Thinking about hiring a moving company to assist you in packing and moving to your new home? Before you do, consider taking this list of questions along to your consultation to be sure that you are choosing the best company to meet your needs. Take time to interview several different companies & ask for references before signing a contract.
Get the Facts:
- How long has your company been in business? A reputable mover should be licensed, insured, and have been in business for at least 3 years. Ask for two recent references and call the Better Business Bureau to see how many complaints the company has.
- How do you estimate the job price? Hourly? Be sure to ask about travel time too. Local movers usually base the estimate on the hours required which will include travel.
- What kind of liability insurance do you provide? Your protection from the movers is limited to a certain number of cents per pound. If you want better coverage, get full value protection, which covers replacement of the item, minus deductibles.
- How does your claim process work? If damage occurs, be sure to document all damages upon delivery. Filing a claim immediately increases your chance of a satisfactory settlement.
- What damages are not covered? Often movers do not cover the following: operating condition of appliances and electronics, missing items not on the inventory list, damages not documented upon delivery, and other valuable items (i.e. money & jewelry). Note: movers may not be held responsible for broken glassware or other fragile items, unless packed by them.
- Are there items you will not move? Most movers will not move dangerous or flammable items, such as aerosol cans, paint, propane tanks, or anything that could damage your other possessions if it leaks.
- How do I pay for the move? If you are paying for you move it is very important to know upfront how much the mover wants to be paid. Don’t wait until the last minute and be surprised by the cost. We recommend not using a moving service that only accepts cash.
- What kind of inventory system do you use? Most moving companies use a barcode inventory system, but for smaller moves a written inventory list works just fine.
Dig Deeper:
- Who does the packing and loading?
- How much of the work can I do myself?
- If I do the packing myself, are there restrictions on the types of boxes or utility totes I can use? Will this save me money?
- What supplies do you provide? What’s included? What items do I pay for?
What have your moving experiences been like? We would love to know!
