So you’re moving to a new home across town. This can be a very exciting but also sometimes confusing process for you and your family. Challenges and obstacles often arise when you decide to relocate homes. There may be some things you have never done before. Luckily there are people in the industry who are happy to help. You may have questions to ask your local movers if you are new to the moving process. There are some things to look for and ask that will ensure you get all the information you need, from the company you chose to help you with your big move.
What license and certification do they have?
There are some credentials that your that all reliable movers should have. There are different questions to ask that can get you this information. The first thing you should check is if they have a US Department of Transport number, this is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. All local movers should have this number if they claim to be a legitimate company. By asking these questions you can relieve some of the anxiety that comes with picking the right moving company.
Another important question to ask is if they are part of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Being part of this association shows that they comply with all federal moving and storage laws. Meaning you can trust them to follow correct procedures.
Asking if the employees of the moving company you chose have been background checked is important. This can give you and your family peace of mind. Especially because your local moving company will be handling your valuables.
Is Your Price Binding?
If you enquire with your mover about receiving a binding estimate, you need to ask if the agreement is binding or non-binding. A non-binding estimate is based on an estimate made by the company based on the weight of your belongings, and what services they believe you might need. The cost of this style of an estimate is always almost more at the end, and they come up with the price based on the weight of your final; shipment. Binding Estimates can be quite open-ended, which can lead to confusion
Getting an estimate can help you a lot
By choosing the right questions to ask your local movers, you can ensure you get an accurate estimate. By doing this you won’t be shocked by the estimate you receive.
What Protection do they Offer?
There are many different protection options your company might provide. By asking the right questions and staying organized you can ensure all your belongings are covered. Basic insurance is usually 0.60cents per pound, but this may not cover your valuable and treasured items. Inquire into what plans they have to offer, some may include;
- Full value protection, not listed for High-Value Inventory
- Full value protection, listed on High-Value Inventory.
Make sure your possessions are in safe hands
If the item is not listed on high value and it is damaged and can’t be repaired they will pay you a substantial sum of money. If your possessions are listed as high-value your movers will try their best to replace the item or they may cover the entire cost of replacement.
By choosing the right questions to ask and being an informed consumer. You can make the moving experience great for you and your family. Look for the key things spoken about here, and you may find your move is more fun than you imagined.
