Approximately 14 percent (that’s 40 million people) in the U.S. move at least once each year. If you are planning a move, then one of the best things you can do is find and hire a quality moving company.
However, before hiring a professional moving company, think about this – are you really willing to open your home and let strangers in to tamper with your belongings? Can you really trust another person (or several people) that much?
If you find the right moving company, you can. The key here is to find the “right company.” Keep reading to learn a few questions you need to ask before hiring a moving company.
When you ask the right questions, you can have confidence in the moving company you ultimately hire.
1. Does the Moving Company have a Registration Number?
The moving company you hire needs to have a registration number, which is issued by the FMSCA – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This registration number is officially called a USDOT number.
Keep in mind, if you are hiring a moving company that doesn’t handle out-of-state moves, then they may not be registered. It’s best to check with the FMCSA to find out for sure.
2. Does the Mover Have Experience with Your Specific Type of Move?
You need to make sure to ask the moving company if they have prior experience handling the type of move you are planning.
For example, if you have plans to move into a high-rise apartment building, to a big city, or to a townhome with several stories, then you need to find out if the company you are hiring has prior experience with this.
The mover you hire should be properly prepared to handle the job. This can include things like small doorways, no elevators, steep stairs, parking restrictions, and other limitations.
3. What Type of Liability Coverage Does the Company Provide?
It’s important to make sure the company you plan to hire is properly insured and liable for damage.
Keep in mind, basic liability protection only covers a portion of your belongings (the value is also based on item weight) and doesn’t allow punitive damage claims.
The company should be able to provide you with full value protection. This is likely going to cost more. However, by paying this additional fee, movers are liable for the value of your items based on cost, not weight.
4. Can the Company Provide You with References?
There’s a good chance you would never hire an employee without first checking their references, right?
If this is the case, why would you hire a moving company before asking for theirs?
Before you entrust your belongings to a relocation company, be sure to ask for references. When asked this question, a quality moving representative should be able to give you the information you need.
However, it’s up to you to do your homework. When looking for a moving company, it’s a good idea to ask for recommendations from neighbors and friends.
Even today, word-of-mouth is one of the most reliable routes to finding a quality, reliable mover. Before hiring anyone, though, it is a good idea to look at the mover’s online ratings and reviews.
5. Are Employees of the Company Covered by Liability and Workers’ Compensation Insurance?
While this may not seem like a huge concern for you, it is one that you need to find out about. If the company doesn’t provide proper insurance coverage for their workers, it could mean trouble for you.
Without this coverage, if an employee is injured while handling your move, on your property, you may have to pay for any injuries that occur on your property.
6. Does the Moving Company Have the Right Equipment?
This question doesn’t just refer to the right size moving truck. Movers should also have a few dollies, as well as hoisting equipment, and other special gear your situation requires.
If the moving company uses subcontractors to handle part of the move, make sure to ask for references for them, and look into their background, too.
You want to have confidence in the movers you hire and trust them in your home, and with your belongings.
7. Is the Moving Company Willing to Provide a Not-to-Exceed Estimate or a Binding Quote?
When you receive the bill from the moving company, be sure it doesn’t contain any unwelcome surprises. For the most part, moving companies will provide non-binding estimates.
This means the estimated price of your move may change, based on actual costs. This could wind up being bad or good.
If you want to know exactly what you are going to be charged, before the job is done, then it’s a good idea to hire a moving company that offers a binding estimate. This ensures the cost they quote you for the move won’t exceed the original estimate.
It’s important for the binding estimate to include any possible charges and add-ons that may occur. When starting your search for a moving company, be sure to ask if they offer binding estimates.
Make Your Move Hassle Free with the Right Professional Service
When it is time for you to hire a moving company, there are more than a few things to consider. The questions here will help you find a quality and reliable company to handle the job.
Our team is dedicated to providing you with the quality, professional services you need. If you are ready to hire a quality mover and want to find out how much it will cost, click here for an instant quote.