To avoid surprises on moving day, it’s always a good idea to prepare questions to ask your mover at the time of your estimate. Knowing the right questions will help you identify the right moving company to hire for your residential move.
When gathering quotes from different companies to compare movers and make the right decision for your household, the following questions are good to ask.
How long have you been in business?
The first questions you ask should be about the company itself because you want to know who you are entrusting your belongings to handle your move. Ask about the company’s history – for instance, how long have they been in business? Other questions you can ask relate to how they hire labor and whether they have full-time employees handling moves.
Do you offer additional services?
The primary service you’ll want is getting your possessions from point A to point B. However, there may be other services you’re interested in to help facilitate your move. If you need additional services, ask whether the company does packing/unpacking, disassembly, reassembly, and storage.
How do you estimate the costs of a customer’s move?
When it comes to pricing, there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all structure. Be sure to ask each company if they charge by the hour or by calculating the amount of weight they’re moving for you. Other factors sometimes apply, such as the size of the moving team and how far the move will be. An overall idea of how companies charge will help you plan and choose a company to work with.
Are your estimates binding or non-binding?
Moving companies generally use two types of contracts when providing estimates: binding and non-binding. Binding estimates are a set amount you can expect to pay, whereas non-binding estimates can change based on the weight of your move and any other factors that may adjust pricing. Also, ask about cancelation policies so you know your options.
Are there any additional fees beyond the estimate?
In some instances, companies may add extra fees to the final cost of the move, so be sure to ask beforehand so you don’t encounter surprises. Additional fees might include oversized items, fuel surcharges, flight charges (stairs), or other fees for non-typical situations.
Do you have any references to share?
Companies are typically pleased to provide references from satisfied customers who have used their services. Don’t be shy about asking! Most will be proud to share references and customer reviews. You can also look online to find additional reviews. Read a few pages to understand how customers felt about their experiences.
Is your moving company accredited?
The company you’re doing business with should have proper registration, licenses, and insurance, so ask about this. This way, you know your belongings are in good hands. Ask for its FMCSA number so you can look it up online.
Sorting it all Out
Connecting with the right moving company will provide you with the peace of mind you want when planning the details of your move. As a rule of thumb, try to get at least three estimates.
Ready to start planning? Contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
