If you’re planning on moving soon, it’s important to ask your moving company the right questions. Not all companies are created equal, and some may not be up to the task of moving your belongings safely. By asking the right questions, you can ensure that you choose a company that is right for your needs. Here are the most important questions to ask your moving company before hiring them.
Moving home is an exciting time. Even small moves are full of happy anticipation, because you might be moving into your first home, or downsizing to spend more time doing the things you love. But a house move is also full of lots of logistics, planning, and careful scheduling. You have so much in your head because there is so much to do, that you worry you’ll forget something, or totally miss an important detail.
Moving companies can help make the process a whole lot easier. But you need to book a company that is reliable and will do exactly what you need them to do on the day. So what questions should you be asking them before you book them, to ensure this will be the case?
What Is Your Moving Experience?
This is the first and most important question to ask. You want to make sure that the company you’re hiring has plenty of experience in moving. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be damaged or lost during the move. Don’t just take their word for it either. Do a bit of online research to look up customer reviews, or ask for references that you can verify information with. If you don’t get a satisfactory answer to this question, you’ll want to find someone else with that you have a bit more confidence.
Do You Offer Insurance?
Insurance is important in case something goes wrong during the move. Whether it’s something breaking or getting lost in transit, you want to know that your belongings are covered. Make sure to ask what type of insurance they offer, and what their coverage includes. If you have specific items that are very valuable or important to you, it is a good idea to name these items to the company to ensure they are definitely insured to an appropriate level. You should also find out if there are any additional fees for insurance or if it is included in the service as a whole.
What Is Your Pricing Structure?
Be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of the moving company’s pricing structure. It is not uncommon for there to be additional fees that are not immediately apparent, so you want to make sure you know exactly what you’re paying for. In addition, ask about any discounts or promotions they might be running. Many companies offer lower rates if you book in advance, or if you’re moving during the week rather than on the weekend. Also, find out if there are any scenarios in which you might be asked to pay an additional fee.
What Services Do You Offer?
Not all moving companies offer the same services, so it’s important to make sure that they can provide everything you need for your move. For example, if you need help packing up your belongings, you’ll want to make sure that’s something they offer. Not only this, you need to ensure this service is definitely included in your specific booking. This totally changes the length of time movers will need to allocate to your job, and you don’t want to discover a miscommunication related to this on your moving day. Some companies also offer storage solutions if you need somewhere to keep your belongings for a short period of time. If there’s something specific you need, make sure to ask about it before booking the company.
Are There Any Items You Won’t Take?
There are some items that most moving companies won’t take, such as hazardous materials or perishable food. If you have any of these items, make sure to ask if the company is willing to move them before booking. Otherwise, you might be stuck trying to figure out what to do with them at the last minute. There have been instances where people have expected their moving company to transport their pets too, but this is not something moving companies will typically do! So make a plan for how all your belongings and members of your family will be moved well in advance.
When Do You Collect Payment?
You need to make sure you’re clear on when the company expects payment. Some companies will require a deposit to secure your booking, while others will only request full payment once the job is completed. There are pros and cons to both of these approaches, so think about what would work best for you before asking this question. You should also ask about what types of payment the company accepts. Some might only take cash, while others will accept credit cards or even PayPal.
What Is Your Policy On Cancellations?
Lastly, you should ask about the company’s policy on cancellations. This is important in case something comes up, such as a delay in your property sale, and you need to cancel your booking. Some companies will charge a fee for cancellations, while others might not. Some might be ok with you postponing your booking, but they may charge a fee if you cancel entirely. It is also worth asking if there are any circumstances in which the company would refund your payment in full. For example, if the company cancels your booking due to unforeseen circumstances, you should be entitled to a full refund.
Asking these questions before booking a moving company will help ensure that you have a positive experience. Be sure to get all the information you need before making a decision. With a little research, you can find the perfect company for your move!
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