Choosing the right moving company can transform the moving experience from stressful to blissful. Hiring a moving company can ease a lot of stress, but with many companies on the market claiming to be the best, how do you choose one — and more importantly, how do you make sure it’s the right one? Let’s dive into the questions to ask moving companies.
Asking the right questions to a moving company can reassure you that their business is legitimate, that they meet state and federal requirements, and that they have the right equipment for the job. Investing time in finding the right business for your moving needs will save you time and money later on, ensuring that your belongings are safely handled and delivered.
Are You Properly Licensed?
There are many interstate moving companies on the market offering good deals. But be aware: the market has its fair share of scammers.
All moving companies must be licensed and insured. A legitimate moving company will register with the United States Department of Transportation and obtain a USDOT number. To find out if the company of your choice is properly licensed with USDOT, you can look up their registration information here.
Keep in mind that each state has specific regulations for moving companies, and state movers will have to be licensed under their states’ requirements, so don’t be shy about asking for their registration and insurance details. Legitimate companies will happily provide you with this information right away.
What Types of Moving Services Are Available?
To ensure the success of your moving operation and avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is recommended that you ask your moving company about the specific services they offer. Inquiring about their services will give you insight into how the process will unfold and what you should expect. Ask if they offer packing services, if they charge extra fees for oversized objects, and how they label items.
According to Plano moving companies, getting detailed answers on what to expect will help your move go smoother and eliminate any surprises. To make sure nothing is left behind or lost, make a detailed list of your belongings before you start the move and check it upon delivery.
What Moving Coverage Do You Offer?
Before you start planning your move, make sure you ask questions about what types of coverage your moving company offers. Moving coverage is similar to an insurance service; it will determine what would be covered in case of unforeseen events. All licensed interstate movers are obligated to offer free basic liability coverage: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines these two types of coverage as follows:
Full Value Protection: Your moving company is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. According to the FMCSA, this is the most comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings.
Released Value Protection: The FMCSA calls this “the most economical protection available.” The Released Value Protection option is offered at no additional cost but offers minimal protection, as the moving company assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article.
You should also ask about liability coverage; if a mover gets injured on your property, you don’t want to be held legally liable. Lastly, ask if the company offers a tracking service or tool and if they can give you a guaranteed shipping date to help you plan. This is one of the most important questions to ask moving companies
Can You Provide References?
Many of us choose a business by reading reviews and checking references online. Moving shouldn’t be any different. By reading previous customers’ reviews, you can get a clear idea of what to expect. You can spot any repeated issues or complaints and ask your company about them. It is wise to do your own research online and ask friends and family for recommendations before approaching a moving service so you know what to plan for.
How Are Moving Costs Determined?
This next question on our list of questions to ask moving companies is for when you are budgeting for your move. This will help make sure you account for all possible costs to avoid any financial surprises. Ask the moving company how they determine their estimates, what services would incur additional fees, and if they offer binding or nonbinding quotes.
Binding quotes will have a set fee that will not change; non-binding quotes are flexible and meant to give the customer a general idea of the moving cost. Make sure to get any binding agreement in writing ahead of your moving date. Keep in mind that weight, distance, hours worked, and even time of year are all deciding factors in your estimate.
Hire a Moving Company You Can Trust
Relocating your life from one place to another is no easy task. It takes a lot of planning, research, budgeting, and most importantly, the right questions. The more prepared you are with a moving plan that includes all logistics, the easier the move will be.
Getting professional moving help has the potential to decrease stress and make life easier for you on moving day. With these questions, you can eliminate non-reputable companies and find one that meets your expectations — saving you time, money, and extra headaches on moving day.
