When you're moving, you're often so busy that you forget to ask the mover certain key questions. Here is a checklist of questions to ask the moving company before you get started.
Dealing with a mover can be tricky. You've got lots of other things to think about like packing and getting things organized. Here is a list of things you should ask to help make your move as easy as possible.
Can you show me proof of your licensing and insurance? It's essential that they can produce this to show that they're legally allowed to move you.
What kind of training do your employees have? If possible,
you should choose a mover that has their own staff employed by them. Lots of companies use day laborers that have no skills or training at all for moving. This can be risky for you because they're going to handling your things.
How do they charge? Some companies charge by the hour while others do it as a sum total. For a long distance move, they may charge by the mileage. You should fully understand the breakdown of how the costs are calculated.
How much is this going to cost? Let them know all the details of your move - how much stuff you have, how far it's going and anything else at all. A good mover will usually ask you this stuff up front so they can give you a reliable estimate.
Are there any extra fees for large items like entertainment centers, pianos, and portable swimming pools? Some companies charge extra for very large or very heavy items and you don't want to be surprised later when you get the bill.
Are there higher or lower rates for certain days? Some companies will charge extra for weekends and holidays since this is prime moving time. You can take advantage of the lower rates sometimes if you choose to move on a weekday.
When is payment due? Most companies will ask you to pay the full amount when the job is finished, but every moving company has their own policy regarding this. Make sure you know when you have to pay.
What is their cancellation policy? Just in case something comes up and the move can't be made on schedule, you'll want to know how cancellations work. Your mover should explain it all in detail so that nothing is left vague.
When should everything be ready? Preparation time is always a consideration, so they'll want to pin down an exact time when they'll come. You should have everything packed and ready by then. You might also ask them if you should call to confirm before the moving day.
Can we stay in the house during the move? This is something that should be made clear up front, or else you'll have to make other arrangements. Most will let you stay in the home until all the moving is done. You may also want to be present during the move.
What packing materials do they use? Some companies use newspaper, which can cause problems with the ink. You'll want to know exactly how they're packing things for your move.
Will they disassemble appliances? Large appliances like washers and dryers have lots of detachable parts. They can't be simply lifted up and moved. You should ask them whether they'll do this or you are expected to.
Ask them these questions before the job gets underway, and you'll know exactly what your mover is doing. This will help make your relocation much easier.
