The decision to hire a moving company is a big one, and you want to be sure you’re not wasting your money. Unfortunately, most people aren’t sure what to ask their would-be movers, or how to tell whether a moving service is reputable.
Don’t worry, though. We’re here to help. Here are five questions you should always ask a moving company before you sign on the dotted line.
5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company
Whether this is your first move or you’re an old pro, these questions can help keep you out of hot water when moving day rolls around:
1. How many years have you been in business?
Years in business is an excellent indicator of a quality company. While a long history isn’t a 100% guarantee of exceptional service, it does tell you something about the company’s quality and dedication to its customers.
Also, check out their standing with the BBB or your Secretary of State to verify what they say. Be wary of brand-new companies or those with no track record of success.
2. Can you provide references?
References are a critical part of finding a good moving company. Reputable businesses will gladly furnish new customers with recommendations. If the moving company doesn’t do this, watch out. Another option is to look for references online. Look for reviews that provide detailed breakdowns (good or bad) about the customer’s experience with the moving company.
3. Are your movers licensed, bonded, and insured?
Moving involves risk, and you want to make sure you’re not stuck footing the bill if something happens. Because of this, it’s critical to ask if the company is licensed, bonded, and insured. This indicates the company complies with all state and local laws. It also shows that the company is an above-bar mover with enough insurance coverage to handle anything that might happen during your move.
4. Are your quotes binding?
Nobody wants a nasty price surprise on moving day. With this in mind, ask the movers if their estimates are binding or non-binding. Binding estimates won’t change at a later date. Non-binding estimates, however, can go up on moving day – meaning the amount you ultimately pay might be higher than the initial assessment.
5. Do you offer last-minute packing service?
Both local and long-distance moves can get stressful. It’s nice to have a team who will step in and handle most of the process for you. If this is something you’re interested in, be sure to ask your movers whether they also offer packing services and how they cover things packed by the owner in case there was damage.
Packing services generally include packing, unpacking, crating, and appliance disconnection.
Finding the Right Moving Company for You
Moving is already a big transition – why make it harder by working with sub-par movers? By asking the five questions above, you can narrow down your choices to the moving companies that are genuinely right for you. Ready to learn more about local and long-distance moves, or get an estimate for your move? Contact Master Movers today, your reliable Portland-based moving company.
Lastly, go with your gut. Your intuition is your biggest indicator. Trust that you will make the right decision.