What Questions to Ask Movers? (15 Questions You Can Ask)

Moving houses is a milestone in everyone’s lives and holds immense sentimental values, letting go to a place where you have uncountable memories to fresh and new beginnings, you need someone who will make things easier and memorable for you by your side. 

When you actually step into the process of moving homes multiple different things pop up at the same time. From following a strict deadline, endless paperwork, making sure all of your things are packed and ready to go and refurbishing in your new home it becomes vital that you get an extra set of hands to help in the form of movers. 

When going through an emotional rollercoaster that is moving to a new home you need the best kind of support to meet all of your needs, hence before you decide which mover to choose from, make sure that you’ve asked them all the right and required questions and if they tick right on all of your expectations. 

Choosing a moving company without putting prior thought and research into it can be extremely costly and problematic in the long run as there are chances of communication gaps, them not meeting your needs and requirements and their policies that you may unaware of which may cause hurdles. 

Another major factor is that once you start searching for movers you’d be surprised at just how many they are, it is extremely easy to get indecisive and confused which is why its best that you ask them major questions shortlist which ones suit your needs and derive your conclusions from there onwards. 

Here is a list of fifteen important questions that you should ideally ask when you are hiring movers so that it becomes easier for you to shortlist the company before you decide whether you want to hire them or not. 

#1. Is Your Company Licensed? 

No matter what, this should be your first question. You want to make sure that you don’t get scammed, your things don’t get stolen and you don’t get involved in anything illegal that will cook up endless trouble for you which is why you need to make sure that the moving company that you are choosing is licensed. 

The thing that you should be looking for is a license issued by an entity of the United States Department of Transportation known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  This agency regulates commercial vehicle operations and ensures the safety of both the company and consumers hence you have the guarantee that your things will be in safe hands and there will be accountability to some extent.

 All professional and renowned moving companies should have all the necessary licenses and will have the number mentioned on their website such as that on Lyon’s Moving. If you happen to run into a company that doesn’t have their license I would definitely advise that you stay clear from the company. 

#2. How Long Have They Been in Business 

Don’t get me wrong, newcomers can also do an amazing job and can provide the professionalism that you need however there is no harm in asking a moving company how long they have been in the business to analyze just how much experience they have and how well informed they would be to get out of tricky situations. 

#3. Are They Experienced in the Type of Moving You Expect 

Tricky steps, bulky furniture or thin congested corridors, there could be a million different reasons why your home could be different and more challenges than other houses which is why it is best to ask the moving company beforehand whether or not they can deal with the challenge at hand. 

You can simply communicate your concerns to them, maybe have them drop by and check the place out personally and analyze whether or not they are equipped or not and to let you know beforehand so that you can coordinate accordingly and don’t have to suffer on the last day. 

#4. Will They Conduct an At Home Visit? 

Another question that you need to ask the moving company before hiring them is whether or not they will be conducting at home visit. Some tend to ask you to list down all of the major items in your home, along with other details such as how big your home is, how far is the move, how many stairs you have and so on. 

You as a customer are fully allowed to have a preference of your own. If you think a prior visit to your home by the movers will put your heart at ease you should communicate that to the movers and ask them if they are willing to do so and then decide accordingly. 

#5. Does Your Moving Services Include Packaging and Storage? 

Every moving company is different and they all have their own separate set of rules. While some companies have packing and storage included as part of their deal, other refuse to do so and require that all everything is pre-packed before the movers come in. 

If you require storage services its best that you check with your choice of moving company and then decide accordingly. 

An additional question that falls in this question’s subcategory is exactly how will they pack and store your belongings to ensure that no damage is done and they are safe. This could include the equipment and material they will use and if they are capable of dealing with and dismantling bulky household items.

#6. Is There Coverage, and If Yes, How Does it Look Like? 

If you are new to the whole concept, coverage is basically a service provided by movers that is similar to insurance. This policy makes the moving company liable in case they break or misplace any of your items during the transit from one home to the other. 

Major moving companies such as Lyon’s Moving have a basic liability coverage fee that is free of cost in accordance to the state laws however most companies offer an extra coverage which automatically means that they pay according to the price of the product instead of a standard rate.  

Additional Info – How Does Basic Liability Work 

The liability that most moving companies offer works by calculating the weight of the damaged goods and then pay per lbs. For instance the rate would be $1 per lbs. and your good that has been damaged weighed 15 lbs. that means you’ll receive $15. 

If you’re interested in buying extra coverage, its best that you ask them details about that as well to eliminate any miscommunications and confusions. 

#7. Do You Conduct Background Checks on Employees 

When you hire a moving company you entrust them with goods that you spent your life collecting which is why you want to take all the necessary steps to make sure that they are in good hands. 

Before hiring a moving company ask them if they conduct background checks on their employees and have made sure that they haven’t been fired from other moving companies for damaging and misplacing things or committed theft and haven’t been involved in major crimes such as burglary. This question is highly vital to make sure that your move is done safely and your heart can be at ease. 

