Moving is stressful enough on its own that you don’t want to have to worry about your belongings finding their way to their new home. This is why it’s important to screen movers properly, asking the right questions to help you assess which one to best hire. To get you started, consider asking your mover the following:
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How long have you been in business?
Job experience counts for a lot in the moving business. More often than not, your things will have sentimental value that will make them, in effect, irreplaceable. As such, you’ll want to make sure that the mover you’re hiring has the skills and knowledge necessary to handle your things right.
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Are you licensed?
A properly licensed mover will have a US DOT number (for registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation) as well as a MC (motor carrier) license number. This will ensure that they’ve met standards set for movers, guaranteeing that your move will be in good hands.
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Are you insured?
As important as knowing that the company is properly licensed is knowing that they’re also properly insured. You want to be ready for anything that might happen during your move so insurance coverage should be one of your considerations. Aside from simply checking if a mover has insurance coverage, do take note as well how much exactly will be covered and what terms and conditions are in place to make a claim.
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How do you calculate your rates?
As with airlines, mover have different rates depending on the season and the day of the week you’re moving. You can inquire about rates over the phone to give you an idea how much it would set you back to hire a particular mover. Keep in mind that the more equipment and men your move will need, the more you’ll have to pay.
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Do you also offer wrapping services?
This is an important detail, in more ways than one. If the movers do provide this service, you need to find out if they charge extra for it. If they don’t, then you’ll need to take the time to do the wrapping yourself, which you’ll need to fit into your time frame before your move.
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Do you have any questions for me?
Your mover might not be hiring you but they still have to ask questions to ensure that you’re given the service you’re looking for. Asking questions also shows interest in your needs and a mover that cares is a mover that you’re going to want to hire.
Quick Tips for a Convenient Move
- Make a list of where your things will go. This will save your movers time in figuring out where your things will go once they arrive as well as which items should be taken in first to facilitate the move.
- Take measurements of doorways, hallways, elevators and the like in advance. This will help you determine if all of your things can fit while being taken to your new home. If not, this will give you and your mover time to make contingencies.
- Check weather forecasts. Severe weather will not only slow down a move but can cause complete delays as well.
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Author Bio:
David Underwood has been in the moving business since 1986. As the founder and General Manager of Our Guys Around Town Movers (formerly known as 2GT, Inc.), he helps provide for the moving needs of families in Maryland, Virginia, the Greater Washington, DC area as well as long-distance national moves. Check out the company blog for updates from David!
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