Moving is always challenging. It’s a stressful time, and there are many things to consider before, during, and after the move. You want to ensure your items get packed up safely, transported safely, and then unpacked into your new home in one piece.
According to the US Census Bureau, 8.4% of people moved in 2021, down from 9.3% in 2020. The primary reason for moving is housing related. That’s why it’s essential to hire a moving company that has all of its bases covered. Here are some questions you should ask any potential movers before hiring them.
How Long Have You Been in Business?
What kind of experience does the moving company have? They have built a good reputation if they have been in business for a long time. A promising sign that a company is legitimate is if you can find out when it started its business and how many moves they have made since opening. It will help you determine whether or not they are reputable and trustworthy.
If you are looking for movers in San Diego, ask them how long they have been in the business in the area. When did they first open in the San Diego region? Do they have repeat clients in San Diego and nearby areas? These questions will help you pick a reliable moving company in San Diego that you can trust with your valuables.
Are You Licensed and Insured?
You should also ask if they are licensed and insured. You want to hire a company with a good reputation, and licensing shows that they’re serious about what they do. Insurance is also essential because it covers any damages during the move, which can be costly if your stuff gets damaged or lost to you as the consumer.
When hiring movers, always ask if they have insurance. It protects you from liability for anything that may go wrong during the move. Most moving companies carry general liability insurance coverage, but it’s also wise to confirm whether this covers any damage done by their employees on their own time. According to Statista, there are 18,500 moving businesses in the US, so you can always find one licensed and insured.
Can You Give Me a Breakdown of Your Costs?
You can get a general idea of how much your move will cost by finding out what other similar moves have cost in the past. It’s important to remember that these prices can vary depending on the size of your move, so be sure to call around and ask questions before you set a price with any mover. According to MoveBuddha, hiring professional movers for a local move can average between $300 and $3,500.
Another way to get an accurate estimate is by asking your moving company how they’ll charge for their services. Some moving companies charge by weight and others by volume, so make sure you know which one applies to you before giving them final approval.
Do You Have References From Recent Moves?
Before you hire a moving company, it’s essential to ask for references. It will help you feel more comfortable with the company and what they offer. If your potential mover has only one or two references from other customers, it might be a red flag that they only have a few jobs. It’s also essential that the reference is recent; if someone references their move from five years ago, it may have been better than they remember.
When asking for a reference, ask for details about the move itself. Did everything go smoothly? Were there any problems? How much did things cost in total? The answers to these questions will help you determine whether or not this moving company is right for your next move.
Once you’ve received some referrals from past clients, call them and ask why they chose this moving company over others. Ask them about their overall experience. How long did it take from start to finish? Was there anything unexpected along the way? How satisfied were they with how everything went down overall?
Does the Company Have a Physical Office?
The company should have a physical office. Not only is it more convenient for you to meet with them, but it also shows that they have a local presence which means that you’re dealing with a real business.
Ask for their address and phone number if you need to reach them directly or check on something later. If they provide these details, they could be more professional and trustworthy. Or worse yet, they are running an illegal operation.
What Equipment Will You Use for My Move?
Ask the moving company what equipment they use and how much it will cost. The right equipment can make all the difference when it comes to your move. If you’re planning on hiring movers for a large or difficult-to-move item, such as an antique desk, a piano, or a pool table, be sure to give yourself plenty of time before your move date so that professionals can properly move these items.
Research the types of vehicles and dollies used by local moving companies in your area. This way, you will know if there are any limitations in terms of size or weight that affect how much stuff can fit into them at once. For example, if your couch is too big for one person but easy enough for two people to lift onto their shoulders, do not hire someone who uses only hand trucks.
Will I Know My Movers Before They Arrive at My Door?
You should know who your movers are before they arrive at your door. You need to trust the people handling your belongings, and it’s essential to be able to see their credentials and licenses. If a mover has these things available, consider hiring another company.
You should also know the names of your movers and have a phone number for them in case of any questions or concerns during your move. It is crucial if you’re moving on a weekend when customer service offices may not be open, but someone could still answer the phone if needed.
How Do Your Protection Packages Work?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, your mover is responsible for the value of goods they have undertaken to transport. Before hiring a moving company, you’ll want to know what protection packages are. A protection package is an insurance policy that covers your belongings during the move.
The plan usually requires that you pack and unpack your things, but it can be worth the trouble if something happens to your furniture or appliances in transit.
You’ll need a protection plan if:
- You’ve got expensive stuff that isn’t already covered by homeowners’ insurance
- You’re moving out of state (and have heavier items than usual)
Do You Offer Storage?
Storage is an excellent option for people who are moving long distances. If you are planning on moving from one city to another and your new home isn’t ready immediately, you might find that storage can be a good solution.
Storage can also be helpful if you need to move but need more time and money. For example, if your apartment lease ends on Friday and your new house isn’t available until Tuesday, storing all your belongings for one week could save some stress and money.
Do You Offer Packing Services?
You’ll have to pay for packing services if you hire a professional moving company. Many people do their packing, but sometimes it makes more sense to leave it to the professionals. Hiring movers with packing services may be worth the extra cost if you have a lot of heavy boxes and furniture or are moving far away from your current home. It depends on your situation and how much stuff you’re moving.
Conclusion
If the moving company cannot answer these questions, it may be time to find another service provider. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be damaged during a move because no one was willing or able to answer your questions! That’s why we recommend asking these questions of any potential moving company so that you can make an informed decision before hiring them.
We hope you found this blog post on Top Questions to Ask the Moving Company Before You Hire Them useful. Be sure to check out our post on Benefits of Hiring a Local Moving Company for more great tips!
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