#8. Do You Have References? 

One of the first questions that you can ask your movers is to help you decide which one to choose from is if they have authentic and unbiased references. Since you’re trusting someone with your prized possessions and belongings you want to be certain that they are in good hands. 

In most cases you may find references from previous employers on their website however if that isn’t the case you can always do your own research and ask friends and family. 

#9. Will Your Company Mark All Ticks On My Checklist? 

Every household goes to a mover with different expectations. While some may want that their moving process is done swiftly and completely by the movers, others may want to savor the moment and become actively involved in the process. Here’s an idea of a checklist you can form before going to your movers and ask them if these things are included as part of the moving process. 

Is Loading and Unloading Both Included? 

Is Packing Included or do We Have to do That Ourselves? 

Does Your Company do Custom Crating? 

Is Your Team Equipped to Furniture Disassembly and Assembly? 

Can You Arrange Special Transportation For Extremely Bulky Yet Fragile Items Such as Pianos?
Can You Arrange Cleaning Services for Us? 

You can list down as many questions you like similar to this to make sure that when you hire movers they fulfill your needs and expectations.

#10. Does Your Company Offer Shipment Tracking? 

Waiting for your furniture to come to your new home can be extremely testing especially when you have to sleep on hard floors every night. Having a tracking number at hand can be extremely helpful and lets you be prepared beforehand 

#11. Does Your Company Offer Binding Estimates? 

Its definitely reasonable in fact encouraged that you set a certain budget for your whole moving budget. You can do this by doing your research, check out standard prices and asking friends and family what they paid if they moved recently. 

While setting a budget is a very good idea, you need to be aware of how the company you plan on choosing charges. Many companies might start off with giving you a low standard estimates to convince you to hire them but end up adding a plethora of additional charges on the last day, which you’ll have to end up paying. 

This is why it is best to ask the moving company if they offer binding estimates to avoid last minute spikes in your bill and going out of budget. A binding estimate ensures that your prices wont shoot up and your move remains budget friendly. 

#12. What Is The Process of Calculating Prices? 

Every company has a different technique of calculating prices and hidden charges, before picking a moving company, you need to be aware of these two factors in particular. 

There is a major possibility that there are countless different hidden charges hidden under the mountain of paperwork given to you or remain undisclosed to the very end. While renowned and professional companies may not do that its best to ask them regardless as to whether or not they have hidden prices. 

Another thing that you need to ask them before settling for their company is how they calculate prices. There are a few different ways through which they could be calculating prices such as through shipment weight, shipping distance, seasonality and hourly labor rates. Once you have a clear idea you can set your budget accordingly and work your way around it. 

#13. What Is Your Mode of Payment 

Another important question that you should ask your moving company is how to make payments for their services so that you are prepared for it beforehand. Some may not accept credit card or check payments and give discounts on cash therefore to make the necessary arrangements beforehand. 

#14. What are Your Cancellation Policies? 

There could be countless different reasons why you may have to cancel or delay your moving plans last minute. There could still be refurbishing required at your new place or found a moving company that gave a better offer. It is best to know all information about a moving company’s cancellation policies before you hire them. 

In some cases moving companies refund fully that is when the cancellation is way ahead of time however most will ask for a penalty or part of the deposit. 

#15. Do You Have Any Special Rates or Discounts? 

There is no harm in trying to save a little extra cash by asking your choice of moving companies if they are offering any special deals and discounts. Many companies also offer senior, military discounts or seasonal discounts which they tend to mention on their websites and advertise but in case they haven’t you can always ask and get more information. 

Conclusion 

By asking these important questions you can get to know moving companies better and find the one that suits your needs and requirements.

Moving houses is a milestone in everyone’s lives and holds immense sentimental values, letting go to a place where you have uncountable memories to fresh and new beginnings, you need someone who will make things easier and memorable for you by your side. 

When you actually step into the process of moving homes multiple different things pop up at the same time. From following a strict deadline, endless paperwork, making sure all of your things are packed and ready to go and refurbishing in your new home it becomes vital that you get an extra set of hands to help in the form of movers. 

When going through an emotional rollercoaster that is moving to a new home you need the best kind of support to meet all of your needs, hence before you decide which mover to choose from, make sure that you’ve asked them all the right and required questions and if they tick right on all of your expectations. 

Choosing a moving company without putting prior thought and research into it can be extremely costly and problematic in the long run as there are chances of communication gaps, them not meeting your needs and requirements and their policies that you may unaware of which may cause hurdles. 

Another major factor is that once you start searching for movers you’d be surprised at just how many they are, it is extremely easy to get indecisive and confused which is why its best that you ask them major questions shortlist which ones suit your needs and derive your conclusions from there onwards. 

Here is a list of fifteen important questions that you should ideally ask when you are hiring movers so that it becomes easier for you to shortlist the company before you decide whether you want to hire them or not.