Knowing what questions to ask movers is crucial because sometimes you just don’t realize how little you actually know. Since the majority of Americans relocate a handful of times over their lifetimes, it can be tricky to stay up to date on all the ins and outs of the relocation industry.
Check out these important questions to ask a moving company before you move
Besides finding the most suitable and reputable moving company, the questions you’re going to ask them surely are something to think about as well. Yes, the entire process will require a bit more time than you thought, especially if making a list for your first move out. So, start with the preparations right after you decide where to live and search for the long-distance moving services that will make the whole transition a breeze. Include asking your mover the most important stuff, as well.
Why Is It Important to Know the Right Questions to Ask Movers
Are you getting ready to move and wondering how to make the experience as smooth as possible? Hiring a reliable and reputable relocation company is the first step, but there are other things you can do to ensure your move goes off without a hitch.
Moving scams are, unfortunately, all too common. With people relocating more frequently than ever before, there are plenty of opportunities for scammers to take advantage of unsuspecting victims. While most reputable companies are honest and trustworthy, there are a few bad apples out there that will try to scam you out of your hard-earned money. But, with the best relocation tips and all the right questions to ask moving companies, you won’t have to worry about anything.
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#1 Are Cross Country Movers Licensed?
Relocating across the country requires professional help, even if you’ve moved before. There are numerous tasks to do and things to think about. Choosing a relocation team will indeed ease the move, but how to know whether that team is legitime and licensed?
A federal organization called the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) controls the use of commercial vehicles to ensure both business and consumer safety. Although receiving FMCSA accreditation doesn’t guarantee your relocation crew will offer you reasonable rates or high-quality service, it does show that the business isn’t just a front for fraud.
The U.S. DOT numbers should both be listed at the bottom of the home page of every respectable moving firm. These are identification numbers that the federal government has given to the business. And once you find it, check on the FMCSA website in just a few clicks.
Ask If the Long-Distance Moving Company Is Also Insured
When you’re looking for a long-distance moving company, the first thing you should ask is if they are insured and licensed. If not, look elsewhere. A reputable company will have both insurance and a license. This protects you in case something goes wrong during the move.
This can be pretty helpful when you’re feeling a bit anxious about the move. After all, we all know how some of our belongings are valuable, no matter whether it’s a sentimental value or not. You have to be sure all the possessions you entrust to the relocation crew will be in good hands and insured properly.
Long-distance movers should be both licensed and insured
#2 Is a Long-Distance Moving Company a Broker?
Relocation companies aren’t brokers. A relocating broker isn’t registered or permitted to carry freight, and it’s the primary distinction between a relocation business and a broker. Only qualified and approved movers may carry your household or business belongings. So, think wisely about who you will hire and make your relocation seamless. After all, you don’t want all of the benefits the move will bring to become a real nightmare, right?
Auto Transport
Move your car across the country in an open or enclosed trailer – for an affordable fee. We offer car transport as a standalone service, but you can bundle it with your household move and get a hefty discount.
Learn moreStorage Services
Our spacious climate-controlled units will protect your things until the drop-off. No need to worry about them because all items are labeled and secure, and each customer gets a dedicated unit mixup isn’t possible.
Learn moreMoving Insurance
All your stuff is secure with Long Distance USA Movers, but in case something does happen to it, there’s a moving insurance policy in place. We offer both basic Valuation Coverage and Full Value Protection.
Learn moreBe Aware of Many Downsides to Hiring Brokers
You might not immediately notice all of a moving broker’s downsizes. There are a few universal drawbacks that we should discuss. Here are a few that we believe are significant:
A Moving Company Will Not Be Contacted
Speaking with moving companies on your behalf will be your moving broker. Additionally, they will execute legal documents in customers’ names and act as a liaison between a business and a client. Therefore, if the individual is untrustworthy from the start, the business can be as well. Additionally, the moving agent will often charge based on the percentage of the relocation. So, it seems to be the reason that they would hire an expensive moving firm. This is the reason why it’s crucial to start by researching moving firms.
You'll Entrust Just One Person With Handling Everything
This is entirely accurate. Once you can afford to move and don’t have time, hiring a broker might be a great idea, but if you don’t have much money, it might not be. As was already said, the moving broker performs their duties by locating reputable movers and collecting a cut of the relocation costs. They will therefore control all the levers. Additionally, they will decide how many packers you require, so keep that in mind as well.
Some Relocation Crews May Partner With Brokers
Some moving firms may not be as competent as they first appear to be. As a result, they might partner with several moving brokers to conveniently discover new clients. They might even collaborate to perpetrate fraud. Therefore, everything could appear professional one moment, but the next, you risk losing money, time, and other assets. You should never permit something like this to occur, so start by looking for some qualified relocation teams.
