How to Choose a Moving Company – Hiring and Questions to Ask

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All moving companies and consultants are not the same. When it comes to moving your life’s possessions you want to be confident you know how to choose a moving company that will be reliable and trustworthy. Here are 21 questions you should ask before you choose your mover.

Top Questions to Ask a Moving Company:

Ask About Their Moving Company History

1. How long has your company been in business?
2. What awards or certifications has your company earned?
3. Is your company a member of the Better Business Bureau?
4. What is your company’s qualification process for hiring employees? Drug screening? Background check
5. Who will be available if I need assistance after normal business hours?
6. Who, within your company, will coordinate my relocation?
7. What type of shipment tracking is available? Can you access it online?

Questions to Ask a Moving Consultant

1. How long have you been with your company?
2. Have you earned any industry certifications?
3. How do I know I can trust you as my consultant?

Questions About a Moving Bids

1. How does pricing work in your industry?
2. Does your estimate include an inventory of goods that you have agreed to move?
3. Does your estimate include a list of services that you will provide?
4. Is this a firm price? What items are NOT included in this bid?

Questions About the Moving Process

1. Do you use full-time employees or contract labor?
2. What motivates your movers so that they do their very best?
3. If I have damage or something is missing, how do you handle my claim?
4. What steps will be taken to protect my home?
5. How will you protect my belongings from damage?
6. What is the best time of the month to move and why?
7. How do you make sure I receive good service at my destination?

Tips for Hiring a Quality Moving Company

Ask for a Moving Company Recommendation

Seek the guidance of family, friends and colleagues when searching for a reputable service provider. Knowing someone that can vouch for the company you are evaluating, ensures a great deal of trust that you might also have a positive experience.

Do your Research

It’s likely you don’t know much about the companies you are looking to hire, start by looking at their websites. Ask yourself what you like, and what might be a potential concern. If you feel the company could be a contender for your business, extend your search to online review platforms.

Get an In-Home Estimate

Did you know the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires moving companies to provide a free, in-home estimate? Reputable moving companies will insist on performing an in-home or virtual survey to assess the extent of the job to be performed and to give the most accurate estimate possible.

Verify the Moving Company’s Credentials

Make sure the company has an online presence – if you can’t find a website, reviews or any record of them as a legitimate business, that’s a red flag. Certified moving companies that perform interstate relocations (moves between states) must also have a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. This information should be clearly displayed on their website and paperwork.

Pay Attention to Payments

How a moving company requires payment can say a lot about their business practices. Rogue moving companies may ask for a large deposit up front, before any services have been performed. If this is something a company is asking you to do, beware. This is not a standard practice and should be viewed as a red flag.

 

Download and print this resource with all the questions listed above!