Top 5 Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring Them

Some moving companies have hidden costs that are not clearly stated in their contracts. Asking about these fees before hiring a company is important to avoid any surprises.

You should also inquire about the methods the company uses to protect furniture during transport. They should be able to explain how they will wrap your furniture in moving blankets and use furniture straps to prevent damage.

1. What is your pricing structure?

Many moving companies offer a variety of services, from packing and storage to transportation and assembly. It’s important to ask the company what packages they have available and how much they cost. This will help you determine which service is best suited to your needs and budget.

Asking about the company’s pricing structure is an important part of gauging their expertise and trustworthiness. Reputable moving companies should have no problem providing you with references from previous customers. You should also find out whether they provide guaranteed delivery dates and if these are in writing.

You should also ask the movers if they offer additional services, such as furniture disassembly and reassembly or storage. They should be able to explain their methods and equipment, including moving dollies and shoulder straps, to protect your belongings during transport.

You should also find out if they have a powered lift on their truck, which can save time and prevent back injuries. Additionally, you should find out if they have any hidden fees or charges, such as long carries or extra stops.

2. Do you have a cancellation policy?

A cancellation policy is important to have in place because there are a lot of things that can go wrong during a move, and sometimes it’s necessary to cancel a reservation. Ask the moving company what their cancellation policies are before hiring them. Some companies will charge a fee to cancel a reservation, while others may allow you to cancel without penalty as long as it’s done far enough in advance.

It’s also important to find out what kind of liability coverage options they offer. This is especially true for moves that are considered high-risk, such as moving to a high-rise apartment building or a townhome with steep stairs. Moving companies should be able to explain their policy in detail and provide you with an estimate of how much it will cost.

Also, find out whether they have their own employees or if they subcontract. Companies that employ their own employees are more likely to have quality standards and a formal training process in place, which can make your move less stressful. Also, they’ll be able to address any concerns you have about specific people working on your move.

3. Do you have a rescheduling policy?

If you’re moving across the country, a guaranteed delivery date can help you avoid the stress of eating takeout on your empty dining room table for too long. Make sure you know if your mover offers this feature and what their policy is if something goes wrong with the shipment, like weather or a truck breakdown.

Many reputable moving companies will send someone to do an in-home estimate so they can determine the exact amount of time it will take to pack and load your furniture. The salesperson should also be able to go by your new home or talk with you to determine any extenuating circumstances that might make the move more difficult, expensive, or risky.

It’s also important to find out whether the company offers Full Value Protection, which covers all your items up to their actual replacement value, or Released Value Protection, which only pays for a portion of the cost of your possessions based on their weight. Then you can decide which option will best suit your needs and budget.

4. Are you insured?

When it comes to hiring movers, you want to make sure that they are insured in case something goes wrong. If one of their laborers gets hurt while moving your items and the company isn’t insured, you could be held liable. Make sure to ask how many men will be working on your move and if they offer workers' compensation insurance.

Also, ask the company if they are bonded and licensed. This is a good indication that they are a legitimate business and will do a better job with your belongings. Additionally, you should ask if they have Full Value Protection (FVP) coverage that will reimburse you for damaged or lost items.

You should also ask about additional services such as packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and storage. These extra services can add up quickly, so it’s important to understand them upfront. Be sure to discuss any potential hidden fees with the movers during the in-home estimate, such as long carries or additional stops. This will avoid any surprises on a moving day.

5. Do you have a moving checklist?

A moving checklist will help you stay organized and on top of all the tasks that need to be done during your move. It will also help you avoid any hidden fees that many moving companies tend to hide behind mountains of legal-speak, misrepresent or not disclose before they appear on your final bill.

Ask your movers what packing materials they use to protect your items. Ideally, your movers should be using high-quality packing materials like bubble wrap and packing paper, as well as sturdy boxes. They should also have proper furniture dollies and shoulder straps to transport heavy items up and down stairs.

Finally, ask your movers about their experience with specialty items, such as pianos, pool tables, or antique family heirlooms. They should be able to answer your questions in detail and provide you with a quote for their services.

Lastly, it is important to ask about the moving company’s licensing and insurance status. This will ensure that they are legitimate and abide by the state’s safety standards. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that you are protected in case something goes wrong during your move.

Give us a call at (850) 321-5898 or request a quote if you want to move with one of Florida's highest-rated customer satisfaction moving companies. Make your next move, your best move with Experienced Movers.