Deciding to relocate can often be a challenging task. Numerous factors come into play and influence the overall situation. Nevertheless, once you have made this decision, it is crucial to start formulating plans. We want to be honest and acknowledge that there will be numerous tasks ahead in the upcoming period. However, hiring experts in this field can significantly simplify matters. Yet, you may still have concerns about the inquiries to pose to a moving company before finalizing your decision to hire them.
When you're moving, it's essential to make sure you hire a trustworthy and dependable moving company. Without a good understanding of the industry, you could easily end up with a subpar mover. By posing the most relevant questions to ask the relocation company, you can make sure that you have chosen the right people for the job and have faith that your belongings are handled safely and respectfully. We put together a list of questions to ask moving companies in order to help you find the one best suited to your moving needs at an affordable price.
Prior to organizing the critical aspects of your relocation, it is imperative to become acquainted with all possible moving companies. Make sure to ask questions relating to the company's history, credentials, and references to determine if they are suitable for the move.
Begin with inquiries such as how many years they have been in operation. Although a long-term tenure does not necessarily guarantee expertise, it will give you an indication of the company's quality. A number of moving companies have even been around for a century or more!
In order to steer clear of moving scams and untrustworthy movers, it's beneficial to check and see if the moving company is correctly certified. Interstate moving businesses must possess a license number granted by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). Contrary to interstate movers, local moving firms are regulated by the state they're located in instead of USDOT. These firms must have a state license, keeping in mind that each state has its own unique regulations and licensing criteria.
Lifehack: You can access their license number and any preceding grievances you might have with USDOT online. In order to validate the USDOT number, it is essential to cross-verify it with the FMCSA database. The operational status of the number ought to be indicated as "ACTIVE" for confirmation.
Additional question: Does your company belong to a movers' association?
Belonging to a notable and highly regarded moving company association ensures that the moving company meets quality requirements set by the group, follows the ethical rules, and consents to be involved in arbitration systems. Demonstrations of remarkable customer service and favorable business evaluations are known to be revealing of an excellent moving business. To make sure the movers' possessions, make sure you review the firm's ranking with the BBB and check out the website of the moving organization to which the company claims to be a member (you will find a list of its members and lots of useful information about them).
While all moving companies are involved in transporting household items from one location to another, not all of them provide the same range of moving services. Some movers may lack specialized equipment or the necessary professional training to perform certain specialized services. Additionally, some moving companies may choose not to offer services that are deemed too challenging, time-consuming, or not financially viable. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that the movers you hire can meet all your specific moving needs and requirements.
During the interview process with a moving company, it is crucial to inquire about the specific services they offer.
Additional questions:
Discuss the details of your move with the potential movers and inform them about any potential difficulties, such as steep stairs or small doorways. It's also important to mention any challenging-to-move items you have, such as pianos, hot tubs, or antique furniture. Inform the movers about any additional services you may require, such as custom crating or temporary storage, and confirm if they can accommodate those requests. Don't forget to inquire about the associated costs and any conditions that may apply. By thoroughly discussing your specific needs and concerns with the moving company, you can ensure they are capable of handling the job effectively and meet all your expectations.
Professional moving companies usually offer different levels of insurance coverage for items that may be lost or damaged. When moving across state lines, the company can provide two types of protection – released-value coverage, which is usually included in the moving fee, and full-value protection, which may require an extra cost. When moving locally, the company is still held liable for any loss or damage, but the exact coverage levels may differ since the FMCSA does not set any rules.
It is important to ask for a detailed coverage plan and read the fine print of the agreement in order to understand the exact terms of the insurance offered by the moving company – this is especially important since the policy is always written to their advantage. If you would like an example of a free-coverage-level claim and further details on the options available in addition to that, don't hesitate to ask.
In many instances, companies face staffing shortages and resort to hiring temporary workers during peak periods of high demand for moving services (such as the summer months, weekends, and national holidays). These temporary employees often lack familiarity with the moving industry, as well as proper training and experience. Consequently, they may be prone to making novice errors, causing accidents and damages, or even sustaining injuries during the moving process. How can you verify the response? While it is possible to obtain information about the number of full-time employees a company has, this figure alone does not guarantee that you will be provided with experienced movers for your relocation. The most effective action is to request a professional moving crew for your moving project.
The movers you hire should make sure they have the necessary number of personnel, vehicles, and tools (like dollies and boxes) on the designated moving day. As per the agreement, they should be prepared to handle any delicate products that might need extra care, such as oversized furniture or fine art.
