QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR MOVER

When it comes to using a home moving company, there are certain things you should find about your company before choosing a home mover.   Even if they are not home movers, and they are corporate, interviewing your company will give you a good feel of who you are dealing with.  Below are a list of questions and information you should you find out with before making your decision.

1. How long has your company been in business?  Finding out how long the company has been in business is a good idea, a company can be a newer company and still be a decent company if run right or the owner has a lot of experience, etc, but this can give you a good feel of how long the company has been operating and how much experience your company has.
2. Is your company licensed and insured?  Finding out if the company is licensed to do moves in your state whether it is locally or long distance.  Some states do not require the mover to be licensed, but other states are very strict on their licensing laws.  It is important that you understand your laws, and requirements on the type of move you are doing, and don’t be shy to ask your company to provide you with a general copy of their certificate of insurance, or license # so you can verify this information.
3. Do you work on any accounts in the area? If a company is doing work regularly in an area, it is a good sign that they are doing a good job, if they have continuous accounts, or do regular business with someone.
4. Ask for references:  Remember your family and friends are the best reference, because all movers should be able to come up with someone that likes them.
5. How will you handle?  Whether it is dealing with closing issues, on if they charge down time? Or handling artwork? Or wrapping furniture, etc (anything that is pertaining to your move, it is a good idea to ask ahead of time, so your mover is prepared and there are no surprises on the back side for you or the mover.
6. What forms of payment do you take?  Finding out what your mover accepts whether it is MasterCard, visa, American express, discover, check, certified or cash, this is an important question to discuss ahead of time.
7. What is your deliver time?  Will your move be done in 1 day, when will you pick my items up?  What time will you start?  What day will I receive my shipment?  This is an important part of your move; you should have this information ahead of time.
8. Do you require a deposit?  Some movers may require a small deposit upfront to reserve the date, etc.
9. Are there any cancellation fees?  Don’t schedule a mover if you are still shopping around, that is unfair to the company, but situations do occur where you may need to cancel, (closing issues, emergency situation, etc, find out from your mover ahead of time, so you are not shocked if something does arise).
10. For the estimator, you can ask how long they have been doing estimates, so you know how likely there quote will match the actual price?
11. Will your shipment be on the truck by itself or combined with any other moves?
12. Does the company have storage?  This is important in case of closing or other issues that come up.
13. Can you accommodate? Maybe it’s an extra stop, or extra pieces, etc, find out ahead of time so you are not worrying during moving day?
14. What type of insurance/valuation options is available to me?  Cover this ahead of time; most companies have a 2-4 different options that they will offer the consumer.
15. Will you provide your quote in writing?  If a mover will not give you a written estimate, you may want to look elsewhere, but just remember some states like Ohio do not require a written estimate if the move is less than $500 or booked within 5 days of the moving date.
16. Ask for a guaranteed date, time frame in writing.  This way if there are any situations you have your end of the deal.
17. Ask your mover for their address, phone #, and make sure they exist.  There are some rogue companies on there, so make sure you are dealing with a reputable company.
18. What may change their price?  Will an extra stop, or extra pieces, or longer wait time, etc (find this out on the front side, so if there are any situations, you are prepared for extra costs that could incur).
19. What items cannot be shipped?  Find out if your company will not take items, most moving companies will not move hazardous (unless licensed to do so) or plants, animals, etc.
20. Who will be my contact person on move date?  Make sure you can get a hold of someone.

So whether you are using a home mover, or corporate mover, or a self serve mover, make sure you ask questions, so there are no surprises on move day.