Introduction
Hiring a moving company is an important decision that requires careful research and evaluation. Asking the right questions before choosing a mover can help you avoid problems and have a smooth moving experience. This extensive article will outline key questions to ask potential moving companies to ensure you select a trustworthy, reputable, and experienced mover.
Background Check Questions
Conducting a thorough background check on potential moving companies is crucial. Ask these key questions:
Are you licensed and insured?
Only consider companies that are fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask for their USDOT and MC license numbers and verify that insurance covers valuables in transit and storage. Reputable movers will gladly provide this documentation.
How long have you been in business?
An established company with years of experience is preferable. New or fly-by-night operations may lack the skills and resources to move you safely. Look for 5+ years in business.
What is your Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating?
Check a company’s BBB profile for any complaints, disputes or issues. Good standing with the BBB is a positive indicator.
Can you provide references from recent customers?
Reputable movers should be able to provide multiple recent references. Speaking to past customers provides insight into their experience.
Service Offering Questions
Understanding the full range of services a moving company provides ensures they can address your specific moving needs:
Do you provide full packing and unpacking services?
If you don’t want to pack yourself, confirm the company offers full packing/unpacking including all furniture and fragile items. There may be additional charges for this.
Do you offer storage options if needed?
Some movers have short/long term storage facilities. This is useful if you need to store belongings temporarily during a move. Enquire about storage fees.
Can you move specialty items like pianos, safes, pool tables?
Unique items like pianos require special handling. Make sure the company has experience and equipment to move delicate or bulky specialty items.
Do you disassemble and reassemble furniture as required?
Disassembling furniture makes moving trickier items like beds, dressers, etc. easier. Verify the company provides this service.
How do you handle fragile items and valuables?
Ask about specialized packing techniques, materials, climate-controlled trucks and separate handling of fragile valuables to prevent damage.
Cost & Estimate Questions:
Moving companies typically provide free estimates. Be sure to ask:
Do you provide binding or non-binding estimates?
Binding estimates guarantee the final price, while non-binding are subject to change. Understand any variables that could affect the final cost.
Are there any additional charges or fees?
Be clear on any fuel charges, stairs charges, appliance servicing fees, storage fees, etc. that may apply to avoid surprise charges.
How do you determine pricing?
Most movers charge by weight of items and mileage. Ask how they calculate final costs so estimates are as accurate as possible.
When is payment due?
Common payment options include upfront, partial payment before delivery, payment on delivery, etc. Know policies to plan financially.
Do you accept credit cards?
Confirm what forms of payment are accepted. Moving expenses quickly add up so credit cards offer benefits like rewards.
Logistics Questions
ironing out logistics ensures your move goes smoothly and efficiently:
How soon in advance must I schedule my move?
Professional movers book up quickly, especially in peak season. Reserve your preferred dates as early as possible.
How will you protect my home during the move?
Ask about floor coverings, door jams, and other techniques to protect interior surfaces during moving.
Can you accommodate my preferred move dates?
While not guaranteed, many movers will try to accommodate your ideal moving dates if possible. Get commitments early.
Who will be doing the actual moving?
You want professional full-time movers, not day laborers. Confirm the experience of the moving crew.
What size trucks do you use for residential moves?
Make sure the company has trucks well-suited to the size of your home and belongings. Larger trucks prevent multiple trips.
Communication Questions
Ongoing, responsive communication ensures no details slip through the cracks:
What does the communication/planning process look like?
Professional movers have systems to discuss timelines, inventory, equipment needs etc. Ensure scheduling and planning is methodical.
How can I get in touch during my move if needed?
Get direct contact information for the foreman overseeing your move so you can get timely answers to any moving day questions.
How far in advance will you confirm my moving date and arrival time?
Timely confirmation of dates/times prevents unwanted surprises. Probe policies on communication of key details.
Will you provide real-time updates if delays occur?
Delays happen. Confirm you’ll be continually updated on status so you can adjust plans if needed.
Do you have an online portal to track the moving process?
Some companies provide portals to track timelines, payments, etc. This level of transparency is ideal.
Customer Service Questions
The quality of customer service says a lot about a moving company:
What steps do you take to minimize inconvenience on moving day?
Look for solutions like disassembling beds ahead of time or staging furniture efficiently so you still have access to essentials like your bed at the end of the day.
How do you support and accommodate customers throughout the process?
Look for regular contact, personalized planning, and a focus on limiting stress and maximizing convenience for you.
What happens if any disputes arise about damage or billing?
A clear dispute resolution process ensures fair resolution of any issues. Responsible movers aim to make things right.
Do you have a customer satisfaction guarantee?
The best movers stand behind their service and will offer compensation or refunds if you are unsatisfied.
Can you share testimonials from satisfied customers?
Video or written stories from happy customers establish a track record of providing a positive moving experience.
Evaluating Moving Company Responses
After asking moving companies thorough questions, compare their responses to identify the optimal mover. Key traits of excellent moving companies include:
- Fully licensed and insured – Legitimate movers will gladly provide license and insurance documentation.
- Long history in business – Look for an established company with 5+ years experience at a minimum.
- Strong references – Reputable movers will be eager to provide multiple recent customer references. Speaking with references provides valuable insights.
- Comprehensive services – Seek companies that offer full packing/unpacking, storage, specialty moving, furniture assembly/disassembly etc. for a one-stop solution.
- Clear and upfront pricing – Beware of companies that will not provide binding estimates or are vague about additional charges. Fixed pricing prevents surprises.
- Well-planned process – Look for detailed planning and coordination processes that maximize convenience and communication.
- Responsive communication – Choose a company that answers questions promptly and keeps you continually updated throughout the process.
- Focus on customer service – The right movers see customer satisfaction as their number one priority and have the reviews to prove it.
Questions to Ask Before Signing a Contract
Before signing a moving contract, be sure all key details have been addressed:
Have you done a full inventory check of all items being moved?
An itemized inventory helps determine the accurate weight and overall cost and also protects against lost items.
Have we agreed upon a binding estimate for total charges?
Reconfirm all services, fees and final charges in writing so there are no surprises later.
Have we agreed upon key dates for packing, pickup, delivery, etc?
All timelines should be clear. Also confirm the number of days goods will be in transit.
Has the company provided proof of insurance and licensing?
Do not sign anything until receiving documentation protecting your belongings in transit and storage.
What are acceptable methods of payment?
Outline payment expectations and options and get clear on when payment is due – before, during or after the move.
Is there anything I need to prepare prior to the moving date?
Make sure you understand any expectations like box packing, furniture disassembly, appliance servicing that you need to complete beforehand.
What type of truck and crew will be used?
Confirm details on size of truck and number of movers so there are no shortfalls during pickup and delivery.
Who can I contact if any issues arise on moving day?
Have direct contact information for the foreman of your move so you can immediately address any problems.
Thoroughly vetting potential movers and asking the right questions takes time but gives you peace of mind that your belongings will be in good hands. Taking these steps helps ensure your move is smooth, stress-free and positive. With a transparent moving partner, you can sit back and focus on the excitement of your new chapter rather than worrying about logistics.
Key Takeaways on Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers
- Verify licenses, insurance, business history and references
- Understand all services offered for packing, specialty items, storage etc.
- Get a binding estimate outlining all costs and fees in writing
- Discuss logistics like dates, crew size, truck types early
- Select movers focused on responsive communication and customer service
- Leave nothing to chance – clarify all timelines, costs, policies etc. before signing
- Hiring the right mover makes your move seamless and stress-free