The personnel should be permanent staff who are highly experienced in this type of service, and it should include a leader (who might also be a mover) to rectify any unexpected issues.
Consider that moving can be a physically demanding job that carries a risk of injury. To protect yourself from liability in case accidents occur on your property during the moving process, it is crucial to select a moving company that provides workers' compensation for its employees and carries proper insurance coverage.
Requesting a certificate of insurance is a common and reasonable inquiry to make when hiring professional movers. Some apartment or condo managers may require a copy of this certificate before granting access to the property.
Additional questions: Will they guarantee they have enough trucks and staff to finish the job on schedule? Who can I contact if something does not go as planned on the moving day? Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
Lifehack: You can also utilize the FMCSA Licensing and Insurance Carrier Search to look up movers and access their HTML reports. By comparing the "Insurance on File" with the "Insurance Required," you can determine if they possess adequate insurance coverage to meet or exceed the necessary standards.
Moving companies generally fall into one of three categories:
It is crucial to grasp these distinctions as they can impact your moving experience significantly. Brokers function by outsourcing their moving services to partner companies. Once you provide your moving details to a broker, they will post your information on a marketplace-style community board where their partners can bid for the job. This competitive bidding process can often lead to lower prices for you as multiple companies vie for your business.
However, working with a broker also presents certain drawbacks. On the actual moving day, it is common for a crew from a different company than the one you initially communicated with to arrive and handle the loading and transportation of your belongings. In some cases, this crew may not have even interacted directly with the broker, leading to potential miscommunication and the possibility of additional costs and fees.
Carriers, on the other hand, handle all aspects of your move using their in-house staff. This typically results in a smoother experience compared to working with a broker. However, it may come with a slightly higher cost.
Broker/carrier hybrids represent a combination of the two approaches. They handle some moving services using their own staff, but outsource specialized services like auto shipping or piano transport to other companies. Before finalizing your decision to work with a particular mover, it is important to understand their operational model and whether another company will be responsible for handling your belongings. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of moving companies can provide valuable insights. For more detailed information, you can refer to our guide on brokers and carriers.
When it comes to inquiring with moving companies, one of the most valuable questions to ask movers before hiring revolves around your obligations, contractual agreements, and the moving schedule. Seek information from your chosen moving company regarding the specific documents you will receive and need to review and sign, as well as any preparations you should make for the day of the move.
Professional movers should provide positive feedback from prior customers. If the company has been recognized by reliable associations, it is highly desirable. It is also possible to check consumer reviews on the Internet. Be conscious and wary of businesses with only glowing reviews; some of these can be fake. Imitations may be placed on sites like Google and Facebook that contain only highly optimistic reviews. Accounts with no photographs or other reviews are highly likely to be false. A secure option is to use a website, for instance, Yelp, that has a fake review filter.
In situations where you are unable to move into your new home or apartment immediately, many moving companies offer storage solutions by storing your belongings in a designated facility. It is crucial to obtain precise information regarding the cost of this service, which is determined based on the timeline and size of your move.
Typically, cross-state movers offer storage services, but they often utilize subcontractors to provide this service. It is worth noting that most renters insurance plans cover damage or theft at storage units up to a certain percentage (typically 10%) of your coverage limit. However, additional features such as smart locks, alarm systems, or climate-controlled storage may incur additional costs.
Attention: a red flag to watch out for is when movers work with a third-party storage facility. In such cases, the moving company may not be liable for any loss or damage once your items are stored in the facility. While your homeowners or renters insurance may provide coverage, it is essential to ensure that the terms of coverage are specified in your moving or storage facility contract. By asking these important questions to ask a moving company and considering the potential red flags, you can make informed decisions about storage services and protect your belongings effectively during the moving process.
When selecting a moving company, it's crucial to inquire about the moving costs. You should seek answers not only regarding the total cost of your relocation but also how the movers arrived at that price. Additionally, ask about the possibility of obtaining any discounts, methods to avoid extra charges, available payment options, and the cancellation policy in case you need to cancel the move. Being well-informed about these aspects will help ensure a smooth and financially transparent moving experience.
Before you decide to hire a moving company, make sure to get a binding estimate. This guarantees that the price won't be raised (no matter what), as long as your relocation unfolds as expected and you don't make changes to your items that need to be moved at the last second. This can help you avoid companies whose prices suddenly go up on the day of the move, which can make it hard to find another option. There are professional, honest moving businesses that don't provide binding estimates, so you don't need to be too concerned about that.
