It’s easy to get frazzled during the moving process because you have many decisions to make in a short amount of time. Add in a whirlwind of emotions and it can be stressful to properly plan all the details of your move. One decision that shouldn’t be taken lightly is deciding which moving company to hire. There’s no shortage of moving companies in Utah, but that doesn’t mean they are all honest and offer top-notch service.
A great way to weed out non-reputable or dishonest companies is by asking some critical questions. When entrusting your possessions to someone, you must do your due diligence to ensure they are worthy of your trust. Here are nine questions to ask a moving company before hiring them.
1. How much experience do you have with my specific type move?
Can the company do everything you need? It’s important to ask if the company has experience with your specific type of move because certain situations require special equipment and practices. For instance, a moving company would handle a move to a penthouse suite on the 12th story of a building differently than a move to a single-family home in the suburbs. What are the exact services that the moving company offers?
2. What type of liability coverage do you offer?
Before putting your trust in a moving company, you’ll want to make sure your stuff is protected in case of an accident during the move. Every reputable moving company should have multiple liability coverage options. In addition, ask for proof of insurance. Legitimate moving companies will have no problem showing you their insurance policy.
3. Do you have references/reviews?
After doing your research on the company, ask for references. They should have no problem providing you with contacts. In addition, ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. Once you’ve narrowed down your search, check online reviews and ratings.
4. Do you provide binding quotes?
It’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into financially. The company should be upfront and honest, with no unpleasant surprises. Some moving companies offer non-binding estimates, which means the estimated cost of your move is subject to change based on actual expenses such as weight and gas. Other companies offer pre-calculated, set-in stone costs so the customer knows exactly what they’ll be paying. All add-on services will be included in that price. Make sure you understand the quote and any potential changes that could occur.
5. How can we contact your company/drivers during the move?
Make sure you know how to get a hold of the company during your move. Ask for this information ahead of time to avoid conflict on the day of your already stressful move. Put the correct contact information on your phone, so it’s close by on the big day.
6. Are there any additional charges I’m not aware of?
This is always a good question to ask. Complete transparency is the goal, and a good and honest moving company will have the same goal. Ask about any hidden costs or add-on costs. Ask if you’ll get any surprise bills besides what was already agreed upon.
7. Does your company require a background check for your employees?
When hiring a moving company, strangers come in and out of your home and handle your belongings. It will help bring peace of mind to know the people in your home have a clean record. A background check will help weed out employees fired from previous moving companies for theft. If the company doesn’t background check its employees, you may want to find a company that does.
8. What payment type is accepted?
Moving can be pricey, so it’s good to know in advance if you’ll be able to pay with a credit card. Make sure you know ahead of time which payment methods are accepted, so you’re not in a bind when the bill comes.
When it comes to hiring movers, there are specific questions to ask to bring peace of mind and clarity. Please do your due diligence when researching full service moving companies and ask all the right questions, so there are no surprises. Hiring movers who are upfront and honest is crucial.
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