Getting a new house is a grand adventure – but moving is never fun. Whether you’re relocating halfway across the country or just across town, packing up and transporting your entire life to a new location requires a lot of planning and a little bit of reliable assistance. That makes choosing the right moving company particularly important.
The right movers can make your transition from one home to the next smoother and more efficient, and they can save you from a lot of unexpected headaches. The wrong movers can turn into an unnecessary financial drain and a new source of stress. Here’s how to avoid problems:
Step One: Start By Nailing Down All the Basics
You need to start with a basic understanding of the different types of moving companies out there. Some are brokers, some are carriers and some are a mix of both:
- A broker is an intermediary between you and the actual moving companies. Because they have access to multiple companies, they offer maximum flexibility and can often accommodate last-minute moves or special concerns better than individual movers – and at a lower price. However, the trade-off is that you may encounter communication problems and inconsistency in quality of service. You may never even speak to the actual moving company or movers until your big day arrives.
- A carrier is a company that has its own fleet and hires its own movers. They handle the whole moving process without the use of an intermediary. Dealing directly with the carrier limits the possibility of communication issues and may make you feel more comfortable about your level of control over the situation, but you may pay more for the service and have to operate on a more rigid schedule.
- A hybrid broker/carrier typically has its own fleet and movers but may outsource certain specialty services – like moving a sensitive wine collection or recreational vehicles – to another company.
Step Two: Research and Screen Your Options
Once you decide which type of mover you want to use, start making a list of your options and do a little research. Check to make sure that the movers are licensed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. While this is not a guarantee of good service, it at least indicates that the company is legitimate.
Once you’ve crossed any unregistered movers off your list, it’s time to dig a little deeper. Go to Google, look at Yelp and scan each company’s website for reviews and affiliation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and professional associations like the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Again, these are not guarantees that you’ll be happy with the company, but they are ways of vetting a service before you invest any significant time or energy into the process. Pay special attention to any information you can glean on how the company has resolved complaints in the past – because things can and do go awry from time to time.
Step Three: Start Asking Questions
Once you’ve narrowed your list to three or four services that seem likely, you can ask for in-home estimates. An in-home estimate is better than a phone estimate because the mover can see exactly what has to be moved, including items in storage. A good estimator will ask questions – and you should, too.
Some of the most important questions to ask potential movers include:
1. What Services Do You Offer?
Every moving company can be different. Some provide full-service moving, which includes packing, loading, transporting, unloading and unpacking. Others may only offer basic moving services, which leave you with all the packing and unpacking. You’ll pay more for additional services that are tailored to your needs, but the convenience may be worth the cost.
2. What Are Your Rates and How Are They Calculated?
Is the estimate binding or non-binding? A binding estimate guarantees your costs, while a non-binding estimate may be revised based on different factors or the actual services provided. What other additional charges might you face, such as fees for stairs, long carries or packing materials?
3. Do You Have Experience with My Type of Move?
If you have special requirements, such as moving a piano, delicate artwork or a prize vehicle that has to be transported, make sure the movers have experience handling such items. Specialized expertise is expensive, but it ensures your belongings are safely transported.
4. What Kind of Liability Coverage Do You Provide?
Federal regulations require movers to offer two types of liability options: Full Value Protection and Released Value. Full Value Protection holds the company accountable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items, while Released Value coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound per item. Understand what insurance is included in your estimate and consider the need for additional coverage.
5. How Will My Belongings Be Protected During the Move?
Inquire about the measures the company takes to protect your belongings. This includes the type of packing materials used, the process for wrapping and securing items, and how they handle fragile or high-value items.
6. What Is Your Policy on Delays and Delivery Times?
Ask about the company’s delivery windows and what happens if your items are delayed. Understanding their policies on timeliness can help you plan your move with more confidence and keep you from experiencing a lot of unnecessary stress during the process.
7. What Is Your Cancellation or Rescheduling Policy?
Life can be unpredictable, and your plans may suddenly change without warning. You would be remiss if you didn’t ask about the company’s policies for canceling or rescheduling the move, including any fees or penalties.
8. Will You Provide a Written Contract?
Always get a written contract detailing all services, costs and terms. This contract should outline your rights and responsibilities, as well as the mover’s. If something goes wrong, you can rely on your contract to help back up your position and provide an avenue for relief. (If a company seems reluctant to give you anything in writing, that’s a major red flag.)
Once you have all the answers to your questions, you can review the contract that you’re offered and make your decision. Although it’s tempting to go with the lowest-priced service, you should weigh out what is included in each and each company’s overall experience and reputation before you decide.
Hiring movers is always a bit of an intimidating process, but a careful approach will help you find a reliable service.