It is important to have knowledge of the way in which movers charge - by weight, volume, or duration – in order to be able to calculate the price of your move, as well as discover ways in which you can reduce the expenses of your move. For instance, if you understand that the cost of the move will be contingent upon the weight of the shipment, you may opt to let go of some of your items to decrease the overall weight. Long distance movers usually bill a fixed fee through the weight of the items and the destination of arrival, whereas local movers usually have an hourly fee. During the high season of moving, tariffs for movers are usually higher.
Moving companies often apply additional charges for certain services, leading to potential surprises on the moving day, particularly if you received a non-binding estimate. Even with a binding estimate, unforeseen circumstances can cause the actual cost of your move to surpass the initial estimation. It is crucial to be well-informed about any extra fees and expenses that the moving company might impose.
Hence, it is prudent to inquire in advance about the full scope of charges, such as flight fees for transporting items up or down stairs, elevator fees for waiting time, long carry fees for moving items over 50 feet from your residence to the moving truck, parking fees to reserve space for the truck, labor charges for handling bulky items, storage-in-transit fees for storing your belongings temporarily, and more. Additionally, inquire whether the movers charge for travel time to and from your home.
To minimize expenses, take proactive measures like reserving elevators and parking spaces and ensuring your new home is ready on schedule.
Tip: When dealing with long-distance moves, avoid movers who estimate costs based on volume or cubic feet, as legally, companies transporting across state lines must provide weight-based, non-binding estimates.
Most moving companies won't charge more than 25% of your estimate for the deposit. It is wise to make the payment specifically with a credit card so that you are able to contest any unwanted charges if necessary. Usually, if you give at least two weeks' notice before canceling or rescheduling, you may be able to get a refund or partial refund of your deposit payment. Be sure to stay away from movers who request cash deposits or payments.
It's essential to ask the movers what their predicted Preferred Arrival Date (PAD) is if you're relocating nearby or across the country. In the case of relocating locally, your items might get to your new home that very same day. Nonetheless, if you're shifting further away, there may be a few elements that determine when they would be delivered. It's also important to inquire about any guaranteed pick-up and delivery services they provide and any fees related to storage spaces.
Most moving companies will work with you to accommodate your budget instead of you taking your business elsewhere. Inquire about discounts, sales, and if they are able to match a cheaper rate you have seen. Lots of movers have cheaper rates on weekdays and during colder seasons, in which they are not as busy. Be aware though – those who do not include discounts in their binding estimate are not obligated to honor them. Keep negotiations to set written agreements.
Tip: ask if they have a special rate for non-busy days and periods.
Sometimes moving companies offer these types of discounts:
Don't forget to tell your moving business about any items that are bigger than average. This includes things like pool tables, pianos, and safes, and they could be subject to extra fees. You should also ask about the refueling charges, because sometimes this is worked into the total cost for a move, but you don't want to be surprised. This is especially germane if you're going a long way.
Before your move, professional movers must present you with certain documents, such as the Bill of Lading, valuation addendum, inventory lists, and receipts. After you have received all applicable paperwork, read it over carefully to make sure the details of your move, like price, services, and time frames, are correct. Do not sign the contract until you are certain you understand and agree with its contents, including the fine print. You should never sign an unfinished document.
Inquiring about the available payment options enables you to make an informed choice when selecting a moving company that aligns with your requirements. Understanding the payment methods will provide you with a comprehensive overview of all moving costs, allowing you to plan your budget accordingly. Additionally, you may discover other moving packages or potential discounts that can lead to long-term savings.
Knowing the payment options offered by moving companies also ensures complete clarity regarding all costs and policies associated with your move, preventing any surprises or unforeseen expenses along the way. By obtaining this information upfront, you can confidently proceed with your move, confident that there won't be any hidden costs or ambiguities related to payment arrangements.
To ensure a secure and successful move, it is advisable to hire movers who prioritize the careful handling of your belongings. To assess their commitment to preventing damage, consider asking these seven essential moving questions.
If you notice something done improperly, speak up immediately and direct the crew to take corrective action. Trusted removalists make use of items that reduce the risk of harm to both your possessions and your living space, like protective carpets and moving blankets. In addition, they should be proficient in the proper method of lifting containers, stacking them accurately, dealing with heavy appliances, and ensuring that delicate items are safe. Furthermore, they should never be tossing your boxes around.
An additional question to ask: What if I observe reckless conduct while moving?
Typically, there is an appointed supervisor in charge of the shift who can address any concerns you may have. If you spot something carried out incorrectly, make sure to interact quickly and direct the team to perform the appropriate corrections.
