Make sure you hire the right moving company with trained professionals who will do everything they can to make your move easier, whether you are moving locally, or long distance. Here are five questions to ask a moving company before you hire them:
#1. Can you provide me three references?
Request references and quotes from at least three different moving companies, and find out how long they have been in business. Check online with the BBB, 'Better Business Bureau' to see what complaints they may have filed against them, and be sure to ask the moving company if they are fully licensed, insured and bonded. Contact the three references for each company you’re considering and inquire about their experience.
#2. What services do you offer?
If you need a pool table or a piano moved, or your car transported, be sure that the moving company you are considering offers all of the specific services you require.
#3. Do you provide an in-home estimate?
This is essential for the movers to give you an accurate estimate but also gives you a chance to continue to evaluate possible moving companies. Get in-home estimates from at least three businesses and compare the services each one offers to give yourself an apples-to-apples view of their estimates. Ask about additional fees and get everything in writing, including your pickup and delivery dates.
#4. Will you create an inventory of my items?
Creating an inventory is a valuable tool for you as you pare down and organize all of your items. Many moving companies also create an inventory to keep track of your belongings. This will help confirm that they have safely moved everything and is especially important if you’re making a multi-truck or long-distance move.
#5. What happens if something gets broken or damaged?
Even professionals break things. Some movers offer optional full value protection to replace or repair items that are damaged or lost. Depending on a mover’s coverage, a more expensive quote may be the better option.
After your move, carefully inspect your items to make sure they all arrived safely and were not damaged or lost during the move. Go through your new property to check that the movers did not damage any of the doorways, walls and other areas. If you see something amiss after the movers have left, report it to the moving company asap and be sure to save all pieces of any damaged items.
TIP: If you want to help others evaluate their moving company options, you can leave an online review about your experience with the moving company, including whether you would hire them again or not.