Are you searching for a professional moving company to help you with your upcoming relocation? Although working with moving pros can make a relocation infinitely easier, finding the right company for your needs is crucial. Accomplishing this requires careful consideration to ensure your movers will provide the high-quality services you’re searching for. So how can you determine if a moving company is right for you? 

If you’re not sure how to approach the search for reliable movers, you’re not alone. But by equipping yourself with the right knowledge, you can successfully find a dependable company to facilitate your move. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 questions you should ask your movers before signing a contract with them so you can get the best results possible during your upcoming move!

Do you have proper licensing and accreditations?

Having the necessary licensing is an absolute must for any moving company you consider. By law, any movers who facilitate interstate relocations must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation. They must also be registered with the state they are based in. Additionally, moving companies must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and follow along with their guidelines.

Additionally, moving companies do not need to have additional accreditations, but working with other trustworthy associations adds an extra layer of reliability. Check to see if your moving company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association or the American Trucking Association. These affiliations can add an extra vote of confidence to the trustworthiness of a moving company.

What experience do you have with moves like mine?

Checking that your movers have experience with moves similar to yours can be an excellent way to gauge if they are the right option for you. For instance, if you’re moving to a different state, asking if a company you’re considering has moved other customers to that state can help you make your decision. If you have any special circumstances involved with your move, ask about the movers’ experiences to see if they can handle the task successfully.

What insurance options do you offer?

Accidents can happen during any relocation. Even with the most careful packing and transportation, items can break in transit. Being aware of these risks and preparing accordingly is an important precautionary measure to handle your relocation responsibly. Talk with any movers you consider to learn about their insurance options. Although federal law mandates that all movers must provide released value protection, a free coverage option that reimburses customers up to 60 cents per pound for lost or damaged items, you may find that you need a more comprehensive option. Check if your movers offer full-value protection or if you will need to look into third-party options.

Do you provide binding or not-to-exceed estimates?

When a moving company provides an estimate for your relocation, understanding the terms of this estimate is crucial. While a non-binding estimate is subject to change, binding and not-to-exceed estimates offer increased reliability. Binding estimates provide a fixed cost that will not change, which is a more desirable option. However, the most popular option of all is the not-to-exceed estimate, which ensures that the customer will not pay more and could even pay less depending on the actual weight of their items. Asking about the terms of your estimate will ensure you accurately anticipate the price of working with movers.

Can you provide references?

If you want to ensure a moving company is trustworthy, references can be a great way to do so. Ask the movers you’re considering if they can provide references—former customers who you can reach out to and ask about their experience with the company. These references can provide candid feedback about the quality of the movers’ services, allowing you to confidently decide if the company is right for you.

What is the estimated delivery timeline?

Determining the timeline for your move is another important aspect of your relocation. A huge part of the timeline is the delivery of your items to your new home. Ask your movers how long it typically takes to deliver shipments when they have completed relocations of a similar distance as yours. Anticipating how long your items will take to arrive is crucial to settling into your new home accordingly.

Do you offer additional services?

Maybe you’re just looking for moving services—or maybe you want additional help with your relocation. If you want to work with a full-service moving company that also provides packing and storage solutions, inquiring about these services during your estimate is recommended. Ideally, finding one company to complete all of these solutions will streamline your relocation.

Are you a broker or a carrier?

When you tackle a move with the help of a moving company, you should always check if a company is a broker or a carrier. Brokers simply arrange for the transportation of your items with a third party. They are not moving companies but rather companies that book your moving services for you to obtain the best price possible. On the other hand, carriers are moving companies. They own their trucks, and the team that facilitates your move works for that company. Although both options have their advantages, many people prefer to work with carriers as a more reliable option.

Who will be my point of contact throughout the move?

Anticipating what the moving process will look like with your moving company is an important part of your decision. Talk to any moving company you consider to find out if you will have a point person who you will communicate with throughout the relocation. This can allow for a more seamless process.

How do you handle claims?

Last but not least, ask your moving company how they will handle any claims for lost or damaged items. Even with the utmost care and attention to detail, issues can occur—but how your movers handle these issues is the most important aspect. Ensure any company you work with has a reliable claims process, as this will decrease stress in the event of any issues.

Prepare for Moving Day Like a Pro

By asking these questions, you can effectively determine if a potential moving company offers the reliability and expertise you’re searching for. 

Looking for trusted movers on Long Island? Rely on Austin Moving & Storage, Long Island’s dependable full-service moving company. Our team of moving experts provides high-quality moving, packing, and storage solutions throughout New York and beyond. 

Request a free quote online or call us today to learn more about our highly-rated services at affordable rates!