10 Essential Questions to Ask Moving Companies
Hiring movers can be stressful, so people should only speak with companies they know and trust. Moving companies like Valet Moving Services – Round Rock Movers can help you get everything you own to your new home. They can help you pack and unpack everything, so you don’t need to think about that. That’s because there are many benefits to hiring a moving company.
However, it would be best to ask them specific questions before using them. These questions are here to help you choose the right moving company for your needs because there are many.
These are questions to ask moving companies when it’s time for you to move on to your next adventure.
Is Your Company a Licensed Mover?
Moving companies must be part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This license will prove that the moving company is legit and not a scam. Lot moving companies claim to be legitimate businesses, but they are trying to scam people of their money and belongings.
You have all the right to ask for the number so that you can check on the official website. Many moving companies are creating fake licenses, so you need to be smarter than them. A moving company that does not have anything to hide will let you have the license number without any hassle. That is why you should ask and check it for yourself.
However, you should remember that this does not mean that the moving company will charge you fairly. The license will not affect the prices or the service quality, but it does mean that you are working with a reputed moving company.
At the bottom of the home page, you will find two numbers. One will be the MC number, and the other will be the USDOT number. You can use both numbers on the FMCSA’s website to see if this company is licensed. Once everything is checked, you can rest easy knowing that you’re using good company.
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Do You Have Any Previous Experience with My Type of Move?
Depending on the move you’re completing, you should ask the company if it has experience with it. If it’s a commercial move, you will want to ensure that the company you’re using knows how to complete this to your standard. A company offering packing and unpacking services does not mean that these services are the best if you have many expensive items.
Another example will be if you’re moving art pieces. You will want to ask if the moving vehicles have been serviced. Having moving vehicles serviced properly will ensure that the temperature control system works. Some art pieces must be kept at a specific temperature during the move. The last thing someone wants is their items to be damaged because the vehicles are not in proper condition.
And if it’s an intrastate move or an international move, the company will need to be comfortable moving your things that far. Some companies will have the ability to do this, but others may not. It will all depend on the knowledge and expertise that this company has.
How Long Has Your Moving Business Been in Industry?
When hiring a moving company, you must always look at the years it has been in business. This doesn’t mean you’ll receive the best service of your life, though. Some companies might have become lazy with their moving services or packing services. However, many local movers who do not have as many years in the business may put in the extra effort so that you can recommend the team to other people.
A moving company will notify you how long the company has been in business, but that doesn’t mean you should choose a company that has been around for longer over a newer one. You should still ask the other questions on this list to better understand the team and their values.
What Sort of Liability Coverage Do You Offer?
A professional moving company will have liability insurance, but you should always ask about it. There is the standard insurance that every moving company will have, and that’s basic liability coverage. This will be free of charge, which means your belongings will be covered for $0.30 per pound for intrastate moves and $0.60 for interstate moves.
However, there is complete value protection as well. Lot moving companies will offer complete value protection for your items, which means your items will be covered up to the present market value. That means if your belongings break or are damaged during the move, you will receive enough money to either fix them or buy new ones.
Since moving companies do not need to offer this coverage, you should ask before hiring. Also, some moving companies will have coverage plans for you to check.
Can You Provide References and Recommendations?
Reputable movers will have company reviews because every company will want people to know that previous customers enjoyed the service. You can find reviews online, which are great to read, but the company will have some too. When you find any reviews online, you should read detailed ones because you know that a real customer most likely writes this.
Some people may post a short review to help a friend’s business, which is why a detailed review is better. Also, when you check for references, you’re making it easier to spot any scams. Many scam movers will have short reviews that are vague because it has been written by someone who has never used the service.
Also, do not always trust everything you see on the website regarding reviews. Getting fake reviews to circulate on any website is easy, so doing your research is better. You will have a finer chance of finding genuine reviews if you look for them and ask for them.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a specialty move, you should always ask for previous experience. The company may have never completed a move like yours, so they won’t have any reviews that claim they have. However, if it has a review that tells you how good it was with a complicated move, you will feel more at ease using this company.
Is This Company Capable of Providing Binding Estimates?
Moving companies can be sneaky with their pricing and estimates. That’s because the cost of moving services can change depending on the job. However, many moving companies will give you a free estimate and then increase it once you’ve signed for it. That is why you must always ask for a binding estimate.
When you receive a binding estimate, the moving company will not increase its prices. However, this will only work if the move goes to plan and you don’t add anything else to your move last minute. Also, you should remember that some moving companies don’t offer binding estimates, but that does not mean they will increase the price.
Many moving companies will honor the price that has been given to you at the beginning. Either way, it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the pricing because you don’t want to be shocked when you receive the price at the end.
How Do You Respond to a Claim?
