’ compensation insurance will protect you if one of their employees is injured while working in your home. If they do not have this, you may be the one who is liable. This may cover medical expenses as well as other losses.
It’s possible that your insurance company will raise your rates or, worse, drop you after such a claim. It is better not to take such risks.
Inquire These Questions Before Hiring a Moving Company
You are now informed of what questions to ask before hiring a moving company. By doing your research and listening to referrals, you can be assured that you’re hiring a reputable and reliable company that will provide a stress-free moving experience.
Be cautious of any company that struggles to provide you with insurance or other credentials, and don’t always go with the cheapest quote. Look for positive feedback, high-quality vehicles, and a company that is open and honest about its own business practices.
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