9 Questions to Ask When Interviewing Prospective Movers

Knowing the right questions to ask prospective movers will help you choose the best one for your relocation day. Here are the top questions to ask before selecting a professional mover.

1. How Many Years Have You Been in Operation?

Many moving companies have been in business for decades. If a mover has been in business for several years, the company likely has many satisfied customers.

2. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Moving companies should be authorized by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a Department of Transportation (DOT) identification number. If you have the mover’s DOT ID number, you can verify FMCSA authorization yourself.

3. Can You Provide All the Services I Need?

Not all moving companies are full-service. Be sure the mover provides the services you need. Services might include

  • Packing
  • Furniture assembly
  • Transportation for items such as hot tubs or pianos
  • Storage
  • Custom crating

4. How Do You Determine the Cost of the Move?

Sometimes moving companies charge by weight and distance, while other times they charge by the required time. Some companies have different rates depending on where and when you move. Other companies provide binding estimates, while others offer nonbinding estimates.

Make sure you understand the factors that determine the cost of your move and that you’re comparing like estimates.

5. Are There Additional Fees?

Some moving companies charge extra for moving oversize pieces, such as pianos. In addition, some companies add a fuel surcharge. While none of these charges is necessarily bad practice, you want to ensure the mover has listed these charges on your contract.

Also, ask whether the mover provides free boxes or if you will have to buy them.

6. What Time Will the Moving Truck Arrive at the Destination?

Knowing when the truck will arrive at the destination is particularly important for long-distance moves. Some movers will provide a delivery window of several days, especially if the move is across the country.

Ask each prospective moving company about the timing of their delivery. For example, if they offer a delivery window, you’ll need to be available to receive the goods during that window. If that won’t work, ask about a guaranteed delivery date.

Also, ask about charges if the moving truck arrives at your destination before you do. Finally, ask about storage options if you can’t be at your new destination until after the truck arrives.

7. Who Will Be Moving My Goods?

Ask about the experience of the crew that will handle your move. Also, ask about the training the company provides for its movers.

Some movers subcontract moves to small companies. Ask if your mover does this, and if they do, find out the company’s name so you can check its reputation, too.

8. How Often Are Your Trucks Serviced?

A reputable moving company will maintain vehicles properly. Ask about the maintenance schedule.

9. Do You Have Experience With Moves Like Mine?

You want to be sure your moving company has handled whatever may come up with your relocation. For example, if you are moving to a townhouse with multiple stories, ask about the company’s experience with townhome moves.

The Right Answer

We have a lot of experience with relocations like yours, are licensed and bonded, and provide many services. We can provide answers to all your moving questions. Contact us today.

6 Cost-Effective Packing Tips for Your Upcoming Move

Setting up housekeeping in a new home can be expensive. First, you’ll want a professional mover to ensure your goods are moved safely, but professional services cost money. Closing costs and deposits also add to the price of a new home.

You can save money on packing your goods without affecting quality, however. Here are a few tips.

1. Don’t Pack What You Don’t Need

Purge any items you haven’t used for a long time or clothes that no longer fit. Ridding yourself of extra items means saving time and money on packing. You’ll also save money on the move because you’ll have less to move.

2. Pack Some Items Yourself

You can save money by packing non-fragile items, such as clothes and many kitchen items yourself. However, you’ll probably want professional movers to pack your most precious items to prevent damage.

3. Obtain Free Boxes

Often, you can find suitable moving boxes for free without having to buy them. Check with relatives and friends, especially those who shop a lot online. They may have plenty of sturdy boxes they’d like to get rid of. Also, check with friends who have recently moved.

Some movers will provide free used boxes. You might also find someone giving away boxes on Freecycle or Craig’s List, or local retailers, including liquor stores.

If you have to buy boxes, stores such as Home Depot and Lowe’s typically have inexpensive ones. You may also find used boxes for sale on BoxCycle.

After your move, you may be able to recoup some of your investment by selling the boxes online through BoxCycle.

4. Use What You Already Have

You may also be able to save on boxes by strategically using items you already have at home and want to move anyway. Examples include:

  • Backpacks
  • Suitcases
  • Baskets and hampers
  • Heavy-duty plastic bags
  • Bins
  • Large pots

Moving cartons are not the only things you’ll need to pack; you’ll also need packing supplies such as bubble wrap, packing peanuts, foam padding, and packing paper. While professional protective materials are often ideal, there may be some alternatives you can use. Consider the following

  • Use soft towels or clothes instead of bubble wrap for fragile or easily scratched items;
  • Pack glasses and other small breakables in socks instead of packing paper;
  • Put old towels, sweaters, pajamas, or other soft clothing in the bottom of your packing containers instead of packing paper;
  • Rather than packing peanuts or crumpled packing paper, rip and ball up old newspapers;
  • Make use of your home blankets instead of moving blankets.

5. Leave Non-Breakable Items in Drawers

Furniture drawers are generally sturdy and can save you money and time on packing. However, for heavy pieces of furniture, you’ll still need to take the drawers out to keep them light enough for the movers. In this case, just cover the dresser drawers with moving blankets and then with plastic wrap to keep the contents safe. Check with your mover to see how they like to handle this.

6. Pack Strategically

Develop a packing plan rather than just tossing items into boxes. For example, think about ways to nest some items inside others so you need fewer boxes. Needing fewer boxes will not only save on box costs but also on overall moving costs.

We can provide you with additional packing tips to help make your move go more smoothly. Contact us for a quote.