Most Important Questions to Ask Movers
If this is the first time that you are moving, you might need information on how to organize a pleasant and stress-free relocation process. This is why making a list of questions to ask movers is extremely important. To organize your time, space and resources in the right way, you will need to know, for example, how long the transport takes or which dates are available for the chosen address. Having in mind that long-distance moves require a high level of general awareness, you will need to know how your valuable and fragile items are treated during transport.
Keep in mind that the mover handling your belongings should be a professional you can trust. They are the people you choose, the people that help you design the life that you want and the new home that you maybe just dreamed of.
What Is the First Thing You Should Ask Movers?
Before you even start, make sure that you, as a service customer, are dealing with an actual long-distance mover, not with brokers or any other kind of shady marketing business. Making that mistake could turn moving to a new home into a complete fiasco. So stay wise, experienced, smart and check if the company is properly licensed. Once this is definitely settled, the procedure can go on.
Reviews, recommendations, and publicly shared references are also factors of high importance. Or for example, gathering info such as how long those people have been around in the industry.
Am I Moving with a Properly Licensed Company?
Companies that are members of the American Mover and Storage Association (AMSA) guarantee professional services. If they have membership in the Better Business Bureau (BBB), it is another proof of reliability. Focus on the official number of the companies: US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can check this number online.
More Relevant Questions to Ask a Moving Company
How Long Does the Moving Take?
The approximate total delivery time is logically depending on the distance and the number of items being carried. Of course, the mover is expected to have the aspiration to deliver the goods as fast as possible. Commonly, it can take up to two months.
Other factors such as additional safety and security checks, for example, should be equally taken into account.
Don’t forget to take into account extreme weather conditions or traffic queues that can either slow down or speed up the process. At the end of the day, the most important goal is to make it all smooth and successfully done so that everyone is happy and satisfied.
How are Fragile Items Treated During the Transport?
Sending all the boxes and packages with fragile or emotionally valuable items inside them is a big responsibility and a big risk. Watching some strangers sling them around like potatoes may be painful. To avoid situations that can cause you a real heart attack, please kindly remind the crew to handle everything carefully according to the instructions written on the boxes. Make sure you have protected and separated the following items with cotton, blankets or double bubble wraps:
- Musical instruments and equipment
- Electronics – TV, computers, keyboards, mobile phones, iPads, iPods, headphones, chargers, cables, cameras, batteries, etc.
How to Pack Dishes and Other Fragile Items
Logically, one of the initial thoughts that come to your mind is: what to pack my more delicate stuff into? Okay, boxes. But what kind of boxes? Are they made of plastic, metal or high-quality thick cardboard paper? Does the company use bubble wraps and are they included in the shipping price? How do I avoid endangering, cracking, smashing or even losing objects? What do I do then?
Fortunately, most moving companies offer packing services as well, so that you don’t have to worry about all of the questions listed above.
Do They Move Pets and Plants?
Plants are a tremendously wonderful and unique part of your life. And so are your pets. It is understandable that you love them and you worked hard to keep them alive and in good condition. It is therefore natural to ask the company will they transport pets and flowerpots to your new home.
Payment Methods and Extra Services
Some of the most important questions that arise while choosing and hiring movers are related to price. Do not be fooled and end up paying a bigger amount than was initially agreed.
Have a clear picture in your head about which professional services are included. Also, be aware of things that could lead to additional costs, such as deposits and cancellation policy.
Payment Methods
Most common issues revolve around paying methods. Some companies accept credit cards as the only paying method, so cash is not an option. A minority of firms accept only certain types of cards. Don’t forget to check which payment alternatives are accepted.
Unpacking Charges
Remember to check if there are any discounts or special offers available or included in the price. Double-check if there are any other charges, such as unpacking services.
Are Storage Service Included in the Price?
Don’t forget to ask the relocation company if it offers storage services for the belongings that won’t go to your new home straight away. If they do, check if the price of that service is included in the whole removal package, or you will have to pay for it additionally. Some companies include the possibility of 30 days of storage free of charge.
With our tips in mind, you will surely know what questions to ask movers. Feel free to contact a professional moving company and receive a free quote for their services as well. Please do not hesitate to mention if you still have any unresolved dilemmas. Good luck with the experience of moving to your new home.
