Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers: Verification, Evaluations, and Tips

Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers

Isaac Aiden
Written by:
Isaac Aiden
Published Date: Sep 12th, 2024
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They say, Knowledge is power, and this couldn't be truer when it comes to hiring movers.

You might find yourself with a mountain of boxes and a ticking clock, only to realize you have never asked your movers the right questions. The result? Stress, unexpected costs, and perhaps even a few broken belongings. To avoid moving day mayhem, it’s crucial to arm yourself with the right questions.

Not asking the right questions can leave you in the lurch. You might end up with surprise fees, delayed service, or even a mover who doesn't show up. Without thorough vetting, you are essentially gambling with your belongings and your peace of mind.

Here’s a list of essential questions to ask your movers to ensure you’re making a well-informed decision:

Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers

When selecting a moving company, asking the right questions is crucial to ensure you hire a reputable and reliable mover. 

  • Are You Properly Licensed?

Why It Matters:

  • Licensing ensures the company meets industry standards and regulations.
  • Protects you from potential moving scams and rogue movers.

Examples:

  • Interstate movers should have a USDOT number.
  • Local movers need a state license.
Type of License Regulating Body Where to Verify
Interstate United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) USDOT website
Local State regulatory agency State-specific regulatory
  • Do You Have Experience with My Specific Type of Move?

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures the company is familiar with the logistics of your specific move.
  • Helps avoid issues with handling unique challenges.

Examples:

  • High-rise apartments
  • Multi-story town homes
  • Moves in big cities
Type of Move Challenges Experience Needed
High-Rise Apartment Parking restrictions, elevator access Experience with high-rise logistics
Multi-Story Home Stairs, narrow hallways Experience with multi-story moves
Big City Move Traffic, parking restrictions Familiarity with urban moving conditions
  • What Kind of Liability Coverage Options Does Your Company Provide?

Why It Matters:

  • Protects your belongings during the move.
  • Offers peace of mind knowing you’re covered in case of damage.

Examples:

  • Full Value Protection: Covers replacement value of lost or damaged goods.
  • Released Value Protection: Basic coverage of 60 cents per pound per item.
Coverage Type Description Cost
Full Value Protection Replacement value for all items Varies by mover
Released Value Minimal coverage at no extra 60 cents per pound per

Additional Tip:

  • Check your homeowner’s insurance to see if it covers moving.
  • Do You Have References?

Why It Matters:

  • Validates the company's reputation and reliability.
  • Helps assess past customer experiences.

Examples:

  • Ask for contact information of past clients.
  • Check online reviews and ratings.
Reference Source Details to Check
Past Clients Contact for direct feedback
Online Reviews Look for customer satisfaction and complaints
Better Business Bureau Check for accreditation and ratings
  • Can You Provide a Binding Quote or a Not-to-Exceed Estimate?

Why It Matters:

  • Prevents unexpected charges and ensures transparent pricing.
  • Allows for better budgeting and financial planning.

Examples:

  • Binding Estimate: Fixed price regardless of actual costs.
  • Not-to-Exceed Estimate: Price will not exceed the estimated amount.
Estimate Type Description Advantages
Binding Estimate Fixed price: all costs included No surprises in the final cost
Not-to-Exceed Maximum cost guaranteed Ensures costs won't exceed

How to Evaluate Moving Companies

  • How Long Will the Move Take?

Why It Matters:

  • Helps you plan your moving schedule and manage expectations.
  • Provides insight into the efficiency of the moving company.

Examples:

  • Local Moves: Typically completed in one day.
  • Long-Distance Moves: Usually take 7-10 days.
Move Type Typical Duration
Local Move 1 day
Long-Distance Move 7-10 days
  • What Moving Services Do You Offer?

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures the company can handle all aspects of your move.
  • Clarifies any additional services or specialities needed.

Examples:

  • Packing assistance
  • Speciality item handling
  • Expedited shipping
Service Type Description
Packing Assistance Help with packing all items
Specialty Item Handling Handling for items like pianos, antiques
Expedited Shipping Faster delivery for urgent moves

Are You a Broker or Carrier?

Why It Matters:

  • Determines if the company will handle the move themselves or subcontract it.
  • Affects the level of control and service quality.

Examples:

  • Broker: Arranges transportation; may subcontract.
  • Carrier: Directly handles the move.
Role Responsibilities
Broker Finds and arranges transportation
Carrier Directly handles the move.

How Do You Handle Claims and Damages?

