Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring

Making sure your relocation is easy and stress-free depends greatly on choosing the proper moving company. It's crucial to research before settling for just any company that offers moving services. 

So, what questions should you be asking potential movers during your quest for that perfect fit? 

This article discusses the important inquiries you need to ensure you get the best value and high-quality moving services you deserve.

5 Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Moving Company

Making a move to a new house requires a lot of decisions within a short time frame. The number of things to do can be overwhelming, from choosing the best moving date to selecting the best supplies. The hardest decision to make when moving is choosing the right company. There are thousands of moving companies in the United States, both local and interstate. When interviewing moving companies, knowing the questions you should ask is crucial. 

Here are five questions you should ask a potential moving company to find the one that best suits your needs.

1. Are You Licensed Properly?

Ask if the company has a valid license to avoid scams or rogue movers. The United States Department of Transportation should license all interstate moving professionals. USDOT allows you to check the license number of a moving company and its complaint history online. Local moving companies, which only move customers within their state, are regulated by state law, not the U.S. Department of Transportation. The state must license local movers. Each state has different licensing and moving regulations.

You won't need to ask this question if you choose a reliable moving company in our network. Each professional moving company we work with must be licensed and fully insured.

2. Are You Familiar With the Type of Move I Am Planning?

Ask the moving company if they have experience with your type of move. If you are moving into a highrise apartment, a townhome with multiple floors (and stairs), or to a large city, ask the moving company if they have experience in this type of move. Moving companies should be prepared to deal with any situation, such as parking restrictions, steep staircases, no elevators, and narrow doorways.

3. What Types of Coverage Do You Offer for Liability?

You'll want your possessions covered in the event of an accident during relocation. Your professional moving company will have various liability coverage options, whether you are moving across town or the country. Interstate movers are required to offer Full Value Protection and Released Value liability insurance. The following is how the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) describes these choices:

• Full Value Protection: Your mover will be responsible for the value of any lost or damaged items in your shipment. This is the most comprehensive plan for protecting your possessions. Full Value Protection costs vary depending on the mover.
• Released Value Protection: Released value is the most cost-effective form of protection, as it comes at no extra charge. The protection offered is minimal. The mover is only responsible for 60 cents per pound of the article under this option.

The customer can also purchase insurance through a third-party insurance company. The FMCSA suggests you check your homeowners' insurance policy before buying insurance to ensure you are not already covered.

It would help if you also asked for proof of insurance from the moving company. Every legitimate and licensed moving company can show you their policy when asked.

4. Do You Have Any References?

Why would you hire a company to move your belongings without checking references? Ask for references before entrusting the relocation of your possessions to any company. Moving company representatives should be able to provide all the information you require when asked.

It's up to you, of course, to do the research. Asking your friends and neighbors to recommend a moving service is a great way to start. Even today, Word-of-mouth remains one of the best ways to find a reputable mover.

Look up the moving company's ratings and reviews online. Our Moving Company Directory contains customer reviews of more than 600 moving firms nationwide. These reviews include information such as the USDOT number of the moving company, its Better Business Bureau rating, and any complaints filed with FMCSA. They also indicate whether or not the moving firm is affiliated with the American Moving & Storage Association.

5. Do You Have a Binding Quote or an Estimate That Cannot Be Exceeded?

Be aware when you receive your bill. Moving companies often offer estimates that are not binding. This means the price is subject to change based on actual costs. It could be a good thing or a bad thing. You could pay more than you originally thought if your move takes more person-hours or is heavier. You could be lucky and pay less if you are not.

Do you want to know how much money you will owe before moving? Hiring a moving company with a binding written estimate will be the best option. The cost of the move will be, at most, the estimate if you have a binding estimate. The estimate should also include any additional charges and add-ons. Ask the moving company if they offer binding written estimates to their clients when you begin your search. The quote should include all add-ons, including stairs, travel times, and other services.

Asking Movers More Important Questions

The five questions listed above are essential but are only some of the questions you should ask moving companies. What else should you ask to ensure you choose the right moving company?

