Improving Your Next Moving Experience

Posted on: 16 February 2016

Hiring a moving company can be a great way to take some of the stress out of your upcoming move. However, if you're in the process of searching for a moving company, it's important to understand that not all moving companies will provide you with the same level of service. Specifically, as you request moving estimates from various companies, there are some questions you'll want to ask to separate the "so-so" companies from the excellent ones.

1. Is This a Binding Estimate?

Start by finding out just how much you can rely on the given estimate. Some moving companies may provide you with a low initial quote to get you on-board, but if the estimate isn't binding, that price could change down the road. For the most accurate estimate, find a moving company that'll come out to give you an in-person quote based on the size and weight of the belongings you need to have moved. Only ask for the estimate once you have many of your belongings packed up or in storage so that the figure is more accurate.

2. Is Insurance Included?

Moving insurance is always recommended, as renter's insurance and even home insurance don't always cover damage that occurs during transport. Most companies will offer additional coverage for an extra charge per pound or per mile. Check to see if any level of coverage is built into your estimate. If not, then you'll want to factor in the additional cost when deciding on a company.

3. What's Required Up-Front?

No reputable moving company should require up-front payment in-full. Instead, you should be able to make an initial deposit for the services and only pay the remainder once your move is completed. Also, be sure to find out what payment methods are accepted, and don't forget to have cash on-hand to tip your movers.

4. Will There Be Any Transfers?

If you're embarking on a long-distance move, you'll want to find out whether a transfer will be required at any point. For some companies, long distance moves will require your belongings to be transferred to a different moving van or truck at one or even multiple points during the journey. This change in vehicles can add an additional cost to your estimate since you will have to pay for the labor. To minimize risk of damage and ensure a speedy move, try to stick with a company that won't require any transfers.

5. How Do You Handle Damaged Items?

In the event that any of your items arrive damaged, make sure the representative you speak to is knowledgeable about the company's policies and procedures for handling damaged items. Otherwise, you could be in for a headache getting reimbursed in the unlikely event that something is damaged during your move.