5 Key Questions to Ask Your Moving Company Before You Hire Them

When the time comes to move I have to actively remind myself not to stress out. Between the packing, cleaning, and getting everything from point A to point B, it’s a process that can seem overwhelming.

All that changed when I had an incredibly smooth experience with the right moving company. I knew choosing that moving company was the reason my transition felt so effortless. I’ve made a promise to myself and my family, that in the event of another move, we were to choose the moving company just as wisely as we did the last.

I want to share 5 Key Questions to Ask Your Moving Company before You Hire Them so you will have the tools to make your moving experience a positive one.

Do You Use Subcontractors?

It’s important to know exactly who you are hiring in order to research their dependability, this includes any transfers. Often times, large moving subcontract to smaller moving companies who may even subcontract to another. Gather as much of the information you can until you can narrow it down the exact people and trucks that will be showing up to your house on moving day.

May I Have Your USDOT Number?

Every legit moving company will be glad to provide you this number for added security and peace of mind. These numbers will confirm the legality and history of the company, the trucks used, and the drivers.

Use the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration provides a concise electronic record of a company’s identification, size, commodity information, and safety record, including the safety rating (if any), a roadside out-of-service inspection summary, and crash information. The Company Snapshot is available via an ad-hoc query (one carrier at a time) free of charge.

Tell Me About Your Insurance Policy

Notice I didn’t say “do you have insurance?” because yes they most likely will. However, it’s best to leave this question open-ended (not inquiring just a yes or no response) so you have a detailed list of things covered or not, and to what dollar amount. Here are a few terms you may come across:

? Full Value Protection: “your mover is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment…This is the more comprehensive plan available for the protection of your belongings.” The cost of Full Value Protection varies by the mover.

? Released Value Protection: “The most economical protection available is Released Value since it is offered at no additional charge. However, the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article.”

I’d Like a List of All Itemized Fees

While you want your belongings to be transported safely and securely, you don’t want to be surprised by your bill. One of the more reassuring experiences I have with a moving company was a direct result of their openness, including fees. Ditch the fine print and have them lay it all out for you.

For extra cautionary terms confirm a final number (often referred to as a binding quote), before signing at the dotted line. If the moving company has aced the previous questions, being transparent with pricing should be a breeze.

Do You Have References?

Just like hiring an employee, check the references of your potential moving company. Even though bad news travels fast, I couldn’t wait to tell people about my recent positive moving experience. So does your full research before you decide!

Using these 5 Key Questions to Ask Your Moving Company before You Hire Them and have the moving experience you deserve.