Moving to a new home can be somewhat chaotic with all the decisions to be made in a short period of time. The to-do list can seem never-ending and overwhelming, from choosing a moving date to getting packing supplies, to scheduling utility changes, and so much more. There is also the decision of choosing the right professional moving compay to hanndle your relocation. That brings us to the subject of what questions to ask prospective movers when you evaluate your mover options. At Berger Allied Moving & Storage, our team has the resources, know-how, and dedication to provide you with a seamless and safe moving experience.
Some important questions to ask a prospective moving company include:
- Do You Have Proper Licensing?
Determining if the company is properly licensed will help you avoid any potential rogue movers or scammers out there. Every interstate moving company is required to have a moving license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). You can look up a mover’s license number and any history of complaints against the company on the USDOT website.
On the other hand, if a local mover only moves customers within the same state, they are under state regulations, not federal regulations. These local movers require a state license based on state requirements and moving regulations.
- What Is Your Experience With This Type of Move?
Inquire as to whether the professional relocations moving company has sufficient experience handling your type of relocation, such as moving to a big city, a new residence with steps or multiple stories, or some other specifications. Movers must be properly prepared to handle a variety of challenges during a move, such as small door openings, steep stairs, parking restrictions, and lack of elevators.
- Can You Show Me References?
A reliable and experienced professional moving company will have references to offer. A representative from the mover should be able to supply you with this information upon request. Besides references from the company, it is important to check with family, friends, and possibly neighbors for mover recommendations. Word-of-mouth can be a highly effective means of finding a reliable moving contractor. In addition, check the mover’s online ratings and reviews to find out more.
- Can You Provide a Binding or Not-to-Exceed Moving Estimate?
Many relocation companies offer non-binding estimates, which means the price quoted to you at the beginning can be adjusted, depending on additional information the mover gathers. You could end up paying more or less than the initial estimate if it was a non-binding estimate.
In order to have more certainty about your moving cost, hire a mover that will provide you with a binding or not-too-exceed moving estimate. With a binding estimate, your price for the move is locked in. The binding estimate should include any potential charges along the way and other add-ons. With a binding not-to-exceed-estimate, your price for the move could drop from the initially supplied estimate but cannot increase.
- How Do You Calculate Your Prices?
When evaluating the quote from a professional relocations moving company, ask how the company comes up with its pricing. Local moving companies often charge an hourly rate. Long distance / interstate movers often charge with a rate per pound according to the weight of the shipment in addition to other possible considerations.
- What Moving Services Do You Offer?
Ask about what moving services the moving company offers based on the services you need, such as expedited shipping or specialty item moving.
- What Items Will You Not Transport?
Prospective movers should be able to provide you with a list of the items they will not transport, either because of state law or company policy. These may include hazardous items, firearms, and more.
- How Long Will It Take to Complete the Relocation?
Ask the professional moving company the estimated duration of the move. Can the company provide a guaranteed delivery date? Local relocations often only take one day. Interstate moves may take between 7 and 10 days to complete.
- Do You Have a Move Cancellation Policy?
Ask the mover if they allow cancellations.
- Do You Provide Storage Services?
If you need short- or long-term storage before the relocation, ask the company what storage services they offer.
To learn about the professional relocation services we offer at Berger Allied Moving & Storage for residential and commercial projects, call us today at 866.969.5040 or ask for a moving estimate.