• How long will it take to move? The majority of long-distance moves can take between seven and ten days. Local moves are usually completed in one day. Ask for an estimated time to transport your items. You can also ask if the mover offers a guaranteed delivery date.
• What moving services are available? Does the mover provide the services you require? Do you require packing assistance, special item shipping, or expedited shipping, for example? Ask about the services that you require.
• Are you a carrier or a broker? This is a very important question if you are concerned that a broker will hand your items to another company. Brokers arrange for the transportation of your shipment using carriers hired by them. The whole transit procedure is the carrier's responsibility.
• How do you deal with claims and damages? Ask about the company's claim process to ensure it is as simple as possible.
• How can I reach you and your driver during the moving process? Can the moving company contact the driver? This process is explained in detail.
• Do you provide shipment tracking? Asking an interstate mover this question is important. Many moving companies provide online tracking of shipments.
• Will my items be moved to another party? Do you subcontract your moves? Brokers often transfer shipments to other carriers. Moving companies also use contract movers. Avoid moving companies who subcontract their work to non-employee movers.
• What additional charges may I be charged that I am not aware of? Will I have to pay for any additional moving supplies? Pricing should be transparent. Ask about all the fees you will be charged, such as moving supplies, packing services, and labor.
• Have you got a cancellation policy in place? If you cancel your appointment, certain moving firms could charge a fee. Some movers will allow you to cancel your move up to two weeks in advance without penalty. Ask the moving company for their cancellation policy.
• What are the payment methods you accept? The mover should not charge in advance. This is a warning sign if the mover wants to be paid in full upfront. Most movers will accept credit cards, checks, and cash.
• Do you have any special offers? Many moving companies provide discounts to eligible customers. Discounts are often offered to AAA members, students, and military personnel.
• Do I have to pack in a certain way? All moving companies will be able to provide you with an allowance list.
• Will you pack special items such as electronics and TVs? The majority of movers are capable of packing specialty items. We recommend that you check to ensure they have all the necessary supplies, equipment, and experience for the job.
• Do you offer storage? Ask the moving company if they provide storage services if you require storage during, before, or after your move. Many interstate moving companies offer customers short-term or long-term options for storage.
• How do you determine your prices? Ask the moving company how they determine their price when you are comparing quotes. Interstate movers usually charge by the pound and based on other factors. Local movers usually charge per hour and provide a flat rate for the move.

Interviewing Movers: Additional Tips

You can hire the best movers by asking the right questions. You should also be aware of a few other factors when interviewing movers.

Compare at least three quotes from moving companies to determine if the prices are reasonable. It's important to be aware of any differences in price between the quotes.

Prepare your questions. Print out these questions and have them ready when you interview a moving company. Highlight the questions that are relevant and important to your move.

Reviewing your budget before looking for moving quotes is a smart idea. If your budget is tight, you may need to choose full-service alternatives, such as renting a truck or a container. These two options are cheaper than hiring a full-service mover.

Beware of red flags. Be familiar with common red flags before interviewing moving companies. It will be easier to identify them. Red flags can include an estimate that is too good to be true, lack of insurance or licensing, bad reviews and complaints, unprofessional behavior and rudeness, unmarked trucks, and a demand for upfront payment.

Understand your rights and obligations when moving. Knowing your rights and obligations will help you understand your responsibilities as you hire movers. Before interviewing movers, we recommend reading the FMCSA document (link under Sources). This document will help you understand your moving contract and any paperwork you may need to sign. It will also explain how to resolve disputes and the meaning of some moving terms.

Before interviewing a moving company, check online reviews, BBB ratings, and complaint history. Consider another moving company if a particular mover has had a bad reputation. You should also ask your friends and neighbors if they've had any experience with a particular moving company. Another great way to locate a moving company is by asking trusted sources.

Conclusion

Before selecting a moving company, ask the appropriate questions to guarantee a successful and easy relocation. From checking license and insurance details and asking for references to understanding their pricing structure and service offerings, you can confidently decide on the best moving services for your needs. When you know the right questions to ask, you protect yourself from potential pitfalls.

If you're searching for a reliable moving company in Queens, consider Abreu Movers Queens. Our experience, excellent customer service, and unbeatable pricing offer a stress-free moving experience tailored to your needs. Contact us today for a free quote, and let our professional team handle your moving process from start to finish. Don't leave your move to chance; trust Abreu Movers Queens to facilitate your transition with the utmost care and efficiency.