Important questions to ask before hiring a moving company

You’ve probably been scrolling online trying to figure out what questions to ask a moving company. You have your official moving date and would like to start making plans early and find the best company to do your moving but don’t know where to start?, Well, we have some important questions to ask before hiring a moving company. It is better to be prepared before hiring a moving company to know exactly what to expect and form a trustworthy relationship with the company.

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‍Here are 11 important questions to ask before hiring a moving company:

1. Do they offer services for your type of move?
2. Are they licensed?
3. What kind of liability do they provide if any?
4. How do you contact the driver during the move?
5. Do they have a cancellation policy?
6. What forms of payment do they accept?
7. Any restrictions on what they can and can’t move?
8. Do they have references?
9. How long have they been in business?
10. Do they help with packing?
11. Any miscellaneous charges?

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1. Do they offer services for your type of move?

This is an important question because you don’t want to choose a company that doesn’t offer the type of moving services specific to your needs. You have to let them know exactly what it is you need whether it’s moving locally or across state lines. You want to be quoted the correct amount for your move, thus this should be the first question you ask.

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2. Are they licensed?

All professional moving companies should be registered and licensed in their state and with the U.S Department of Transportation. Moving companies who only do local moves should have a state license as they are regulated by the state. Interstate movers, on the other hand, should be licensed by the U.S Department of Transportation. It is the moving company's responsibility to make sure that they follow the state moving rules and regulations and license requirements.

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3. What kind of liability insurance do they provide if any?

‍‍Accidents happen and sometimes unfortunately, major damage may occur. This is when you need to find out if the company covers any damages or accidents that may occur during the move.

Think about what happens and what you would do if the movers drop an expensive mirror or tv before they even leave your home. That would be devastating for everybody, right? Thus, it is important to ask about Liability coverage.

Most moving companies will have at least 1 coverage protection for your valuables. Find out which one they offer before trusting them with your belongings.

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4. How do I contact the driver during the move?

It may happen that sometime during the move you remember you put some essentials in the truck by mistake and suddenly need them. This is when you need to get ahold of the driver so having the driver's number will help in this instance. Also, it’s important to have the driver's number just to check on the journey and see if everything is still going according to plan and everything is on time.

Sometimes delays are inevitable, the driver could be stuck somewhere due to a tire burst or some type of breakdown. In this case, it is the driver's responsibility to inform the company about any incidents. That’s why it is important to always have the driver's contact number.

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5. Do they have a cancellation policy?

Checking if the moving company has a cancellation policy is crucial. Anything can happen on the road that may inhibit your move or you may have probably found a better company with better rates that best suits your needs and want to cancel. Whatever the scenario is, you should know about the company’s cancellation policy. This will prepare you ahead of time in case you, unfortunately, need to cancel.

‍Another important thing to ask is if the company requires a deposit beforehand. Some deposits may be non-refundable. Double-check this with the moving company.

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6. What forms of payment do they accept?

Forms of payment differ by company. Like any other business. Check with your moving company to make sure you have the correct form of payment that’s acceptable. You don’t want to write them a check, only for them to tell you they don't accept that form of payment.

Ask that important question so you’re safe before hiring a moving company.

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7. Any restrictions on what they can or can’t move?

Never assume that because you’re paying the moving company, they will automatically move EVERYTHING, as with any business, there are some restrictions/ terms and conditions to what moving companies can and can’t move. These are mostly regulated by state law. Some companies may have additional restrictions to their state.

‍Some of these restrictions may include:

‍Flammable items

PetsFrozen foods

Ammunition and guns

GasolineAciAnd these are a few examples of restricted items. There’s so much more. You’ll know this by asking before hiring a moving company. Some of the restricted items can be on your person.

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8. Do they have references?

Ask to see references or testimonials from previous clients. You could also go on the company website and read reviews/ testimonials. If the company doesn’t have an existing website. However, then ask them or go to google and read reviews. Check the company on the Better Business Bureau for any complaints/ bad business practices filed against the company. This is the best way to guide you into making the final decision about a company.

Avoid companies with no references or reviews. Especially, if the rates are not comparable to similar companies in the same city.

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9. How long have they been in business?

We’re sure that this question may come as an unexpected one because there’s probably a low percentage of people who ask this and that's fine. Knowing how long a company has been in business will help guide your decision. The longer a company has existed, typically the more experience they have.

It is best to hire an experienced company with expertise in the business; rather than to hire a “2-month-old” company that’s cheaper with no experience or references whatsoever.

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10. Do they help with packing?

Packing may or may not be included in one moving quote. Typically, people will always ask about this, and it’s important. Packing takes a lot of time and energy so paying for that service should be a “no-brainer”.On the contrary, you don’t want to make the mistake of paying for a packing service and not receiving it. If you decide to let the movers pack your stuff. Make sure to document everything or even better, be present when they’re packing as they may also have some questions for you. Being present during the packing process makes things easier for both you and the movers.

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11. Any miscellaneous charges?

You need to know this just in case there are any potential charges you aren't aware of. You need to find out this information early so, you’re well prepared to make a payment if needed. This question is important if you’re crossing state lines. It also goes hand in hand with whether the company will deliver your stuff or will another company be delivering.

Some companies use subcontractors or “sister” companies to fulfil the delivery. This is why we put this as one of the most important questions to ask before hiring a moving company.

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There are other important questions you should ask before hiring a moving company:

• Any restrictions they may have?
• Do you pack big items, and fragile items like mirrors, tv, etc.?

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Conclusion

‍All the above questions are probably THE MOST important questions to ask before hiring a moving company. Always be mindful when choosing and trusting a company with your items. All your items are important and valuable thus, research about a company before hiring them and checking references is essential. Read all the fine print of all the documents the company will provide and go through every detail to secure yourself and so your moving day doesn’t become stressful.

If you choose to pack your own items, ask family and friends for help to make the moving process move faster. Have a floor plan for your family and friends. It’s also important to note what not to pack so you don’t end up paying for items you’ll throw away.

At Capital City Movers, we pride ourselves on bringing our expertise and professional movers to your home or business. Feel free to contact us for more information and for FREE QUOTE at (718) 619 4881. Also, check out our website for some more packing and moving tips and tricks that’ll help you before hiring a moving company.