6 Questions Or More To Ask Your Moving Company

It doesn’t matter if you’re moving across town, to a nearby state, or across the country, moving means making a lot of decisions in a short time. One of the most important choices you need to make is the moving company you’ll entrust with your valuable belongings.

Fortunately, hiring a reliable and trustworthy moving company isn’t as time-consuming or complicated as you might imagine. All it takes is asking the right questions!

Georgetown Moving and Storage Company’s proven reputation ensures you never have to worry about whether you’ve chosen the right mover. If you decide to shop around for moving services, here’s what to ask before hiring any moving company for the job.

What Makes a Good Mover?

We believe the best moving companies are professional, punctual, and precise. A good professional mover has a combination of:

• Physical strength
• Stamina
• Attention to detail
• Courtesy
• Efficiency

Professional movers should also have excellent communication skills. If the mover you’re vetting doesn’t return your calls or is vague about estimating the price of services, it’s a sure sign the local move itself will not go well.

6 Important Questions To Ask a Mover Before Hiring Them

Here’s what to ask every professional moving company you interview before scheduling a move.

1. Are you properly licensed?

The last thing you want is to get into business with a rogue mover. All professional intrastate and interstate moving companies have a license number issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation. You can search for a registered moving company on the department’s website to check its credentials.

2. What kind of moving insurance coverage do you provide?

Reputable movers have multiple liability coverage options for you to choose from. Interstate movers must offer two types: Full Value Protection and Released Value Protection.

• Full value protection means the mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment.
• Released value protection means the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article.

Don’t hesitate to ask the moving company to show you its proof of insurance.

3. What type of trucks and equipment do you use?

If you have heavy or oversized furniture to move, you want a mover who offers hoisting services that use tether straps to lift and lower items from your current home. Our movers are equipped to hoist your larger items out of windows, onto the roof, or over a balcony.

4. Do you provide packing service or storage services?

If you don’t want to interstate move everything at once, ask the moving company if it offers storage services. Hiring a mover who provides both additional services simplifies the process and makes it easier to schedule future delivery.

5. Can you provide recommendations or referrals?

Before entrusting your valuable belongings to a moving company, ask for references. All experienced movers and corporate relocation companies are willing to provide testimonials and reviews. Georgetown Moving and Storage puts them right on our website!

6. How do you determine the cost of my move?

Different companies use different calculating methods and pricing structures. Some charge by the truck’s loaded weight, while others charge by the size of the team and the hours and distance involved.

A set of additional few questions intended for assessing the moral standing of relocation businesses you can find below:

Does The Moving Company Background Check Its Employees?

As you scout for a right moving company, you must consider who will be in charge of your family’s items. Leaving your home in the care of new people who will pack and move your items can be frightening. This why it is important question is to know if the local moving company undertakes comprehensive background checks on its staff.

What Background Checks Entail

Background checks are constructive in making sure the people working on your long distance move can be trusted. These checks often cover:

• Has the individual ever been convicted of any crime involving theft, burglary, or serious drug offenses?
• Checking an individual’s work history for any red flags or discrepancies.
• Credential Verification: Establishing whether or not particular licenses or certifications relevant to specific tasks exist.

Why It Matters

Such a check will ensure that the best moving company you hire will not need to worry about the misplacement or theft of your belongings by employees as a reputable moving company will only look to hire after these checks were made. This provides comfort because with these checks, the team office moving your belongings has been verified, which makes the process as effortless and easy as possible.

Making a Decision

Upon perhaps noticing a company’s lack of background checks within their residential moving services, I recommend you start looking for other moving options. Selecting a moving company that values safety and trust guarantees you a hassle-free moving experience.

Does The Moving Company Provide Binding Estimates?

By the time you are planning a move, it is essential to know what type of estimate your company will provide. A binding estimate is a specific form of written contract which closes the cost at a predetermined amount unless the specifics of the move like added items or services changes drastically.

