Moving Soon? Be Sure to Ask Your Moving Company These Questions Before Hiring Them
When you’re moving to a new home, you’ve got a lot on your plate, including packing and planning and plenty of other logistics to figure out!
One of the most useful ways to make moving easier is by hiring a moving company. This can make the process much smoother, but if you don’t choose the right moving company, you put yourself at unnecessary risk.
To protect yourself and your belongings, here are four questions you should ask a moving company before hiring them:
- “Are you properly licensed?” If you’re using an interstate moving company, be sure to ask to see their license number issued by the United States Department of Transportation. If you’re moving within the same state, ask to see their state-issued license. You can also use this information to check online for complaints and customer reviews.
- “What kind of insurance do you have?” Any legitimate moving company should be able to show you proof of their insurance. They should also have liability coverage options to present you with.
- “Do you have references?” Before you trust a moving company with your precious belongings, be sure to ask for a list of references and follow up with them to make sure your things are in good hands.
- “Do you offer non-binding or binding estimates?” It’s always a good idea to get an estimate in writing ahead of time, so you don’t end up spending much more on your move than you had planned for. Many moving companies provide non-binding estimates, which give you a general idea of what you might spend, but they are subject to change. If you’d like more certainty, you can ask for a binding estimate, which ensures the total cost of your move won’t exceed your original cost estimate. You can also ask about any other potential hidden charges and what kind of additional moving supplies you’re being charged for.
If you want additional insurance beyond what the moving company provides you with, you can always consider purchasing third-party insurance!