Why It Matters:

  • Clarifies the process for reporting and resolving issues.
  • Ensures a straightforward claims process in case of damage.

Examples:

  • Claims Process: Step-by-step guide on reporting damage.
  • Resolution Time: How quickly claims are processed.
Aspect Details
Claims Process Procedure for filing a claim
Resolution Time Timeframe for processing claims

How Do I Contact You and the Driver During the Move?

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures communication is smooth throughout the move.
  • Provides a way to resolve issues or track progress.

Examples:

  • Contact Information: Phone numbers or communication channels.
Communication Method Details
Direct Contact Contact details for the driver
Company Contact Customer service number

Do You Offer Shipment Tracking?

Why It Matters:

  • Provides visibility into the status and location of your belongings.
  • Reduces anxiety about the move.

Examples:

  • Online Tracking: Website or app-based tracking system.
Tracking Option Details
Online Tracking Real-time updates via website/app

Will My Items Be Transferred to Another Party Along the Way?

Why It Matters:

  • Clarifies whether your belongings will be handled by multiple parties.
  • Ensures the same level of service throughout the move.

Examples:

  • Subcontracting: If the company uses third-party movers.
Handling Method Details
Direct Handling The same company handles all aspects of the move.
Subcontracting Belongings transferred to other movers.

Are There Any Potential Charges I’m Not Already Aware Of?

Why It Matters:

  • Prevents unexpected costs and ensures full transparency.
  • Helps budget accurately for the move.

Examples:

  • Additional Fees: For stairs, extra stops, or long carries.
Potential Charges Details
Additional Fees Costs for extra services or obstacles
Moving Supplies Costs for packing materials or equipment

Do You Have a Cancellation Policy?

Why It Matters:

  • Provides information on fees and conditions for cancelling the move.
  • Helps avoid financial losses if plans change.

Examples:

  • Cancellation Fees: Penalties or credits for cancelling.
Cancellation Policy Details
Fees Charges for cancelling the move
Notice Period Required advance notice for cancellation

What Forms of Payment Do You Accept?

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures you can pay using a method you're comfortable with.
  • Prevents issues with payment during or after the move.

Examples:

  • Accepted Payments: Cash, check, credit card.
Payment Method Details
Cash Direct payment in cash
Check Payment via personal or certified check
Credit Card Payment via major credit cards

Do You Offer Any Discounts?

Why It Matters:

  • Can help reduce moving costs.
  • Provides potential savings for eligible individuals.

Examples:

  • Discounts: For AAA members, military, students.
Discount Type Eligibility
AAA Members Discount for AAA club members
Military Discount for military personnel

Questions You Probably Know the Answers To

How Can I Verify a Moving Company’s Reputation?

Why It Matters:

  • Helps you choose a company with a proven track record.
  • Reduces the risk of hiring a subpar or fraudulent mover.

Examples:

  • Review Platforms: Google Reviews, Yelp.
  • Industry Associations: American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA).
Reputation Check Details
Review Platforms Check customer feedback and ratings
Industry Associations Verify membership and accreditation

What Are the Most Common Complaints About Moving Companies?

Why It Matters:

  • Helps you be aware of potential issues and red flags.
  • Prepares you to ask specific questions to avoid common pitfalls.

Examples:

  • Common Complaints: Delayed delivery, damaged items, poor customer service.
Common Complaint Details
Delayed Delivery Late arrival of items
Damaged Items Loss or damage to belongings
Poor Customer Service Unresponsive or unhelpful service

How Do Moving Companies Handle Customer Disputes?

Why It Matters:

  • Ensures there is a clear process for resolving issues.
  • Provides insight into the company's commitment to customer satisfaction.

Examples:

  • Dispute Resolution: Mediation, arbitration.
Dispute Resolution Details
Mediation A third-party mediator helps resolve disputes.
Arbitration Binding resolution by an arbitrator

People Have Also Asked:

Conclusion

Asking the right questions before hiring movers is key to a smooth move. Checking if the movers are licensed and experienced helps you avoid scams and ensures they can handle your specific needs. Knowing their insurance and liability coverage gives you peace of mind, so you know your belongings are protected if something goes wrong.

Asking for references and reading reviews helps you find reliable movers and avoid those with poor feedback. A clear, binding quote prevents surprise costs and clarifies what you’ll be paying.

Finally, asking about services, communication, and tracking keeps everything on track and meets your needs. These questions help you make better choices and reduce the chances of problems during your move.


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