1. Check Their Reputation
The first thing you want to do before you hire a moving company is to check their reputation. Asking important questions about the company’s reputation will unearth a mountain of important information.
2. How Long Have They Been in Business?
Checking to see how long they’ve been in business will disclose a lot about their standing in the community. A company that has been in business for a few years proves they have an established track record.
3. Do They Have Insurance?
You can verify if a moving company is insured by going to their website and look for their license number. Never hire a moving company that doesn’t have insurance. You don’t want a fly-by-night operation handling your personal effects and having no legal action if something happens.
4. Do They Have a License?
If you’re moving across state lines a professional moving company will have a US DOT number. These are unique numbers to that specific moving company. You can check the validity of their number by researching it in the database.
5. Do They Have a Good Online Rating?
You can search sites like Citysearch, Trustlink, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau’s website for their BBB rating. On these sites, you can read about other customers experiences with the moving company.
6. Have They Won Any Awards For Customer Service?
There’s a good chance if they haven’t won any accolades for customer service, they won’t be looking for any of you either.
7. Ask About All of The Rates and Services Covered.
If they promise a low rate this doesn’t imply that this will be your final bill. Are the fuel expenses included, do they have a certain weight limit before overages apply, and rates can fluctuate from day to day. Ask questions.
8. Do They Have Consolidation Policies?
Consolidation is shipping your possessions with other people’s saving some money but be advised this can add time to the delivery. This is an option if saving money is an issue.
9. Other Questions to Ask the Moving Company?
Do they wrap your possessions and pack them in boxes, how long will it take, how many movers will be in your house, and will you be charged for any overtime?
10. Do They Measure in Advance?
The best way to protect yourself is to take pictures before and after the move. A professional moving company will take measurements in advance to ensure your property will fit through and not get damaged.
11. Do They Have Any Specialty Experience?
Moving into high-rise buildings with elevators and long winding stairways can mean extra men and extra men with specialty moving equipment can be very expensive. Find out ahead of time what these rates are and what they entail.
12. Does The Moving Company Ask You Questions?
If they haven’t asked you a single question but are ready to give you an estimate and collect the check. Shut the door and run.
