Choosing a moving company affects your wallet, belongings and stress levels during your time of moving. It’s essential to find the right moving company in order to make sure you are at peace with all aspects of your move.
Here are the main questions to ask a moving company before you let them handle your belongings:
- Can you provide me with a binding quote? The law states that you are entitled to a binding quote, which is a price that cannot be exceeded based on the predetermined scope of the work. To get this quote, a certified assessor will need to survey your belongings and after that, the maximum price is given.
- Do you belong to an American Mover and Storage Association? AMSA makes compliance with federal moving laws a term of membership, which ultimately increases customer satisfaction because the U.S. Department of Transportation oversees interstate moving companies and many associated laws are designed to protect customers.
- Is the staff that’s handling the move your employees or will they be independent contractors or subcontractors? Loyal employees are more likely to handle your move better, due to good feedback that they get from customers. Employee staff are also more likely to have workers compensation insurance, in case they are hurt during your move.
- How will my special items be handled? You will have more peace of mind if you ask a mover how they will be handling your special items such as pianos, flat screen televisions, washers and dryers, etc. The answers you are given will tell you how experienced the movers are in these situations and whether or not you are comfortable with them transporting such special belongings.
- What will happen if any items are damaged or lost during the move? There are different levels of protection with moving companies if items are damaged or lost. Full Value Protection makes the mover liable for the full value of the lost or damaged item. The mover may choose to either repair or replace the item and their liability is limited and depends on the list you give of your property. Released Value is included in every move by law, which covers $0.60 per pound, which you must sign an agreement for in advance.
- Do you wrap furniture, appliances and technology? It’s better to ask this question rather than assume, considering some companies won’t wrap these items in order to save time. Wrapping furniture, appliances and technology in blankets is seen as the best way to transport these items and any other ones that are prone to scratching.
- How will you protect the walls, floors and surfaces of my old home and new home? Make sure the movers will be careful and thorough when moving your belongings. If the movers approach doesn’t seem it will fit to your standards, look for another mover.