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Buying a house is exciting. Moving to it? Not so much!
Hiring a professional mover to transport your goods from your old home to your new one might make things a lot easier. However, selecting the appropriate mover will require some research.
While you're certainly aware that you should ask some questions, such as the cost of moving and what COVID-19 measures the mover has in place, there's a lot more you can ask that could help you avoid some stressful surprises down the line.
Here are some questions you should ask prospective movers before hiring them.
1. Do you offer in-person estimates?
Although you can get a moving estimate over the phone or online, Scott Michael, president, and CEO of the American Moving and Storage Association recommends receiving an in-person estimate.
“Doing it in person ensures that the mover will see all the items that need to be shipped, and can identify any complications in advance,” Michael says. “For instance, if there are low-hanging tree branches that would prevent the moving truck from being able to pull up to your house, that’s something you want to know ahead of time.”
2. Is there anything you will not move?
Lindsey Schaibly, moving services director of Two Men and a Truck, a franchised moving company based in Lansing, MI, advises that some movers refuse to move specific items.
For example, if a moving company considers the risk of loss or damage to plants, fragile family heirlooms, or other valuables is too severe, it may refuse to carry them.
3. What kind of liability coverage does your company provide?
Most moving firms are required by federal law to give "basic coverage," which means they are responsible for 30 cents per pound per item for in-state moves and 60 cents for interstate moves for any items destroyed during the transfer.
Customers can acquire "full-value protection" from many moving firms, which is insurance coverage that provides additional protection. Here's how it works: If any of your belongings are lost, destroyed, or damaged during the move, full-value protection requires the moving company to either repair the item to its original state, replace it with something similar, or pay you cash to replace it.
If your mover does not provide full-value protection, you can acquire an insurance policy from a third party.
4. Is your crew covered by workers’ compensation?
Workers' compensation insurance, which covers medical bills and missed income if employees are harmed on the job, is carried by reputable moving businesses. You could be held liable if an accident occurs during the move if you employ a mover who does not provide workers' compensation.
5. Do you disassemble and reassemble furniture?
Large pieces of furniture—such as bed frames, couches, and dining tables—often have to be dismantled before they can be moved safely through doorways, hallways, and stairs. Many movers will disassemble and reassemble furniture for you, but some won’t—especially when asked to put together with antique furniture without an instruction manual—so make sure you know which services the moving company offers.
6. Will you—or a third party—be delivering my items?
While many moving businesses use their movers to pack and drive, others function as brokers and subcontract their services to other parties. The problem is that some movers are more skilled than others.
If a moving business states, that it will outsource the loading, transportation, or unloading of your belongings, make sure the company has a capable team of movers. Some moving firms even allow you to meet the movers before the big day.
7. If I pack my belongings, are there any restrictions on the type of boxes I can use?
Self-packing might help you save money on your move, but some movers demand self-packers to use specific boxes or packing materials.
A moving firm, for example, may demand you to cover goods in protective material rather than towels to safeguard them.
"The most effective way of carrying, transporting, and preserving one's goods are boxes and protective material like Bubble Wrap and newsprint," explains Aaron Steed, CEO, and creator of Meathead Movers in California.
8. Can you guarantee my delivery date?
If you're moving interstate or cross-country, some movers may promise delivery on a specific day, while others will merely promise delivery within a two- or three-day window. While the latter might help you save money, make sure professional movers can work around your timetable if you have a tight deadline.
9. How much will it cost—and are there extra fees I should know about?
The cost of moving varies greatly. Using Realtor.com's moving cost calculator, you can get a quick estimate for your move based on the number of rooms you have, how far you're moving, and other factors.
Be prepared for some surprises. According to Moving.com, the average cost of a local household move is $1,250. Based on an average weight of 7,500 pounds and a distance of 1,000 miles, the number rises to $4,890 for a long-distance transfer.
Even yet, each moving company has its method of calculating the cost of relocation, and some will provide much lower estimates but include hidden extras (e.g., fuel charge, stairs charge, or even heavy-item charge).
10. Do you offer any discounts or promotions?
Although this question may appear to be self-evident, Michael claims that many buyers overlook it. Don't miss out on discounts offered by some moving firms to AAA members, veterans, and consumers ready to pay in cash.
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