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9 Important Questions to Ask Moving Companies Before Hiring One

Apr 14, 2020

Uprooting your life and moving all of your possessions isn’t easy. Six out of ten people claim moving is the most stressful thing to do in life. Participants placed moving as more stressful and tedious than going through a divorce.

To ease your stress and physical labor, professional moving companies are available for hire. However, you need to ensure your belongings are in the right hands. That’s why there are essential moving company interview questions to ask before signing a contract.

We’ve listed out nine of the best questions to ask moving companies, so your move is as smooth as butter.

1. How Many Years Have You Been in Business?

When it comes to questions to ask movers, start with business credibility. Learn about the history of the company by inquiring how many years the movers have been in business. 

Hiring a moving company involves a lot of trust, so you want to be sure you’re working with a well-established business. Older companies have more experience with moving different types of materials. They may have a list of expansive business contacts that can assist with the move, such as reputable cleaning companies in the area. 

If the company you’re considering hasn’t been around that long, don’t discredit them. Ask further questions about the jobs they have completed and the experience of the individual movers. New companies may have experienced team members, which ensures a high-quality moving experience.

2. What Are Your Business Credentials?

When you do business with any company, you must ensure the business has its necessary credentials. Before hiring a moving company, find out if the business is properly licensed, bonded, and insured.

Moving companies should be registered and insured through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). Ask your moving company for its USDOT Number to confirm its legitimacy. Working with a properly bonded and licensed company protects you and your belongings.

3. What Are Your Costs? Are There Extra Fees?

There are a few different questions to ask movers when getting estimates. Before you sign a contract, you should know what you’ll be spending and why. 

First, inquire about how the company determines costs. A trustworthy business is transparent with customers regarding pricing structures. Some movers charge by weight and distance, while others charge by the hour. Depending on your move, one pricing structure might be more beneficial than the other.

Once you have an estimate, ask about extra fees. You don’t want to be surprised with a list of added charges on the day of your move. Extra fees include long carry charges, oversized item fees, and fuel surcharges.

Finally, determine if the estimate is binding or non-binding.

Non-binding estimates can increase based on the weight and duration of your move. Binding estimates, on the other hand, guarantee your total cost. The final cost of the customer cannot exceed the amount written on the binding estimate. The estimate can decrease, but it cannot increase.

4. How Do You Handle Oversized Items?

If you’re moving large furniture, talk to your moving company about its policies regarding oversized items. Some movers charge extra fees and labor costs for moving oversized items. You also want to make sure the movers are well-equipped to safely handle large and bulky items.

Ask your moving company what is considered a specialty or oversized item. Oversized items can include:

  • Large house plants
  • Instruments (such as a piano or drum set)
  • Large mirrors or fine art
  • Animal habitats and cages
  • Bulky furniture

Some movers categorize oversized items based on weight, while others have special categories for larger pieces of furniture and collectibles. Find out what your company’s process is to ensure your belongings are moved safely without damage.

5. What Other Services Do You Provide?

At a minimum, a moving company will supply the truck and the crew. But some companies offer additional assistance that you may want to take advantage of. That’s why your list of moving company questions should include other services that can make your moving process smoother.

Examples of additional services include professional packing and unpacking services. Some moving companies offer appliance disconnection serves. Find out about these extra products and the costs they add to your move. 

6. Who Is Responsible for Loading and Unloading?

Before you choose your moving company, find out who is responsible for loading and unloading your supplies. Fragile and heavy objects should be transported by experienced professionals. Make sure the company you’re going into business employs respectable movers who are physically able to get the job done right.

7. What Insurance Options Do You Offer?

Moving companies are not allowed to sell insurance. However, professional movers must provide customers with valuation options. There are a few different valuation options available.

Released value protection covers 30 cents per pound for IL. It doesn’t recover a damaged item’s full market value. This is the standard insurance protection that comes with any professional moving job.

Of course, you are eligible to forgo the mover’s valuation options and work with a third-party insurance provider. Third-party moving insurance covers damage from natural disasters and covers items of extraordinary value (as in items that equal over $100 per pound).

8. What Can I Do to Prepare for Moving Day?

One of the most important questions for movers is finding out how you can prepare for the big day. You want to work with a business that is organized and well-prepared.

A reputable moving company will tell you what to expect from them. In addition, they should let you know of anything you can do to best prepare for the move. This may include special packaging instructions, sorting out your belongings, and proper labeling.

9. Are There References I Can Review?

Finally, one of the final moving company questions is asking for references or reviews.

Well-established businesses should have customer testimonials and reviews on-hand for you to check out. Some companies may have contact information for previous customers that you can touch base with to ensure you’re working with a reputable moving business.

Questions to Ask Moving Companies and More

Moving is a big deal, which is why there are questions to ask moving companies before agreeing to do business with them. Asking the right questions ensures you’re working with a well-equipped and professional team that will handle your belongings with care.

If you’re looking for professional movers, you’ve come to the right place. Our team is one of the best in Illinois. Contact us to learn more about services and to start asking your questions.

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