IMPORTANT Questions to Ask Your Mover
Top 10 Things to Do When Choosing a Mover
I know, you were thinking you would just Google “moving company.” Sure you will find a zillion moving companies, but are you ready to hand over your baby grand piano or your companies IT servers into any stranger’s hands? So, how do you choose the mover you can trust?
Here are some sure-fire questions to ask before hiring a mover:
- How long has the moving company been in business?
Experience counts and a track record shows their ability to deliver each and every time.
- Are they licensed?
If you are looking for a moving company to move you from state to state the moving company should have a US DOT number, which is a unique license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. If you’re looking for a moving company to move your things in your own state they need a state license.
- Is the company insured?
Never use a moving company without a license number or insurance. Think underage unlicensed teenage driver at the wheel of a semi-truck. Not a good idea, right? Neither is an unlicensed or uninsured bunch of folks who call themselves a moving company or a group of dudes who really only do moving as a side job. Also, check to see if your personal or business items are covered during a move under your homeowners or company policy. If not, you may want to consider supplemental moving insurance.
- Have they won any awards or accolades for service? Can they show you any letters of recommendation?
If they haven’t won any awards for service, chances are they aren’t going to win any awards from you. Remember a great reputation absolutely saves you money. NO ONE gives a glowing review to a company that over promised, under delivered and over charged.
- Do they have any reviews online?
Be sure to check out the company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Social media sites such as Yelp, Facebook and google are resources. This should be used but understand that these cannot be the only benchmark on a moving company.
- What do their rates really include?
Low rates don’t necessarily mean a low final bill. Study rates! Are fuel charges incorporated? What is your estimate based on and make sure your scope of work is the same for each estimator so you can level your estimates properly.
- Is my mover affiliated with a National Van Line?
If you are moving locally or out of state, ask the company to explain what van lines they represent. United , Mayflower , North American and Allied are all national movers and should be considered when moving. The comfort zone to know that agents need to follow strict rules with properly trained and screened labor that will be coming into your home or business along with quality standards.
Similar to any other service provider ; you wouldn’t travel with your family on dumbo airlines , rather you would use the most recognizable airlines to ensure safety to you and your family.
- Will the moving crew wrap and protect your furniture to prevent damages? How many movers will be on the job? How long will the job take? Are there enough hours in the day? Will you be charged if there is overtime?
Does the moving company provide free on site estimates? A professional mover will be glad to visit your home or office for a free consultation.
- Are they active in the community?
If they care about the community, chances are they will care about you and your move. They want to continue doing business in your town a long, long time. And, they aren’t just into one night stands but really want a committed relationship with your community and you, your friends and your family.
- Lastly, go visit the movers offices and see for yourselves what kind of operation will be moving your personal / companies possessions. It is worth a couple of hours of your time.
Check all and call The Liberty Group for an estimate ! (800)524-0567