#3 What Cross-Country Moving Services Does the Company Offer?
Relocating during the Coronavirus has made this even more challenging than before. Luckily relocation crews are essential workers, and they have been helping people reach their new homes safely and effortlessly. But, not every relocation business has equal services to offer you. And one of the most common relocation mistakes is presuming all of them can provide all the help you need. However, check some of the commonly required services you’ll surely find pretty helpful:
- Packing services,
- Loading and unloading,
- Auto transport,
- Storage units,
- Custom crating,
- Assembly and disassembly of the furniture and other bulky items,
- Moving insurance.
The more services you use, the easier the move will be
#4 What Kind of Estimate Do Long-Distance Movers Provide?
Relocation firms may provide you with a quote in an effort to lure you in at a low cost. If that estimate is not contractually obligated, the business may decide to raise your pricing in the future. On moving day, when it could be too late to locate a better deal, certain movers are infamous for raising their rates.
Working with a provider that offers legally binding estimates can help you avoid this circumstance. Binding estimates guarantee that your cost won’t go up as long as everything goes according to plan throughout your move and nothing gets added to your inventory at the last moment.
Ask About All the Fees That Are Included in the Estimate
Most relocation firms use hidden fees to inflate their rates on moving days. These costs are either misrepresented in your contract, buried under mounds of legalese, or not revealed until they appear on the final bill.
Additionally, it’s doubtful that a customer support agent will provide you with a straightforward response. If a business conceals the fees, it probably instructs its employees to do the same. Instead, you should always run a quick check of the online reviews and comments previous customers have left and see if a business frequently imposes unexpected expenses.
Double check the contract and be aware of the possible hidden fees
#5 How Does the Long-Distance Moving Company Calculate Prices?
Dealing with relocation expense deduction, indeed, isn’t easy. In order to correctly plan your budget, check with your mover how the pricing will be determined. To make sure your final price isn’t more than it should be, keep track of everything your relocation entails and what the firm claims to charge for those services.
Customers are often charged by moving companies according to numerous criteria. Here are some of the most important ones:
- The weight of the shipment – the less stuff you have, the lower the price will be. So, get rid of all unnecessary large items. Also, mind the items the relocation team won’t move and deal with them on your own.
- Mileage of the move – as you may already know, relocating just down the street and across the country isn’t the same, and the price will change accordingly.
- Season of the move – well, the peak season will always be pricier, right? So, don’t be surprised if you get a higher estimate. However, if you want to lower the relocation costs, consider relocating in the winter and avoid the summer days.
- Labor costs in hours – some professionals will charge you the hourly labor rates.
#6 Does the Cross-Country Company Background Check Its Employees?
A full-service relocation will involve outsiders visiting your home, going through your belongings, packing, loading each package into a truck, and leaving with them. We comprehend that it may be a scary circumstance. Asking your organization if it conducts background checks on its employees will help make it considerably less stressful, even if it definitely won’t ever be completely comfortable.
Background checks assist movers in eliminating candidates who have already been dismissed from other organizations for theft or property damage. Additionally, they check the permanent records of employees to ensure they have no serious drug offenses or burglary accusations. This procedure makes sure that a business invites only those you and it can trust inside your home. Keep in mind the advice of staying away from a company that doesn’t do background checks on its moving teams.
#7 Does the Long-Distance Moving Company Offer Shipment Tracking?
It’s simple to become anxious and impatient while you’re waiting for your furniture and other belongings to get to your new house, especially when you’re eating takeout in your empty dining room on a picnic blanket for the third night in a row.
Fortunately, you can get up-to-date information about your furniture thanks to several moving firms’ cargo tracking services. It is possible to trace shipments using GPS through the corporate website or by contacting the relocation crew and asking for a status report.
Unfortunately, this service isn’t always provided, and when it is, some businesses don’t do it very well. Even though it shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, package tracking can provide you peace of mind throughout a protracted transfer. So, whatever the reasons for the move are, don’t let the first relocation company you find be the final solution. Ask around and decide which crew will suit your needs the best.
Being able to track down your shipment will give you a piece of mind
Have the Best Experience With Your Relocation Crew and Know Every Little Detail About the Move
Relocating to a new place is an exciting time, but it can also be a bit stressful. There are a lot of things to think about and organize, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. One of the most important things you can do to make your move go smoothly is to choose the right relocation crew. And to do that, you need to have all the right questions to ask the team that will handle your move. That way, you can rest assured your belongings will safely arrive at your new home.
