There are so many different stages to the moving process that, by the time you get to the actual moving, you might feel a little burnt out. Think about it, you worked for that promotion or to get into that school, found a new place to live, sold or subleased your current space, had the garage sale, packed your entire life into boxes, and now the real work begins! It would be easy to blindly hire the first moving company that happens to be available, but there are a few things you might want to consider first. Asking the right questions about your moving needs can help save you time, money, and a lot of energy!
What Services Do They Offer?
Some moving companies just do precisely that: move. But many others have a wide range of services available that you might find intriguing, like packing services. Some companies will provide all packing materials needed and pack your space for you, a service that, for many, is well worth the fee! If you are moving a long distance or across state lines, you will want to ask what the additional travel fees will be so that you are not shocked at the end. If you have specialty items that need to be moved like a piano or a safe, you might want to mention that ahead of time so that they are prepared, and you will want to know if there are additional fees for that as well.
Additional Fees?
Speaking of charging extra, you will want to be very clear about the space the movers will be working in so that you can be aware of additional charges that might be looming. Companies can charge for things like having to maneuver sidewalk steps, having more than one story in the house, not being on the first floor, having a surplus of rooms, whether or not your street or driveway is moving truck accessible. After giving a detailed overview of your situation, as what fees you can expect, that way you can prepare properly.
Do They Have Insurance?
Insurance policies and availability vary from company to company, so it is important that you know what you have available to you. If this is an additional fee, ask how much, and be sure to get the details of the coverage. For instance, most moving companies insurance policies are based on the weight of an item, not the actual value. You might want to assess the value of any key items that are important to you and ask for an estimate on the coverage. You might also consider looking into your homeowners or renters insurance to see if moving coverage is included.
Will They Be Using Subcontractors?
Working with a moving company that you know that you can trust can take a lot of the stress out of the moving process. Ask your moving company if they will be using any subcontractors for your specific move as, often times, bigger moving companies will outsource labor, especially if it’s during a busy moving time. Ask what moving company they will use for your move and check them out. It is okay to take the time to be sure that the people who are handling your belongings are dependable, trustworthy, and responsible!
