Top 5 Questions to Ask Your Mover Before You Move
Moving can be a stressful process, but asking the right questions can make all the difference. To ensure a smooth and worry-free move, here are the top five questions you should ask your mover before your big day.
1. Is your company licensed and insured?
This is the first and most crucial question to ask any moving company. A licensed and insured mover ensures that you’re working with a legitimate, professional service.
What to Look For: For interstate moves, ask for their U.S. DOT number and verify it with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). For local moves, check their state licensing online.
Insurance Coverage: Understand what insurance options are available. Most movers offer basic liability coverage with a limit, but you may need additional protection for high-value items. Your homeowner policy may cover this so ask your insurance broker before you buy more coverage from the mover or elsewhere.
2. What is included in your estimate, and is it binding?
Moving costs can quickly add up, so it’s essential to understand the pricing structure.
Binding vs. Non-Binding Estimates: A binding estimate means the price won’t change unless you add extra services, while a non-binding estimate can fluctuate based on actual weight or time.
Hidden Fees: Ask if the estimate includes packing materials, fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or oversized items. Clarify these costs upfront to avoid unpleasant surprises.
3. What is your policy on delays or cancellations?
Life happens, and schedules sometimes change. Understanding your mover’s policy on delays or cancellations will help you plan accordingly. Also, you may not want your things moved in the rain!
Delays: Ask how they communicate and handle unforeseen delays. Will there be compensation if your items don’t arrive on time?
Cancellations: Check if there are fees for canceling or rescheduling your move and how much notice is required.
4. How will my items be protected during the move?
Your belongings are valuable, and it’s important to know how they’ll be handled and safeguarded during the move.
Packing Procedures: Find out if the movers provide padding and wrapping for furniture and ask about their process for handling fragile items like electronics, artwork, or antiques. A good example would be is a painting going to be wrapped in paper and cardboard or placed in a box, or just leaned up without protection in the truck?
Damage Coverage: Clarify what happens if something is damaged during the move. Most reputable movers have a claims process for resolving issues.
5. What is your timeline for pickup and delivery?
Understanding the schedule can help reduce stress and ensure your plans align with the mover’s availability.
Delivery Window: For long-distance moves, confirm the estimated delivery window. For local moves, ask if same-day delivery is possible.
By asking these five questions, you’ll clarify expectations, uncover potential red flags, and ensure a smoother moving experience. Remember, a reputable moving company will welcome your inquiries and provide clear, honest answers. Taking the time to vet your mover thoroughly will help you feel confident on moving day—and beyond.
Trudi