Quality moving services should offer basic assortments coverage or extra valuation assurance to shield from any harm or loss during the process. This is a valuable add-on to mull over. Get familiar with how much time you have to present a claim and what kind of proof is necessary for a claim to be taken into account.
Tip: Inquire with your movers if they have full value protection and investigate how each of those contrasts with the federally-mandated Minimum Liability Valuation Option (which evaluates your assets to $60 for each pound).
When dealing with delicate and easily damaged possessions such as pool tables, pianos, valuable artworks, or fine wine collections, it is essential to entrust the task to a moving company experienced in handling fragile cargo. To assess their competence, you can refer to reviews that specifically mention the safe transport of specialty items. Additionally, you may consider using a specialized delivery company, such as piano movers, for separate transportation of these items.
Additional questions: What methods and materials do you employ to safeguard my fragile belongings during the move? Could you elaborate on your moving process?
A reputable moving company will customize its materials and procedures to meet your specific requirements. For instance, adept fine art movers might design custom packaging tailored to the medium of your artwork, ensuring their utmost protection during transit.
Knowing the estimated duration of the move is crucial for various logistical considerations. It allows you to plan your departure for your new home, determine how long you'll need to arrange for babysitters or someone to look after your kids and pets, reserve parking spaces and elevators, and prepare suitable refreshments for the movers (lunch for longer moves, snacks for shorter ones).
Additionally, it's essential to inquire about the timeframe for the delivery of your belongings to your new home, although this aspect will be discussed in detail later.
Inclement weather, such as rain or snow, can introduce additional challenges to the already complex moving process, potentially leading to significant difficulties. In the event of a possibility of rain or snow on your moving day (e.g., moving during the winter, during a typically rainy season, living in a rain-prone area, or based on weather forecasts), it's vital to ask the movers about their policies regarding adverse weather conditions.
Professional moving companies usually possess the expertise and resources to handle challenging weather conditions, ensuring a successful move even in snowy or rainy weather. They take appropriate measures to safeguard your belongings from moisture, using plastic boxes, covering cardboard boxes with plastic sheets or tarpaulin, and wrapping larger items in plastic wrap. Additionally, they protect your property from water damage by placing old rugs and towels at entryways to prevent mud and water tracking inside, as well as laying down tarps and plastic sheets on floors to keep them clean and dry.
However, if faced with a severe thunderstorm or snowstorm that could jeopardize the safety and integrity of the move, the movers may need to postpone the relocation for a few hours until the weather improves or reschedule it for another day if roads are blocked due to snow, for instance. Rescheduling a move due to adverse weather conditions is typically not subject to additional fees with reputable moving companies.
You might come across certain extra fees when hiring a moving company known as accessorial charges. These involve packing, unpacking, boxes and supplies, appliance disconnection. You must clarify with the moving company about these services, their cost, and any preparations that are necessary. If you're rushing through your move, you might find packing services to be a great aid!
It is prudent to inquire of the moving company whether it will bring its own staff to load and unload items off of the moving truck. Someone with experience should be employed to handle fragile and weighty objects and make sure they are moved with care and proficiency. Physical strength should also be taken into account when selecting a moving company to ensure that all objects in the house can be safely transported.
While it may seem like an unusual question since moving companies are expected to handle everything, this isn't always the case. It's crucial to inquire about the moving company's policies regarding specific items they may refuse to transport, such as hazardous materials, valuable antiques, or plants. Taking note of any restrictions imposed by the moving company is essential when selecting their services and preparing for the move.
Additionally, some movers may require separate transportation for these restricted items, so having this information beforehand is crucial. Knowing which items are not allowed will give you time to make informed decisions about how to handle them. You may consider transporting such items in your car if feasible, or alternatively, give them away to friends, neighbors, or charities, use them up before the move, or take appropriate action based on the moving company's guidelines.
Lastly, ensure to clarify the delivery logistics for both local and interstate moves.
The pick-up and delivery dates provided by the moving company should be firm and reliable. It is essential to obtain written confirmation to ensure there are no no-shows or unexpected changes.
Additional questions: In case of the movers not adhering to the agreed-upon timeframe, what are your policies for reimbursement and priority scheduling?
Most reputable companies should offer flexibility and compensation if there are any delays. Should the movers be late, the first step is to contact the company and verify the pick-up window. It's prudent to keep the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) contact information readily available in case of any fraudulent activities.
Tip: It's important to note that pick-up and delivery issues are common causes of moving complaints, as highlighted by FMCSA's Alston. The FMCSA mandates that movers inform you properly about any overbooking issues and keep records of such occurrences. This requirement underscores the significance of choosing an FMCSA-registered business.
