Moving, whether across town or out of state, can be stressful and overwhelming. Knowing some important questions to ask can help to alleviate your concerns and stress level as you deal with all of the details involved in moving.
Before you begin looking for a moving company make sure you know what you are looking for based on your needs and wants for a successful move. Do you already know the dates of your move and can your dates be flexible or are they set in stone? Do you need the movers to pack for you or is this something you prefer and have the time to do yourself. What items would you prefer to move yourself and what is your plan for doing so. Do you need to find childcare for the time that the movers will be in your house so you can assist with answering questions and providing directions. These are just a few of the questions you may need the answers to before you begin calling different moving companies.
When picking a moving company make sure you research and interview several companies to help ensure you have found a moving company that fits your needs and wants.
Some of the important questions to ask begin with knowing if your move is an intrastate move or an interstate move. Some moving companies only provide local service, while others specialize in long distance, interstate moves.
Now onto some of the questions you want to ask as you research and decide what moving company is best suited to meet your needs.
1. Does the company have a registration number. For companies that only provide service within one state, they may not have a registration number. A moving company’s identification numbers are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and information can be found at their website Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (dot.gov)
2. It is always good to ask the company to provide an estimated cost for the move and inquire about any additional fees that you may be required to pay and what the fees cover.
3. Does the moving company have movers on staff or do they use subcontractors.
4. Does the moving company offer insurance? You can also check with your current insurance company that provides your home or car insurance to see if moving is included in your current plan or can be added for a specific time to ensure your prized possessions are insured during your move.
5. Does the moving company provide packing or storage services? If you are strapped for time or just don’t want to deal with packing, will the moving company provide this service. Storage service may be needed if you are moving to a home that will not be ready for several days after you arrive in town or other delays, planned or unplanned.
6. How does the company handle complaints and claims should an issue arise. No one wants an unplanned event while moving, but it is good to know up front, just in case the unwanted happens.
7. Can the company provide referrals and recommendations for you to review.
Whether you are moving across town or across the country, these questions are a good starting point in helping you find a moving company that meets your needs. We are also available to provide some local recommendations for movers; we tend to see a lot of them. Let us know how we can help and; Welcome Home.