10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Moving Company

CleanStart Property Services offers large-scale moving planning and execution services, as well as single residential moves. Our friends at Let’s Get Moving wrote an awesome article detailing 10 Questions to ask before hiring a moving company. You can find the full article HERE.

Moving is a time-consuming and expensive process. It can be difficult to find reliable moving companies that are reasonably priced and offer quality services. In addition, moving often involves packing up all your belongings, which can be an emotionally draining experience. You may also have to deal with additional paperwork related to moving such as changing your address or obtaining new insurance policies.

The stress of moving can be compounded by the need to find a new place to live or the fact that you have to leave familiar places and people. All these things can make moving an incredibly stressful experience. To reduce moving-related stress, it is important to plan ahead, research moving companies thoroughly before hiring one, and give yourself plenty of time to pack and unpack. With the right preparation and resources, moving doesn’t have to be as stressful as it may seem.

If you hire the right moving company, they will take care of all the hard work for you. But how do you know which company is right for you? And more importantly, what questions should you ask before hiring them? In this blog post we will discuss 10 common questions to ask before hiring a moving company:

1. What services are included in your moving package?

Before committing to any moving service, you should understand the package a moving company can offer. This includes asking questions about what type of moving services are included in their moving packages and how much they cost. Many moving companies specialize in certain aspects of the move, such as packing, storage, or transportation. You also want to ask about their common practices and procedures during a move.

Knowing what moving services are included in your moving package can help you to be sure that all of your items will be safely and securely transported from one location to another. Ultimately, this is the reason why asking in advance what services are included in a company’s moving package is essential.

2. Are You Licensed and Insured?

As moving companies are in the business of moving people’s valued possessions, it is important to make sure that they are adequately insured and licensed. Insurance protects you from any loss or damages to your items when moving, while a license ensures safety standards are met and that the company operates legally. If something goes wrong during the move, you need to make sure that the moving company is insured so that you get the necessary compensation or coverage.

Asking about a moving company’s licensing and insurance status is an essential step toward making your move safe and secure, and it is your responsibility as a consumer to ensure any moving company you hire meets these requirements. By doing so, you can rest assured that your possessions and moving experience will be protected.

3. Are There any Hidden Moving Costs?

Many moving companies may charge additional fees for moving services such as packing, moving supplies, and even labor costs. You should ask the moving company before you sign a contract in order to ensure that all these hidden moving costs are included in the final estimate. Some moving companies may offer special discounts or deals on certain services, so it is always beneficial to ask ahead of time.

It is best to be prepared for the moving process and make sure all of your questions are answered in order to ensure a smooth moving experience. Asking about any hidden moving costs before signing a contract is a great way to save time and money.

4. Do You Offer In-Person Estimates?

An in-person moving estimate provides you with a personalized moving experience, as it allows the moving company to assess your specific moving needs and create an accurate quote tailored to your individual requirements. This kind of estimate can also give you the opportunity to ask questions and clarify any uncertainties that may arise during your moving process.

Additionally, an onsite moving estimate gives you the opportunity to get to know your moving company and build a relationship with them. This can be helpful if any issues arise during the moving process, as it allows for better communication between both parties. With all these benefits, it is easy to understand why asking for an in-person moving estimate can be so beneficial.

5. Do You have a Physical Office/Address?

It is always important to check that any moving company you may be considering has a physical office or address. This will help ensure that the moving company you choose is legitimate and has a reputable track record. Having a physical office means that the moving company is registered with local authorities, thus providing an extra layer of protection for your belongings.

The moving company should also be able to provide information about their identity, insurance, and moving practices. Asking if the moving company has a physical office or address is an important step in ensuring the safety of your valuables during the moving process. Doing so will give you more peace of mind that you are making a wise decision by selecting a trustworthy moving company.

6. Who Will Do the Loading and Unloading?

A moving company should provide clear answers to this question. You should know who will be responsible for loading and unloading your belongings. The moving company must have a term of qualified personnel that can handle the process with care and professionalism. Depending on the moving company, they may have their own staff or hire subcontractors for this job.

They should be able to provide detailed information about its loading and unloading services as part of their moving package. Make sure that you ask this question before signing a moving contract so that you have all the information necessary to ensure a great moving experience.

7. Is There Anything You Will Not Move?

It might seem like a weird question to ask because it is supposed that the moving companies can move everything. But that doesn’t always happen. Before moving day, ask your moving company what items they will and will not transport. Many moving companies have policies that restrict moving certain items such as hazardous materials, valuable antiques, or plants.

Be sure to take into account any restrictions when selecting a moving company and preparing for the move. Furthermore, some moving companies may require that these items be transported separately, so it is important to have this information in advance.

8. Do You Have a Cancellation Policy?

Knowing the details of the moving company’s cancellation policy can help you understand what might happen if something unexpected arises and you need to cancel your move. It’s common for moving companies to charge fees for any cancellations that occur, so knowing the terms of the moving company’s cancellation policy can help you plan for those costs.

And also can help ensure that you are not overcharged or held financially responsible for cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. In some cases, moving companies may even offer refunds for canceled services. Therefore, it is essential that you ask this question in case you need to cancel your moving services for any reason.

9. What Are Your Payment Options?

By asking to know what payment options are available, you can make an informed decision on which moving company is the best fit for your needs. This way, you will have a better understanding of all costs associated with moving and will be able to plan accordingly. You may also find out about other moving packages or discounts that could help save money in the long run.

Asking what payment options moving companies offer, will also ensure that you have a clear understanding of all costs and policies associated with moving so that there are no surprises or unexpected expenses.

10. Can you provide any references?

When asking for references, you should make sure that you get contacts of past customers who have used the moving company in question. Ask specific questions about their experience with the moving company and verify the references. Doing your due diligence in this way can help you avoid any problems that may arise during your moving process.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to look into reviews from independent moving websites and social media sites. This can provide additional insight into the moving company and allow you to make an informed decision about which moving service to hire.

Conclusion

By taking the time to ask these questions, you can make sure that you are hiring a reputable moving company that will provide the services you need. Don’t be afraid to ask for more information or clarification if necessary, after all, it is your move! They should be able to answer all of these questions confidently and clearly, so if they don’t seem to know what they’re talking about, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Remember that moving is not always easy and requires experienced professionals to get the job done right. Make sure to take your time in researching moving companies and ensure that they fulfill all your requirements.

CleanStart has been moving customer possessions safely and securely for many years and has a proven track record of success. We are fully insured, licensed, and bonded to ensure that your items will be safe throughout the moving process. Our team is made up of experienced professionals who know how to handle each moving situation with care and sensitivity. With our competitive rates, you will be sure to get the best moving experience at an affordable price.

CleanStart Property Services is committed to making your moving day a successful and stress-free experience. Contact us today for more information or to request a quote. You won’t be disappointed!