For local moves, your shipment typically arrives on the same day. However, when relocating across the country, the transit time can extend to several days or even over a week. Hence, one of the most critical inquiries to make to long-distance movers is the estimated delivery duration for your belongings. Knowing the expected delivery date holds significant importance for several reasons. Firstly, it allows you to plan and pack accordingly, especially for essential boxes. If the delivery will take longer, you may need to pack more clothes, shoes, toiletries, and basic kitchen items to sustain yourself during the waiting period.
Additionally, understanding the delivery timeframe helps you decide whether you'll need to arrange accommodation, like staying at a hotel, until your items arrive, especially if your new place is not furnished. It also allows you to plan your journey and schedule, determining when you need to reach your new home to meet the moving truck. For instance, you may wish to incorporate visits to historical sites along the way or stay with friends or relatives for a few days before arriving at your new residence.
Ensuring a guaranteed delivery date is crucial to avoid potential delays without any compensation on the mover's part, which is an undesirable situation. However, it's important to acknowledge that certain factors, such as weather conditions, traffic, or technical issues, can be beyond the movers' control, making it challenging to provide absolute delivery date guarantees, especially for long-distance moves. In the case of interstate moves involving household items, movers often consolidate shipments, further complicating and making delivery schedules less predictable as the moving truck makes multiple stops at various locations along the route.
For long-distance moves, movers generally offer a delivery window, representing a span of several days during which your belongings are expected to arrive. Should your items not be delivered within this specified window, the moving company will be obligated to reimburse you for the delay.
Some interstate movers delegate cross-country moves to third-party partners. When planning a long-distance move, it's crucial to ascertain the identity of the specific party responsible for handling the final destination delivery. This ensures you have a direct point of contact and understand the necessary steps to take in case of disputes.
Additional question: Does the binding agreement with your company also extend to the third-party mover?
The answer to this question should be affirmative. Reputable moving companies typically have official partnerships with trustworthy third-party movers to guarantee a smooth and consistent service.
Knowing the real-time location of your belongings offers peace of mind during the moving process, making shipment tracking a valuable feature. While many moving companies offer online shipment tracking, some may provide the driver's phone number instead, allowing you to contact them for updates.
In instances where you encounter delays on the road or other unforeseen circumstances, causing you to be absent when the moving truck arrives, the movers will wait for a period. However, be aware that they will charge a waiting fee, typically calculated on an hourly basis. If you are unable to receive your items on the day of their arrival (due to your delayed arrival at the new place or unpreparedness of your new home, etc.), the movers will transport your shipment to storage. In such cases, you will be responsible for all associated storage costs, including a re-delivery fee when the moving truck returns for a second delivery attempt.
Being well-prepared when the movers arrive is key to a smooth and secure moving experience. To make things safer and easier on moving day, your movers are likely to recommend the following:
Opting to pack your belongings can save money, but it's essential to understand the movers' requirements to ensure a seamless process:
When opting for a full-service move, strangers will enter your home, handle your belongings, pack them, load them onto a truck, and drive away with them. We understand that this situation can be nerve-wracking. While it may never be entirely comfortable, you can significantly reduce stress by inquiring whether the moving company performs background checks on its employees.
Background checks play a crucial role in helping movers screen potential employees who may have a history of theft or causing damages while working for other companies. They also examine employees' permanent records to ensure they do not have any burglary charges or major drug offenses. This thorough process ensures that the company sends only trustworthy individuals into your home – giving you peace of mind. If a moving company does not conduct background checks on its moving crews, we strongly advise avoiding their services.
In order to identify the most suitable moving company for your needs, it is essential to do your research. By asking these questions, you can ensure that you hire a reputable moving company that meets your specific needs. Don't hesitate to seek additional information or clarifications as it is your move, and you deserve complete transparency. A competent moving company should be able to answer all your queries confidently and clearly. If they appear unsure or uninformed, it's advisable to explore other options.
Remember, moving can be challenging, and it requires the expertise of experienced professionals to execute the job properly. Take your time to thoroughly research moving companies and verify that they meet all your requirements.
Move4U boasts a long history of safely and securely transporting customer possessions, demonstrating a track record of success. We are fully insured, licensed, and bonded to guarantee the safety of your items throughout the moving process. Our team comprises skilled professionals who approach each moving situation with care and sensitivity. Offering competitive rates, we ensure you receive the best moving experience at an affordable price.
At Move4U, our commitment is to make your moving day successful and stress-free. Contact us today for further information or to request a quote. We assure you won't be disappointed!
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