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What questions should you ask moving companies before hiring any for your move?
Asking moving companies, the right questions will help you find the best mover to hire for relocation. After requesting for moving quotes for your upcoming move, you will start receiving calls from various moving companies.
How do you know which moving company to hire?
You’ll have to start screening them by asking the right questions. The questions you ask will determine the response you’ll get from these moving companies and then you can assess each of them based on their reply.
Then you can go ahead and hire the most suitable moving company for your relocation needs. Asking moving companies questions before hiring can save you from hiring rogue and unqualified movers. It can also save you from hiring movers who deliver poor services.
So, what questions should you ask before hiring any moving company? We ask several teams of moving experts the same question and based on their responses, we have compiled a list of the most important questions to ask before hiring a moving company.
15 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers
Let’s get started!
1. How long has the moving company been in business?
If a moving company has been in business for several years, its obvious they are doing something right to stay in business. The mover should have a long list of customers and references they can provide.
Also, a moving company that has been around for a while is well aware of all the rules and regulations of the trade. This is one of the key questions to ask a moving company before hiring.
2. Does your company have a valid USDOT number or any unanswered complaints with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)?
Make sure the moving companies on your shortlist have valid licenses to operate. Each moving company looking to do long-distance moves is required to have a federal license called a USDOT number provided by the United States Department of Tranportation.
For local moves, moving companies are required to have a valid state license. Verify the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA website. Also, check for any outstanding complaints on the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
3. How long has the salesperson been giving moving estimates?
This is one of the most important questions to ask before hiring a moving company because it determines the eventuality of your move. Experience counts for a lot. Ask the sales rep about their background — were they a driver or did they work in some other aspect of the moving process before being an estimator?
The more experience they have, the more comfortable you will be that you are getting an accurate estimate. If they are unwilling to discuss their experience, take that as a red flag.
4. How long will it be before I get my stuff?
The amount of time it takes to transport your stuff to the new location greatly depends upon the distance of your move. It could vary from a few hours to a 3-4 days if the move is a cross country one. Allow a reasonable time for the moving company to deliver your goods.
However, beware of anyone who offers dates that seem too good to be true. Asking moving companies how long it will take them to deliver your items is one of the key questions to ask before hiring. Here’s a simple guide on how long it should take movers to complete your relocation.
5. What kinds of moving estimates and options does the company offer?
Ask about the kinds of estimates the moving company offers. Non-binding, binding and binding not-to-exceed estimates are the 3 types of moving estimates companies offer.
You can learn a lot about the moving company rep and the movers by how knowledgeable they seem. A rep should know these options and should be able to answer them. Also inquire about the types of moving insurance they provide.
6. Has your company done and repeat work in my area?
This is mostly common sense. The more repeat work a company has done in your area the better indication it is that they provide quality service. If more and more people around you are using their services, they must be doing it right. This is one of the key questions to ask before hiring any moving company.
7. Do you have any references in my area of people that your company has moved recently?
This is a great way to get assurance that you are using the right company. Ask for some references but make sure they are from your area. Ask any of your friends or family if they’ve heard about the company or used them before.
8. How will you handle any damage to my stuff or the walls and carpet of my house?
If you’re moving a treasured heirloom or a large, cumbersome, piece of furniture, ask the salesperson how it’ll be moved. This is another test of the moving consultant’s knowledge, as well as a test of how you might be treated.
If they take the time to give you a thoughtful and complete answer, chances are good this is a company that cares about the customer and their possessions. You shouldn’t lose any of your valuables just because you’re moving.
9. What sort of additional moving services does your company provide?
Some moving companies provide several moving related services to make relocation less stressful. Rather than hiring several different companies for just one move, you should consider hiring all the services you need from one or two companies.
So, ask the moving company you’re interested in if they offer other moving related services such as moving labor, storage units, and auto transport. Hiring all the moving related services you need from just one company is often less expensive.
10. What moving insurance option does the moving company offer?
By law, every moving company is required to have the basic liability insurance coverage and provide it to customers for free. This policy covers the cost of your household or office items if they are damaged or go missing while in transit.
This policy covers your items for $0.30 per pound for short distance or local moves and $0.60 per pound for interstate moves. Here are things you can do about missing or damaged items after moving.
But you should consider buying additional moving insurance to cover your valuables. Learn about the various types of moving insurance you can buy and what they cover during relocation. Also, learn how to file claims for lost or damaged items while moving.
11. Do you have any hidden fee and if yes what are they?
Some moving companies are known for having hidden fees that spike the moving cost. Most often than not, these fees are hidden in your contract. Some movers use various terms and languages to describe various hidden fees that you may never be aware of until you see your final moving cost.
Sadly, some moving companies instruct their staff not to reveal certain hidden fees. So, if a moving company claims they have none of such, read reviews about them. This can help you to find out if previous customers complained about sudden increase in their moving cost.
Once you spot several of such complaints without specific reasons for the increase, that’s probably the hidden fee.
12. What if I no longer need your service and decide to cancel?
There are several reasons why you may decide to cancel your relocation. Sometimes, you may decide to postpone your move for whatever reason and then cancel your contract with the movers you already hired.
Before hiring any moving company, ask about available options if you decide to cancel for any reason. Some moving companies will allow you to cancel your move at no extra cost if you inform them long enough before your moving date.
Even more, some moving companies can let you cancel a day before your move without asking for any fee or penalty. In contrast, some moving companies will ask for a fee or even keep your deposit if you decide to cancel at certain periods. So, ask about all these, before signing the moving contract.
13. What payment options do you accept?
Depending on the size and distance of your relocation, moving isn’t always cheap. Odds are you may end up paying with a credit card. However, not all moving companies accept checks or credit cards.
More so, some moving companies may be willing to offer you some discounts if you decide to pay for a deposit with cash. So, ask the moving company you intend to hire about their most preferred payment option so you won’t be caught unaware on the moving day.
14. Do you hire subcontractors?
Some large moving companies are known for subcontracting some of their jobs to smaller movers. If the moving company you intend to hire is one of such, ask for the name of the subcontractor. And if the mover uses multiple subcontractors you should request for a list.
Don’t hesitate to go online to look up the subcontractors and read reviews about them to ensure that you wouldn’t end up with a very poor moving service. Some contractors are local moving companies that own trucks they can use for moving people within distances in a city or town.
15. Are you currently running any promo and what discount can you offer?
Similar to several other companies, moving companies too run promos and offer discounts. So, ask about current promos and discounts to benefit from them if any is available.
If you’re moving during the winter months, you may be eligible for one or more discounts. Students often get discounts too. Regardless of why and when you’re moving, ask the moving company for promos and discounts.
Compare and contrast the answers you receive from each moving company and then make an informed decision. Don’t let the price be your only guide. Remember: THE LOWEST QUOTE IS NOT THE BEST QUOTE.