Why Binding Estimates Matter

In an effort to entice customers, some firms provide deceptively low estimates. Not only are such estimates non-binding, but they are also quite likely to rise dramatically come the moving day due to unexpected extras. At the end of the day, these practices can cause unpleasant surprises and leave you with little to no options when the time comes to change service providers.

Advantages of Choosing a Company with Binding Estimates

You are shielded from surprise costs if you choose a commercial moving company that offers binding estimates:

• Price Assurance: Provided the long distance move goes forward as planned, the price that was given to you will not unexpectedly increase.
• Budget Planning: With a fixed cost, financial planning is efficient and moving service becomes much less stressful.

Evaluating Your Options

Although some of the most reliable companies may not provide binding estimates, the level of security and peace of mind they offer can sometimes justify the additional consideration. Always examine the company’s overall credibility and reviews prior to making a decision for your move.

Does the Moving Company Guarantee Delivery Dates?

While planning an interstate move, having an ideal timeline for when your items will arrive is essential. The majority of moving companies do not offer a guarantee delivery date which means your items may arrive much later than expected and the company would have no consequences to face.

The Role of a Guaranteed Delivery

A firm that provides guarantee delivery services promises to have your shipment available at your new location on a specific date. This promise should be captured in a formal document which makes the organization liable for any failure to comply. A representative’s verbal promises is never good enough; only a formal document guarantees the date.

Managing Delays

Regardless of having a certain date for delivery, unforeseen hitches may still arise. Under these circumstances, almost every respectable business will make sure that some kind of reparations, like a refund, is offered in order to decrease the burden caused by the delay. Even though this does not hasten delivery, some form of monetary relief can soften details of the delay.

What to Look For

• Confirming in Writing: Make sure all dates agreed upon are captured in the contract.
• Compensation Clauses: Look for compensation provisions relating to delays.
• Reputation: Check reviews, and survey the web for testimonials to evaluate if the company fulfills its delivery guarantees.

In conclusion, a guarantee delivery date provides an additional level o f comfort with regards to moving process but remember to always read the details and understand the words.

Does the Moving Company Offer Any Discounts?

The phenomenon of special offers and discounts is now being observed in the moving industry. Promotions such as these can be useful when looking for aid with relocations, so it is always best to inquire with the moving company about these deals. Here are some offers you may come across:

• Discounts for the Military: Numerous businesses show appreciation to military personnel by offering discounts.
• Senior Discounts: There are special discounts designed for the seniors which are usually provided.
• Member Benefits at AAA: As a AAA member, you may sometimes gain access to distinctive offers.
• Seasonal Promotions: Businesses typically provide a more attractive price during the slower moving seasons – Amontague Atlanta Movers.

Although numerous firms make a considerable effort to promote their discount, others remain more discreet. If there are no promotions visible on the website, feel free to contact the representatives yourself. Most of the time, the answer is in the question that has been asked.

Is The Moving Company a Broker or a Carrier?

When preparing for a relocation, knowing if you are dealing with a broker or a carrier is critical. For further clarity, let us separate these groups into more understandable sections.

Types of Moving Companies

Brokers

• Brokers serve as middlemen between you and the moving services providers. They won’t personally move your things but rely on other long distance movers within their network to do so.
• The particulars of your relocation are made available to numerous moving services, which then compete for the job of servicing you. Reduced prices are sometimes the result of this competition.

Carriers

• Such corporations accomplish the procedure using their own personnel and resources. They are in charge of the entire process from the loading to transportation.
• Since everything is managed in-house, carriers may provide a less complicated and more dependable journey, although this may lead to higher costs.

Broker/Carrier Hybrids

• Certain companies offer a blend of both aspects. These companies will manage the basic moving functions but will contract out specialized services such as vehicle relocation or piano moving to other companies.

