Critical Questions to Ask Movers Before Risking Your Belongings

Moving can be nerve-wracking when you entrust a company with literally all of your possessions. Your moving success rests largely on finding the right movers, which includes asking the right questions in the first place. Here are the most important questions to ask movers before gambling with your belongings.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Among the very first questions you should ask movers is if they are licensed and bonded. A good moving company will be licensed properly and insured for your protection legally and to protect your goods. In the U.S., interstate movers need to have a USDOT number, which you may check on the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Insurance is as important because it covers any damages that may occur while moving. Demand proof of insurance, and ensure that it covers your property and their workers as well.

2. What Services Do You Offer?

Not every moving company offers the exact same services. Some may offer full-service moves, which would include packing, disassembly, transportation, and then reassembly. Others might just be transporting it. A good idea to make clear is exactly what is included in the quote and if there are additional costs for added services like packing or specialty item handling. Knowing this upfront will help you avoid any surprises on moving day.

3. How Do You Determine Pricing?

It is significant to comprehend how the moving company reaches its price quote. Let them know if the estimate is according to the weight of your belongings, the distance of the move, or based on an hourly rate. Also, ask if the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate means that unless you add more services, the price will not change, but if it is non-binding, depending on the actual weight or time, it might change. Also, ask about any possible additional hidden fees for things like stairs, long carry distances, and oversized items.

4. Can You Provide References or Reviews?

A good moving company should not have any issue at all with providing you with references or referring you to online reviews. These give a sense of other people’s experiences and can be found on sites like Yelp, Google Business, or the Better Business Bureau. Furthermore, it is a good idea to request references for recent customers who have completed a similar type of move-local, long-distance, or international. This can be a much clearer picture of what to expect by speaking with past clients.

5. How Do You Handle Disputes and Claims?

No matter how well a move gets planned, sometimes things can and do go wrong. Asking for the company’s process in regard to dispute resolution and claims is important. Understand how it handles its damage or loss claims and what the timeline is generally for filing and resolution. A clear-cut, easy claims process says much about the professionalism and customer care a company has.

6. What Type of Equipment Do You Use?

The kind of equipment a moving company uses tells much about their capability and how they will treat your belongings. Inquire into the condition and size of their trucks, as well as any machinery or materials they may use for large or fragile items. Specialty items might include items such as pianos or antique furniture, so you want to know if they have the right equipment and experience to move these items safely.

7. Do You Have Experience with My Specific Type of Move?

No move is the same, and some do take specialized experience. For example, moving a large family home is quite different from moving a small apartment, and a local move differs from an international one. Ask if movers have experience with your type of move. If you’re moving internationally, ask about their familiarity with customs regulations. And if you have particularly valuable or fragile items, ask about your mover’s experience in handling such items.

8. What Is Your Cancellation Policy?

Sometimes life is unpredictable, and sometimes it changes plans. That’s why you would want to know the company’s cancellation policy ahead of time. Ask if a time period is required for canceling or rescheduling your move, and if there are any penalties or associated fees with changing your mind. In this way, you could appreciate the cancellation policy in case something comes up unexpectedly.

9. Will My Items Be Transferred?

If you are having a long-distance move, it is quite important to ask if your goods are to be transferred into another truck or storage facility during transport. The transfer of goods carries risks of damage or loss, so it is in one’s best interest to know whether this is part of the process followed by the company. If yes, ask what measures they take to ensure everything is well-handled and secure.

10. Do You Offer Any Storage Options?

Sometimes, there’s a gap between when you need to be out of your old home and into your new one. Access to storage becomes highly essential at times like that. Ask the moving company if they have any storages available, and if yes, then what kind of storage will it be such as climate-controlled storage, short-term, or long-term. Inquire about the security method employed while keeping safe the goods that will be put into storage.

11. How Will You Safeguard My Belongings During the Move?

Every professional moving company should provide protection for your belongings during the move. It is advisable to ask how they intend to protect furniture, valuable electronics, and other valuables from getting damaged. This may include the use of moving blankets, bubble wrap, and special techniques when packing. Let them elaborate on how they will stop your home and its structure from getting damaged: whether floor and wall protection is an aspect of their service provision.

12. Will You Guarantee the Pickup and Delivery Dates?

Timing means everything in moving. You can ask them if they can guarantee the date of pickup and delivery. The pickup and delivery windows offered by some companies may range from a few days to a few weeks especially in long-distance moves. If you are on a very tight schedule, it is important that you will be very clear about when your belongings will arrive at your new home.

13. Who Will Be My Point of Contact?

Having one point of contact that can answer your questions and keep you informed throughout the move makes things so much easier. Obviously, you need to find out from the company who your key contact person is and how to contact them. Most of the time, having one person to talk to makes it easier to address any problems and concerns more smoothly during relocation.

14. What If the Move Takes Longer Than Anticipated?

Most moves go according to schedule, but sometimes an event might force them to take longer than expected. Ask the movers their practice if this happens. Are there extra charges? How will they communicate delays to you? Understanding their policies can help you prepare for any potential hiccups.

15. Do You Offer Any Guarantees or Warranties?

Finally, ask if the moving company offers any guarantees or warranties on their services. These can include a satisfaction guarantee, a guarantee on delivery times, and a warranty on packing services. Guarantees and warranties may give peace of mind in knowing that the company guarantees work.

Conclusion on Questions to Ask Movers

Asking the right questions of the movers before hiring them can spell the difference between a safe, secure relocation and a fiasco. Covering these critical points, therefore, gives you the opportunity to make an informed decision as you protect your belongings during the process. Keep in mind that a trustworthy moving company will be more than willing to answer your questions and afford you with just what you need to feel confident in your choice.

If you’d like to discover the latest information about the moving and relocation world, please also check other industry news from Asian Tigers Group.

Your trusted moving support is only a few clicks away from your hand. Contact the Asian Tigers office near your origin or destination for your next move. You can also check our Frequently Asked Questions resource, AI-powered by Tiger Move Bot.