You know that there are moving companies that have coverage, but what happens if you need to put in a claim? Well, you should always speak to the customer service representative about the claim process of the moving company because all moving companies are different. It is more valuable to ask this question at the beginning just in case something happens in the moving truck on your way to your new home.
Also, a moving company may have hidden fees when it comes to claims. This shouldn’t happen, but many moving companies do. That is where customer reviews come in because they should help you determine if there will be any hidden fees. Additionally, you’ll know if this moving company does pay customers back after the damage is done.
If the moving company has not paid customers back, you should look elsewhere in the moving industry. Lastly, when the moving company is bringing your stuff into the new area, you should check everything carefully through the boxes.
Things can become damaged in the moving truck, during the packing services, or when items are being put away. The best thing to do is to be diligent about your belongings because the shorter you file a claim, the better.
What Services Do You Consider to Be “Extras,” and How Much Do You Charge for Them?
No one wants to be surprised when it comes to their move because you want to save money and time when using a moving company. However, it is not uncommon for moving companies to have hidden fees applied to the final moving cost after all of your belongings have been dropped off. A moving company has many different services in the final moving cost like packing and transporting. Having an idea of how much moving companies charge for these services is important because you can factor that into the final cost.
However, you should ask about other services like flight fees, which can be applied depending on if they need to carry the items up some stairs. Also, storage services may be available, which means you might be able to keep your belongings in storage at an extra cost. Additionally, storage in transit fees may be applied depending on the move and your circumstances.
Either way, you should always ask about any hidden fees that may be applied at the end of your move. Also, don’t be afraid to question their other services because you might need to use them. It is better that you’re prepared for it in advance.
What Will Happen If My Things Arrive Before I Do?
Regarding questions to ask moving companies, delivery dates should be a priority. This is because things happen, and sometimes, the moving crew is just too efficient with their job. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving locally or out of state; you should always ask about guaranteed delivery dates. This is because you should know when your things will arrive at your destination.
Many companies will ensure that the date you’ve been told your things will be there is the date they will be there. However, that doesn’t always mean that you’ll have an easy time getting there. We understand that things happen when you’re moving, but that means you should be prepared for any additional fees that might be thrown your way.
This means your things might need to be placed in a storage facility or kept in the tuck for safekeeping. If this happens, then you might be charged for it. However, you can ask for shipment tracking, so you are more likely to know where your things are, and you can ensure to be there before your items arrive.
Even if you are there before your things, shipment tracking is helpful because you can check where your belongings are at any time.
What Are Your Deposit Procedures, and What If I Want to Cancel My Move?
We know that there are many causes why you need to cancel your move, and that’s okay. Professional movers know that life gets in the way sometimes, and things need to change. However, you will need to ask the same company what the cancellation policy is before you hire them. This is because not every moving company is the same.
Some moving companies will let you cancel your move free of charge if it is ahead of schedule. Some reliable movers will allow you to cancel your move all the way up until the day before. However, most companies will keep some or all of your deposit if you have canceled your move within a specific time frame. Also, some moving companies will charge you an extra fee for cancellation.
If you think you might not need that moving truck at the end of the day, you should ask the moving company about the cancellation policies. You don’t want to be blindsided by the moving company’s cancellation policy before you sign any contracts.
In Conclusion
When hiring movers, you should ensure they are ready to help you with everything you need. Make sure you inquire about the team’s expertise and any company reviews. You want to work with a staff that understands how to complete their job well. Also, ask about the many moving services the company offers.
Depending on the move you want to complete, you should ask for specific services that will help. If you are moving an office or art pieces, the move should cater to your needs. Also, it would be ideal if you talked about the distance. Not all moving companies can move your belongings out of state, but some can. Depending on what you need, you should speak with a team member right away.
Also, you should speak about the delivery date. Movers will always try to meet the delivery date because the company does not want to have to give any money back or ruin its reputation. However, that may mean that the movers might show up before you. If you are only a few minutes away, you’ll be fine, but if the company is being made to wait for a long time, you might have a problem.
Remember to speak to a team member about what happens if you are late to the destination. Some companies will surprise you at the end with some hidden fees, but you don’t deserve that. If you make the moving company aware that you know about the potential of hidden fees, then you are putting yourself in a good position.
Lastly, always remember to ask about the company’s license. You do not want to hire a scam company because then, you can say goodbye to your things and your money. The numbers should always be on the website, but you can also ask the company to provide them. Once you have the numbers, check them on the FMCSA’s website to know whether the company is licensed.
You should always pick a company you can trust with your belongings. No one wants to work with a company that they can’t trust. You deserve the finest when it comes to movers, so remember to ask questions about the services you will receive. If you don’t, then you might not be fully prepared, or you may be scammed.
It is better to be ready for your move than to be surprised at the end of it.
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