5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Moving Company

If you’re planning to move soon, you’re not alone. Around 35 million people move yearly in pursuit of an upgrade, downgrade, or a simple refresh of their living situation. One of the best ways to simplify a move is to hire a professional moving company. Here are five things to consider before you hire your next movers.

1. What Type of Mover Do You Need?

Before contacting a moving company, one of the first questions is what kind of mover you need. Guard against movers who claim to specialize in ‘everything.’

Most moving companies have more experience in one specific type of movement than others. Therefore, determining your mover’s background can make or break your satisfying experience if your move is long-distance.

Research interstate movers in your area if you are crossing state lines. There may be a need for additional licensing, permits, and regulations for movers who specialize in interstate moves.

If your mover is only used to providing local services, the required additional fees and insurance might make your rate go up. However, interstate movers also have the logistical expertise to pull off a long-distance move without a hitch.

They can advise the safest and fastest way to transport oversized items to ensure everything arrives in one piece. In addition, movers who cross state lines will have national vendor partners who can provide resources if things don’t go as planned.

New movers will have to start from scratch, finding help with any issues that arise by using your personal belongings as a testing ground to solve the problem.

2. Are They Licensed and Insured?

Never assume a mover is licensed and insured because of the size or appearance of the company. Though you’re more likely to find uninsured rogue movers, you must be sure your personal belongings are protected before you trust any company to move your things.

Licensed and insured movers are legally bound to protect your personal property. However, if they are moving your items across state lines, they’ll need to register with the Department of Transportation (DOT) before they can ship goods.

Random DOT inspections are performed on commercial trucks regularly. If your mover is caught transporting your things without the proper registration, that could cause a significant delay in your move.

You can look up a mover’s DOT number and insurance through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. State regulations vary for intrastate movers.

Check whether your state has minimum licensing requirements for movers so you can tailor your questions to those specific regulations.

3. What’s Included in the Estimate?

Hiring movers like Metropolitan Movers who can offer transparent pricing estimates are essential. You can learn more about their service options in Canada by clicking here: www.metropolitanmovers.ca.

It’s common for movers to provide a complete inventory list of everything they’ll move in your Estimate. This is helpful because it means there’s documentation in case there’s a misunderstanding on moving day.

The person selling you moving services isn’t usually the same person who comes to move your things. Unfortunately, you could have several people on site who don’t know your requests firsthand.

Ensure the Estimate includes this inventory list to help keep everyone on the same page. It is also common for a moving company to charge based on weight.

Companies charging based on weight are less likely to overcharge you. Always ask how pricing is determined to determine whether you are being charged by weight or volume.

Walkthrough Inspections

Your Estimate should include notes from a walkthrough inspection, if available. Doing a walkthrough with your movers is essential because it helps them answer questions you might not know to ask.

For example, they’ll immediately notice if transporting an oversized item down a narrow set of stairs is possible. In addition, experienced movers can offer secondary solutions that won’t delay your move at the last minute.

They can also follow up with pricing on add-on services, so you aren’t hit with a surprise bill after the work is complete. The walkthrough allows them to see the number of boxes and furniture firsthand and the best routes in and out of the property.

4. Does the Moving Company Have Good Reviews?

Online reviews can be a lifesaver when hiring a moving company. There’s more to hiring movers than making sure they have experience.

Sometimes good customer service is needed to help you remain stress-free throughout your move. For example, a courteous staff who won’t leave trash behind or scream at your dog is helpful with a moving crew.

You won’t meet these people early in the process when it could make or break your impression of the company. Online reviews are the best way to get a peek into what you should expect when the actual movers arrive at your home.

5. Did You Read the FAQs?

You can save yourself a lot of time calling around different movers by reading the FAQs on their website. It’s essential to get up to date with common moving company terminology so you can ask more intelligent questions and build a rapport early in the process.

The moving company gets many repetitive calls daily, which will help you establish trust if you show you are an informed customer. Treat your moving company as a partner helping you into your new life rather than hiring hands to do your bidding.

Hire the Right Movers

A moving company can be your saving grace when planning a big move. Be sure to contact them well ahead of your move, so you have time to set up a walkthrough and ask questions.

Never pay a mover a cash deposit before you move. No reputable company needs payment in cash, especially before services are rendered.

For more information and lifestyle tips, check our blog for updates.


Yvan Lebrun
Yvan Lebrun

Yvan Lebrun is a trusted expert in the field of product & service reviews. With over a decade of experience analyzing and comparing services online, he shares his valuable experience with readers at GoodSitesLike so consumers can make educated decisions before making a purchase.

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