Moving is hard enough as it is, so it’s important that you do your due diligence when choosing a moving company. You don’t want to make the mistake of using movers that offer more problems than solutions.
Below is a list of the best, most important questions to ask the moving companies so you have the information necessary to make an educated decision when it comes to using the best moving company for your big day.
When was your moving company established?
When moving companies have been around a while, they know a thing or ten about moving. And while it may not be common knowledge, moving companies come and go, so if they’ve showed some longevity, it usually means they have a good reputation and people keep coming back for more.
We’re not telling you to forgo new moving businesses, we were once new ourselves and everyone has to start somewhere, but definitely use your common sense and be aware that there may some rookie mistakes.
Likewise, basing your decision to hire movers solely on how long they’ve been around isn’t a good idea either. It takes more than a decent run to know how to pull off a great move.
Are you a licensed moving company?
You should certainly ask this, but after you receive an answer, you should check to make sure the moving company is being truthful.
When moving between states, or interstate moving, all professional moving companies MUST be licensed by the US Department of Transportation and you can easily find their USDOT number (license number) online. If they’re there, they’re the real deal.
If you’re moving within your state- instate, however, licensing requirements vary by state, so you may have to do a bit more digging to find out if your movers of choice are licensed or regulated in any way.
Local movers in Colorado are expected to be registered with the PUC (public utilities commission),
Whatever you do, do not hire a company that cannot provide you the necessary credentials for their licensing. Yes, it may be a pain, but doing some legwork can save you big time. (Road Scholars’ HHG license number is 00107.)
Are you a ProMover or a BBB member?
The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) has created a ProMover certification program that promises that all of the moving companies involved have been background checked and has agreed to follow AMSA’s Code of Ethics.
ProMovers use moving’s best practices to get the job done properly.
You can also ask if they’re members of the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If so, they should uphold the BBB Standards of Trust, meaning you can, in turn, trust the moving company too.
Whether belonging to one or both of these groups, you’ll know you’re getting a trusted and reputable moving company that understands how to be dependable.
How much know-how do the movers have?
Experience is important in every field, so it shouldn’t go without asking if the moving crew knows what they’re doing. You’re moving significant items that generally have way more than monetary value, so don’t be afraid to ask this question.
Find out if the employees are full-time or part-time, if they’ve been with the company for a while, if they’ve been trained and had background checks. It’s best that you don’t hire temporary workers because they usually don’t have the training a permanent worker has.
Using professional and experienced packers and movers is key to a successful move.
Do you have the proper equipment for my specific move?
Do you have antiques, large pieces, art, a piano? Be sure your chosen moving company is aware of what exactly you need and then you be sure to ask if they have the necessary equipment to provide a safe move for all of your items.
This is another reason you should only use a trained crew. They’ll know how to use the right materials when packing and moving, as well as how to handle the really heavy stuff (think pool tables or pianos).
Do you offer any other services to benefit my move?
Sometimes moving companies offer extra moving essentials that can really help keep the load off of you. Ask what else they can offer you, such as furniture disassembly/assembly, storage, packing and unpacking, do they have packing materials like boxes and bubble wrap?
This can streamline your move massively. And don’t forget to ask the cost- you don’t want any surprises.
Do you offer on-site estimates?
If there is enough lead time, your moving company should be able to come to your space in order to make an accurate quote; however, many movers have the capability to give phone quotes, too.
If you are wanting a phone quote, be sure you have very detailed information to give the moving company, such as: inventory and every address involved in the move.
What are your hidden costs?
It’s best to just lay it out there and ask right from the get-go. You don’t want sneaky charges you weren’t expecting when this move is said and done.
Some movers may charge you for super-heavy, bulky items. You may find a special fee for stairs or elevators. If your movers have to park farther away, you could see a fee for carrying items a long distance.
Ask about cancellation fees, if you need to go over in your storage will they charge you, if you want it express delivery, what’s the cost?
Does your moving company offer valuation?
The standard coverage to cover loss or damage is 60 cents per pound per article and it comes free with your move.
Ask your Denver moving company if you can get Full Value protection which means should the devastating event happen and you lose any or all of your items, you’ll get the replacement value of each of those things.
How are my things protected?
Finding out how your belongings are handled may be exactly the thing that gives you peace of mind during your move.
Don’t settle for, “Don’t worry, we got this.” If you need to ask specific questions to get your specific answers, fire away.
Ask for the details of how they’ll handle your electronics or your art or your appliances. You have a right to know and any comfort offered during the time of a move is appreciated. If you’re not happy with the answers to your questions, you know that company isn’t for you.
Do I need to give a deposit?
Most moving companies do want a deposit, so if it’s asked of you, don’t be surprised. The reason is the same for most other industries that take deposits: if you back out at the last minute, you’ve disrupted a schedule and the movers want to be compensated for that. They are missing out on a day they could have been moving someone else after all.
Because all companies manage their bookings and deposits differently, just ask upfront if they take a deposit and how much that will be.
You should NEVER pay all costs upfront. That’s a red flag. Your deposit should run you around 25% of your move. Only pay the full amount after the job has been completed and you know your items aren’t damaged or missing.
What if I have a complaint?
If you’re unsatisfied with any part of your moving experience, you should know exactly how to handle it. If you need to make a complaint or if you have a dispute, most professional movers have some kind of protocol in place.
There are also laws in place to ensure problems are resolved between mover and customer when it comes to property loss or damage and unfair pricing. Don’t be shy about asking what programs the moving company has in place to be sure your issues are handled efficiently and fairly.
The Takeaway
There you have the most important questions to ask your moving company finalists. If you can get great responses to all of these (not just some, but ALL), then you’ve got yourself a stellar moving company.
If you have any questions or comments about moving, let us know, we’re happy to help.
CONTACT ROAD SCHOLARS MOVING:
Road Scholars are true scholars when it comes to all things moving. Our movers are all background checked and are given the proper education to handle your most important possessions. From lifting techniques, to packing excellence, to details on how to successfully get through a challenging move, we give our movers all the insights they need to work at their fullest capability.
We’re also licensed and insured. We use only the best, state of the art equipment and vehicles. We’re affordable, honest, and experienced. Offering a very personal touch to a very personal event. Contact us at (303) 693-7070 or at [email protected]. You can also find us online at www.roadscholarsmoving.com.
