5 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Moving Company

Did you know that about 8.4% of Americans moved in 2021?

It's no secret that packing up all of your belongings and moving is stressful for everyone. No matter how many times you've done it, there are always new challenges that unfold. The best way to make moving a breeze is to hire local movers. 

With that said, not all moving companies are built the same. There's a handful of questions you need to ask before you hire a moving company, and this will give you the peace of mind necessary to avoid any unwanted moving day stress.

Ready to learn more? Let's get started. 

1. Are You Properly Licensed?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of scammers and rogue movers taking advantage of people looking for moves. This is why you'll need to be diligent and ask whether the moving company is properly licensed.

The United States Department of Transportation issues license numbers to professional interstate companies. If the moving company you're looking at only relocates customers within the same state, then you'll want to look for a state license. 

Remember that each state has its own set of license requirements and regulations. If you're interested in knowing more about local movers, check out this article. 

2. Are There Additional Fees?

Moving is expensive, and it doesn't help to learn that there are additional fees after hiring a moving company. You want to find out if there are any additional fees or when additional fees apply as you look for different options. 

Some companies charge more if the destination doesn't have easy access or any awkward items. 

Being well-organized can not only help you plan before your move, but it will help you avoid any additional fees. Tell your local moving company about any strange items, and be sure to set up where the truck can park. Take note of any stairs or potential obstructions, such as load restrictions.

3. Do You Have Experience With This Type of Move?

You can quickly determine if the moving company you're looking at is experienced by researching the moving company reviews. What is more difficult to know is if they have enough experience handling your specific type of move. For example, if you're moving into a high-rise building, you'll want to make sure that they're able to handle what that entails, NYC movers is likely to have more insight base on the demographics. 

Otherwise, you'll get less experienced movers and risk more bumps in the road.

4. Do You Offer Insurance?

Be sure to ask detailed questions about insurance. Although it might be an additional cost, knowing how your items will be protected is a good idea.

Insurance tends to be based on weight, so assess the value of your goods versus how much insurance will cost.

5. Do You Have References?

Ask the moving company you're considering if they have references for an extra dose of reassurance. If you see that there have been plenty of satisfied customers, you know you're likely making the right decision.

It doesn't hurt to ask people you trust for recommendations as well.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Moving Company

If you think you're the only person who dreads moving, think again. Americans say the moving process is more stressful than divorce and having children, and it's no wonder why people rely on professional movers to lighten the load.

Unfortunately, hiring the wrong movers can escalate stress. Asking the right questions before hiring a moving company ensures that you're making the right choice. 

If you are looking for more articles like this? Be sure to check out the Home Design section of our blog!