Moving to a new home means making a lot of decisions in a very short amount of time. From selecting the best supplies to choosing the right move date, the number of to-dos can become downright overwhelming. The most important relocation decision also happens to be the hardest: choosing the right moving company.
With thousands of local and interstate moving companies located throughout California, there are too many choices. It’s important to ask the right questions before hiring a moving company for the job. To find the relocation company best fitting your specific needs, here are five questions you should ask them first.
1. Are the Moving Company Properly Licensed?
To avoid moving scams and rogue movers, make sure to ask whether the moving company is properly licensed. All professional interstate moving companies should have a license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. You can check their license number and complaint history here. On the other hand, local moving companies who only relocate customers within the same state are regulated by the state – not the U.S. Department of Transportation. Therefore, local movers should hold a state license. It’s important to note each state has its own set of moving regulations and license requirements.
2. Do They Have Experience with the Specific Type of Move You Want?
Be sure to ask the moving company whether or not they have ample experience handling your specific type of move. For instance, if you’re moving to a high-rise apartment building, a townhome with multiple stories (and steps), or to a big city, you should inquire whether the moving company has experience with the type of move. Movers should be well-prepared to handle anything coming their way – i.e. parking restrictions, steep stairs, no elevators, and small doorways.
What Kind of Liability Coverage Does the Company Provide?
Before handing over your things, you’ll want to make sure your belongings are covered in case of a mishap during the relocation. Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, your professional moving company should have multiple liability coverage options for you to choose from.
4.Do You Have References?
You wouldn’t hire an employee without checking their references, so why would you hire a moving company without asking for theirs? Before entrusting your belongings to a relocation company, ask for references. When prompted a moving company representative should be able to provide you with all the information you need.
Of course, it’s always up to you to do your homework. When searching for a moving company, I recommend asking friends and neighbors for recommendations. Even in this day-and-age, word-of-mouth is still one of the most reliable routes to finding a trustworthy mover. Another must: double-check the moving company’s online reviews and ratings.
5. Can You Provide a Binding Quote or a Not-to-Exceed Estimate?
Don’t let your bill leave you with any unwelcome surprises. Many moving companies offer non-binding estimates, which means the estimated price of your move is subject to change, depending on actual costs. This could end up being a good or bad thing. If your move requires more man-hours or is heavier than originally estimated, you could end up paying more than the original estimate. If not, you could end up getting lucky and paying less.
All add-ons and services, such as stairs, travel time, and more, should be included and clearly laid out in the quote.