How to Find a Reliable Mover: Asking the Right Questions

Finding a professional and trustworthy mover to hire for your move is no easy task. The moving industry is plagued with scam companies that are careless with your belongings and rip you off on your final bill. Luckily, knowing the right questions to ask before hiring a mover will help you determine if they are the right fit for your move!

How is pricing determined?

Cost is often a major deciding factor when booking a move. While you certainly want to find a good price, automatically hiring the cheapest movers can often spell disaster. You want to ensure your moving company is not only affordable, but reliable. Typically moving companies either charge you based on the size if your shipment and the distance you are travelling (usually for a long distance relocation) or a flat hourly rate (for a local move). However, there may be other fees depending on the services you require. When you are receiving your in-home estimate, it is important to inquire about extra charges and provide all information about your move and your belongings for the most accurate quote.

Services movers may charge you extra for include:

• Stair carries
• Long carries
• Packing services and/or material
• Furniture assembly/disassemby
• Storage

What kind of estimates do you provide?
There are three different types of estimates provided by moving companies--binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed. A binding estimate cannot be changed, even if your goods exceed the weight assessed by your movers. On the other hand, a non-binding estimate can be changed to reflect a higher or lower final price--but it cannot be raised more than 10 percent of the original quote. A binding-not-to-exceed estimate cannot be raised even if your shipment turns out to heavier than expected, but the movers can lower your final bill if your load ends up being lighter.

What type of insurance coverage is offered?
The standard liability coverage moving companies are legally required to offer is known as Replacement Value Protection. Under this minimal coverage, your movers are only responsible to reimburse you for lost or damaged goods at a rate of $0.60 per pound per article. This insurance is obviously inefficient for anything of even moderate value, and you should certainly ask about your additional options. Many moving companies will offer you what is known as Full Value Protection, which covers the full amount of replacing or repairing a broken or misplaced item. You may also have to purchase separate coverage for items considered to be of "extreme value". Be sure to inquire about all additional insurance options, the extent of the coverage, and the added cost before choosing any mover.

When will my shipment arrive?
If you're moving long distance, the movers will not be driving your shipment nonstop to your destination. Your goods may be placed temporarily in a warehouse or switched to different trucks. Additional delays can be caused by traffic jams, inclement weather, or mechanical trouble. Delivery can take weeks, and you may have to plan to be without your belongings for a while. However, movers can usually provide you with an expected delivery date so you can make any necessary arrangements. This date may fall within a two-week window, so specific guarantees should not be expected.

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