Moving is full of important choices—when to move, where to go, how to get there, and more. One of the most crucial decisions along the way is selecting the right moving company.
While there are numerous moving companies out there, their level of expertise, service offerings, and commitment to customer satisfaction can vary significantly. Asking the right questions upfront helps you navigate this selection process and ensure a stress-free transition.
Important Questions to Ask Movers
From hidden fees to insurance options, here are nine important questions to ask movers before the big day arrives. Getting these questions established before you sign any paperwork will help ensure a smoother, less stressful transition to your new home.
1. Are You a Move broker?
When you start contacting moving companies online, you’ll likely come across move brokers. However, there is a key difference between move brokers and moving companies that you should be mindful of.
Move brokers don’t do any of the moving, they simply act as a middleman between you and moving companies. When you contact a move broker, they will give you a quote and then find a moving company to perform your move on the specified dates for that price. Most people choose to use move brokers because they appear to offer the lowest prices. However, there are a few downsides to brokering out your move, such as less control over who does your move, risk of low-quality movers, poor communication or customer service, and more.
2. What Is Your Full Scope of Moving Services?
Understanding a moving company's full scope of services ensures you’ll have a smooth moving process. Not all companies offer the same level of assistance. Asking upfront prevents surprises and ensures your moving company handles everything you need, from packing and furniture disassembly, to transport, and even unpacking in your new home.
This avoids the stress of scrambling for last-minute help or finding out services you assumed were included require extra fees.
3. How Do You Calculate Pricing?
Knowing how your moving company calculates their prices empowers you to compare quotes effectively and avoid hidden fees. Typically, movers will factor in elements like distance, estimated weight, labor hours, and additional services. It’s important to establish this up front to avoid sticker shock on moving day and ensure you're paying a fair price for the specific services you need.
4. Can I See Reviews and References?
Past customer reviews and references offer a window into a moving company’s real-world performance. Positive reviews can highlight strengths like efficiency, careful handling of items, and clear communication.
On the other hand, negative reviews expose issues like hidden fees, damage to property, or delays. This combination of perspectives helps you choose a mover with a proven track record of trustworthiness and quality service, ensuring a less stressful and more successful move. It’s important to look for a mix of both positive, negative, and neutral reviews that seem genuine. Some services may filter or delete negative reviews and you want to avoid these places.
5. What Experience Do You Have With My type of Move?
When it comes to moving quickly and efficiently, experience is everything. This question is particularly important if you’re planning a long-distance move to a different state or a different country.
International and interstate moves face additional complexities compared to local moves. This is due to several factors including distance, legalities and customs, different licensing requirements and more. Movers with experience in these processes will help you save time and reduce stress.
6. What Type of Liability Coverage Do You Provide?
Liability coverage is one of the most important questions to ask because accidents can happen during your move no matter how careful you are.
Most moving companies offer two different levels of liability, impacting how much they compensate you for lost or damaged items. By understanding their coverage options, you can choose the level that best suits the value of your possessions. This empowers you to make informed decisions and potentially purchase additional insurance if needed, ensuring peace of mind and minimizing financial risk during your relocation.
It’s crucial that you bring this question up as early as possible. Liability coverage should be written into your initial moving paperwork.
7. What Type of Customer Support Is Available to Me? Who Will I Be Communicating With Through the Process?
Investigating a moving company's customer service is key to a stress-free relocation. A company with exceptional customer service prioritizes clear communication, prompt issue resolution, and flexibility to adapt to your needs.
Asking about their approach to customer service helps you gauge their responsiveness, whether they offer dedicated points of contact, and how they handle concerns. This insight ensures you'll have a reliable support system throughout the moving process, allowing you to focus on the new chapter ahead, not the logistics of getting there. Your customer service representative’s contact information should be in your written estimate.
8. Are Your Estimates Binding or Non-binding?
Understanding whether a moving company's estimate is binding or non-binding is crucial for budgeting your move accurately.
In short, a binding estimate guarantees a fixed price for the move based on pre-discussed details. This protects you from surprise fees on delivery day. Conversely, a non-binding estimate is an approximation, and the final cost could be higher based on factors like weight or additional services.
Confirming whether your written estimate is binding or non-binding clarifies your financial responsibility and helps you avoid potential sticker shock later. It empowers you to compare estimates effectively and choose the option that best suits your need for cost certainty.
Click here to learn more about the differences between binding and non-binding estimates.
9. Do You Provide Storage?
Knowing if a moving company offers storage can significantly simplify your relocation process, especially if your move has unique circumstances.
Sometimes, there might be a gap between closing on your old place and getting access to your new one. Additionally, downsizing during a move often necessitates storing belongings.
By inquiring about storage options, you can explore the convenience of keeping your items with a trusted mover rather than scrambling to find and rent a separate storage unit. This streamlined approach saves time, reduces stress, and potentially offers continued protection for your belongings under the same company's care.
Talk to a Moving Expert
Moving is never a simple process, but choosing the right partner will make the process much smoother and easier to manage. Bailey’s Moving and Storage has offices in Denver, CO; Salt Lake City, UT; Grand Junction, CO; and Colorado Springs, CO and has over 70 years of experience with local, intrastate, interstate and international moves. Contact us today for a free quote and to talk to one of our experts.
If you’re looking for more helpful tips to prepare for your move, check out the rest of our learning center. This article on the cost of moving a house is a good place to get started.
