7 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring Movers

Are you thinking about hiring a moving service for your next big move?

While moving is often a stressful experience, hiring the right mover can make the transition easier.

Read on to learn about some key questions to ask before hiring movers. By asking the right questions, you should be able to find the exemplary moving service for your needs. 

1. Can You Provide Everything I Need?

Asking your potential movers if they can provide everything you need is a smart idea. This way, you can be sure that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs and wants.

While asking this question, you also might want to know if they specialize in any kind of moving. This is especially useful when moving something fragile. 

By asking this question, you can also gauge how knowledgeable and experienced the company is. If they are unable to answer your question satisfactorily, it may be best to look elsewhere.

Finding a moving company that you can trust can already be difficult. So when you find one, be sure that it can provide you with everything you need. 

2. How Do You Calculate Prices?

If you’re hiring a moving company, it’s important to understand how they calculate their prices. After all, you don’t want to be surprised by a higher bill than expected.

Most moving companies charge additional fees for certain things by the hour. Examples are stairs, long distances, and bulky or delicate items.

Some companies also have a minimum charge, regardless of how long the move takes. When you’re asking companies for estimates, be sure to ask how they calculate their prices so you can budget accordingly.

3. Do You Have Any Hidden Fees?

When you are looking for a moving company, be sure to ask if they have any concealed fees. Some charge extra such as for fuel, mileage, or insurance. These fees can add up, so it’s important to know what you’re paying for.

Also, be sure to ask about any other charges that may apply, such as environmental fees or surcharges for large items. By asking about hidden fees upfront, you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal on your move.

Don’t underestimate how high these hidden fees can add up. If you’re not careful, you might end up spending twice what you originally thought. 

4. Do You Background Check Your Employees?

It’s essential to ask your potential moving company if they background check their employees. A background check can give you peace of mind. With these, you’ll know that the person handling your belongings has no history of crime or violence.

If a company does not background check its employees, it would be wise to consider another company. You should entrust your items to a trusted company. A company that takes the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of its employees.

This will be very important if you are planning to move valuable items. If you don’t want to risk losing or breaking your things due to the mover’s negligence, ask about background checks.

5. How Do You Handle Loss and Damage Claims?

Many movers will have a process in place for handling loss and damage claims. It’s important to ask your potential mover how they handle these types of claims before you hire them. Find out if they have a claims process in place and what the steps are.

Also, ask what their policy is regarding filing a claim. Some companies may require you to file a police report if the value of the items lost or damaged is over a certain amount.

Others may have a no-fault policy, meaning they will pay out claims regardless of who is at fault. Knowing their policy ahead of time will help you plan and prepare for the possibility of filing a claim.

6. Do You Offer Shipment Tracking?

If you’re planning on hiring a moving company to help with your relocation, be sure to ask if they offer shipment tracking. This service allows you to track the progress of your shipment as it makes its way to your new home.

Not all moving companies offer this service. So it’s important to ask in advance.

Shipment tracking can give you peace of mind during what can be a stressful time. Knowing the exact location of your belongings can help you to plan and prepare for their arrival.

It can also help you to track any delays or issues that may arise during transit. If you’re considering hiring a moving company, be sure to ask about shipment tracking. It’s a valuable service that can help you to stay organized and stress-free during your move.

7. Do You Offer Any Discounts?

Most companies offer some sort of discount. This is especially the case if you are moving during the off-peak season. It never hurts to ask if the moving company you are considering offers any discounts.

Some companies offer a discount if you pay cash. Meanwhile, others offer a discount for seniors or students.

Some companies even offer a discount if you are willing to pack your things yourself. It’s always worth asking if there are any discounts available.

Moving service costs can pile up quite a lot. This is why it’s always worth asking for discounts and special offers. 

Hiring Movers 

Hiring movers can save you time, money, and a lot of hassle. They know how to properly pack and move your belongings.

They can do all this in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. So save yourself the headache and hire movers the next time you need to move.

Looking for more great tips that will help you out on your next move? Check out some of our other articles before you go!