Did you know that there are over 18,300 moving services in the US? When it comes time to move, it can feel overwhelming trying to pick the right person for the job!
The moving cost is important, so you might be tempted to just choose the cheapest mover. But don’t do that! Instead, you should ask potential companies some key questions so you’ll end up with high-quality services.
Interested in hearing more? Then here are the top questions to ask movers and packers!
Are You Licensed?
You might think that because all moving involves manual labor and driving, that hiring anyone will do. In fact, unlicensed movers will seem very attractive because their prices will be lower.
However, these are the people you’re trusting to pack and move your life’s belongings. Can you really say with confidence that Joe from a few doors down will treat your things as if they were his own? Even if he had the best intentions, accidents can still happen simply because he’s lacking in training.
And in the worst-case scenario, if you hire someone without a license, they might be running a scam. They can end up taking your money and not showing up. Or even worse, they might run off with your items!
Do yourself a favor and only work with moving companies that have a proper license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up the license number through their database. What you’ll want to look for is the label “Authorized” under “Operating Status”.
Any reputable professional will be able to provide you with a license number without beating around the bush.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
Considering that you’re transporting some of your most treasured possessions, you want to be safe rather than sorry. So while a brand-new moving company can certainly provide excellent services, you don’t want to leave things up to chance.
In general, moving companies with more years of experience are better. This means that they’ve had time to perfect their business operations so they’ll not only handle your items more securely, but also ensure that the process goes smoothly. Long years in business also indicate that they’ve gone above and beyond for their customers, which has perpetuated more years of service.
What Services Do You Offer?
Not every moving company is created equally. So one of the questions to ask movers is what services they can provide you.
For example, what if you don’t have the time and/or energy to pack your own things? Then you’ll want to make sure that the moving company you hire can do this for you.
And what if your lease has ended and you don’t have a new place yet? Or what if you’re downsizing? Then you’ll want to work with a mover that also has storage options.
By inquiring about their services, you’ll be able to learn more about a mover to see if they’re a good fit for you.
Do You Background Check Your Employees?
Again, you’re trusting strangers to handle and transport your possessions. They’re also going to your new house and seeing how it’s laid out. You want to make sure that the people who are coming into your home and moving your boxes are people who aren’t going to either break things through carelessness, run off with them, or come break in your house later.
Moving companies that background check their employees show that they have your best interests in mind. The best mover should be able to show that they’ve carefully vetted their workers to ease any anxieties you might have.
What Insurance Coverage Do You Have?
All professional movers are required by law to have liability coverage. However, that’s the bare minimum and most likely won’t cover all your belongings, should they get damaged or lost.
In general, they can offer either full value protection or released value protection. The better option for you is full value protection as it covers everything. However, you’ll have to pay extra, whereas you won’t have to with released value protection.
Not only should you ask about insurance, but you should also ask the mover to provide proof of insurance.
How Do You Handle Loss and Damage Claims?
It’s not enough to just have insurance coverage. The moving company should also have an easy-to-use claims process.
Of course, you’ll hope that things go smoothly and you won’t have to use it. But in the case that you do, you want to make sure the claims process isn’t something that gives you more of a headache.
Can You Give Me an Estimate of the Moving Cost?
Lastly, but most importantly, you need to ask about the moving cost. Good companies will be able to give you a binding written quote.
If they aren’t willing to do so, this is a red flag. It can be a sign that they’ll try and raise the price significantly when it comes time to charge you.
Getting written quotes is always a good idea. You can then compare each moving company cost with one another without having to try and recall them on your own.
Choose the Best Local Movers by Asking the Right Questions
If you’re moving soon, don’t rush into selecting the first mover that seems right for the job. Instead, you need to ask them the questions from this article so not only can you find out the moving cost, but also if the company is trustworthy and reliable.
By taking some extra time to vet local movers, you’ll be able to find someone who’s right for your budget and needs!
Need more advice for relocating? Then check out the rest of our blog now!
