Q's for the Pros: Things You Should Ask Your Movers

One of the tasks you need to get done when you're ready to move is to book professional movers who will handle all your belongings and make sure your items arrive at your new address safely. When deciding which company to hire, it's important to know the things you should be discussing with a moving company that wants to earn your business.

When you think you’re ready to talk to professional movers in South Florida or any other region about your planned relocation, you have to be prepared for the things that should come up during the conversation. This means you should have a ready list of questions to make sure you get all the information you need from them. Here are some of the things that should definitely be on your list:

What are your current rates and fees?

Inquire about a moving company's basic rates. Here's the common setup: if you're moving somewhere near, the charge is usually by the hour. But if you're having a long distance move, the rate may be based on two factors: the distance and the weight. Ask if there may be additional fees, which may be common for oversized items, extra packing materials, and even going up or downstairs.

What is your estimation process?

Different moving companies have different policies when it comes to providing quotes for potential customers. There are some movers that prefer seeing all your items in-person before offering you a quote. If you're doing a long distance move, getting an estimate is better for more accuracy. If this is what you're getting, let the estimator know about any belongings that you're not planning to take with you, as well as others that may be heavier and more difficult to move. Be careful of estimates that are too good to be true.

What type of packing services do you have? What are your practices to make sure that my items are properly protected?

There are two options that most movers offer their clients: full and partial packing. Depending on your chosen package, proper and sturdy packing materials should be included, such as correctly-sized boxes, bubble or other protective wraps for fragile items, and even blankets or plastic wrap for your furniture pieces.

Will my items be transferred to a different truck?

In case of a long distance move, some movers use multiple trucks and transfer your belongings from one truck to another. This may increase the chances of getting your items damaged or lost during the transit, so be sure to inquire about this.

What are your accepted forms of payment and on what terms?

It's not recommended to hire movers that only accept cash payments. So, when discussing payments with your movers, make sure you agree on the amount that must be settled upon the delivery against the deposit amount. Also, don't forget to ask if your deposit is refundable.

Finally, ask about the types of moving insurance they offer. Knowing all your options will give you more peace of mind before, during, and after the move.