Why It Matters

Understanding the type of moving company you are dealing with can assist you in forming reasonable expectations about your relocation process:

• Brokers: Please note that the same team’s representatives that you liaised with may differ from the personnel who conduct the actual move. This case may result in discrepancies or unexpected deviations in expenses.
• Carriers: Since one company manages everything, anticipate a smoother transition. On the other hand, this may restrict how much you can negotiate on price.
• Hybrids: They are accommodating for multiple needs, but make certain you know what services are subcontracted.

Prior to arriving at a decision, ask pointed questions regard the workings of a company to ensure that there are no unpleasant surprises during moving day. Knowing these differences will assist you in selecting the service that meets your requirements.

Does the Moving Company Offer Shipment Tracking?

Shifting base can be a taxing phenomenon, especially when one is expectant of their personal effects to arrive and settling in the new residence. One of the most annoying things is waiting perpetually for your furniture and other basic items to arrive and having no clue when that will be.

Fortunately, a number of movers offer shipment tracking features. This capability makes it possible to track the delivery status in real time. Some companies have GPS tracking available through their websites, others provide it through an app or customer service.

Nonetheless, it is crucial to mention that not all long distance movers offer this service within their packages. Even among those who offer tracking, the quality with which a tracking system can be used differs greatly. Ineffective tracking services can sometimes cause more frustration than relief.

Although a lack of shipment tracking should not be an air-tight reason for dispute, having it available can reduce unnecessary worries. When picking a moving company, it is always reasonable to ask whether or not tracking shipment progress is available and feasible.

What is the Moving Company’s Cancellation Policy?

Your moving plans may need to change at any moment because life can be unpredictable. Please remember that whether a decision is voluntary or a circumstance arises, having knowledge regarding the cancellation policy of a company is of utmost important.

Key Considerations When Cancelling

• Cancellation Timeline: Find out what the minimum period is for cancellation to rule out incurring fees. A lot of business firms will let you cancel without cost so long as it is well ahead of the appointed moving date. Others offer some leeway right up to the day prior to moving and moving cost increase.
• Deposit Policy: Understand that generally, most movers will retain a portion of your deposit or even the entire amount if you cancel shortly before the scheduled date. This may differ considerably, which is why details are so crucial.
• Extra Fees: Unused reservations or assignments can incur cancellation charges if not cancelled in time. It is prudent to understand these differential costs prior to making a decision.

Remember to ask in advance about cancellation policies before entering any contracts. This prevents unpleasant surprises from sudden charge increases in case there’s a need to change your plans. This information enables you to make decisions that best suit your particular situation.

What Payment Methods Does the Moving Company Accept?

Settingtleable expenses is a prime consideration for devising a budget for your move. Here are items that you should think through regarding payment methods:

• Credit Cards: Numerous moving companies accept credit cards, which makes things easier for you and sometimes offers additional protection. Pad your question before the mover because not every company accepts card payments.
• Checks: Like other payment forms, checks are accepted by some movers, but not all due to fraud or lengthy processing times. Always check beforehand.
• Cash Discounts: Certain companies provide benefits for customers that pay in cash. This can translate to substantial savings, so check if you are considering this alternative.
• Payment Flexibility: Some moving companies could offer flexible payment options like installment payments or collaboration with a factoring company. When scheduling a major move, be sure to check whether these are available.

Having these conversations with your moving coordinator far in advance will help mitigate any unpleasant surprises when it is time to pay. For more detailed information, read further about how to finance the move.

Call Georgetown Moving and Storage Company For More Moving Tips Today

At Georgetown Moving and Storage, local mover and long distance moving company serving Washington DC, Northern VA & MD –  we know price is a major factor when comparing moving companies. That’s why we make it easy to get a moving estimate from us. We don’t add extra fees, and we never charge credit card fees or additional taxes. We’re committed to keeping your move as affordable as possible!

We hope these questions help you narrow your choices and find the company that will ensure your move is stress-free.

Contact us online today or call (703) 889-8899 for a free moving estimate or moving guide or to schedule an in-home survey.