Top 10 Common Questions About Moving Companies
Hiring a moving company can take a huge weight off your shoulders, but it also comes with numerous questions and uncertainties. It does not matter if you are planning a local move or a cross-country relocation; it is always important to understand your options, know what to expect, and protect yourself from scams or hidden fees.
To learn what to look for and how to avoid surprises, let’s unpack the ten most important questions you should be asking about moving companies.
1. Should I Hire Movers or Move Myself?
Renting a moving truck might look cheaper, but hidden risks and physical labor can outweigh the savings. Remember that driving a large rental truck on highways can be intimidating, especially since many rental trucks lack proper center-mounted rear-view mirrors and are harder to handle.
Moreover, you will need to supply your own moving equipment, such as dollies and furniture pads, and handle all the loading and unloading yourself. So, if you are planning a long-distance journey or are moving a large household, hiring professionals can save time, stress, and potential damage.
2. How to Compare Moving Companies?
Always do your homework before choosing your moving company to get the best value for the service, following these steps:
- Start by researching companies that are members of the American Moving and Storage Association and are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Look for consistent branding and be cautious of companies that have changed their name multiple times. This is a red flag for avoiding accountability and Better Business Bureau complaints.
- Check online reviews, complaints, and how those complaints were resolved.
- Call former customers and ask direct, specific questions about their experience, communication, pricing, and whether any items were damaged.
Avoid hiring based solely on price. A cheap quote can lead to poor service, damaged goods, or inflated charges later.
3. How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Moving Company?
Local moves are typically charged by the hour, but long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance. No matter the distance, you should expect to pay more during peak times like weekends, Memorial Day weekend, or the first and last week of the month.
On the other hand, moving midweek and in the middle of the month often results in lower rates, so regularly check prices as they fluctuate to get the best deal.
And no matter what, always get a detailed written estimate that includes additional charges such as stairs, long carries, or extra stops.
4. Do Moving Companies Disassemble Furniture?
Most full-service moving companies will disassemble and reassemble large furniture items such as beds, tables, and sectional couches. Be sure to ask in advance if furniture disassembly is included in your estimate or considered an extra charge, though you may be able to save money by doing this step yourself.
5. Do Moving Companies Provide Boxes and Packing Supplies?
Though it depends on the service, many moving companies sell or provide boxes, tape, and packing materials, especially if you are paying for full end-to-end packing and moving.
6. What Do “Licensed,” “Bonded,” and “Insured” Mean?
Let’s break each of these terms down so you can recognize the company’s overall quality of service before you sign:
- A licensed mover has a legal business license to operate, which is the first level of legitimacy to look for.
- Bonded means the company has a financial guarantee in place to fulfill its contractual obligations to you.
- Insured refers to the level of coverage they offer for lost or damaged items. Always ask what their basic coverage includes and whether additional insurance is available.
7. What Should Be in a Moving Contract?
Never sign a blank or incomplete contract. Every detail should be clearly outlined, including pickup and delivery dates, itemized inventory, and total cost.
An essential part of any moving contract is the inventory list and estimates.
- Remember! Make sure all your belongings are listed on the inventory sheet. If something is not listed, you cannot file a claim for it later.
There are two types of estimates:
- A non-binding estimate means the final cost cannot exceed ten percent above the original quote.
- A binding estimate, also called a flat rate quote, locks in the price even if the job takes longer or involves more work. These tend to be slightly more expensive upfront.
8. Do You Tip Movers from a Moving Company?
It’s up to you!
Tipping is not required, but it is a common way to show appreciation for a job well done.
A standard tip is four to five dollars per mover per hour, or ten to twenty percent of the total move cost, depending on the complexity and quality of service.
9. What Should I Do if Something Gets Damaged During the Move?
Damage happens, so be ready to act when it does.
As you move, inspect your items as they are unloaded and document any damage immediately. If any is found, notify your moving company right away and file a claim according to their process.
Movers are required to acknowledge your claim within thirty days and resolve it within one hundred twenty days under federal law.
10. Where Can I Store My Belongings?
Moving everything on a single day can be stressful, and it doesn’t matter if you work with a company or do it yourself, but Advantage Storage can help.
A drive-up storage unit gives you the flexibility and accessibility to spread your move-out over several days or even weeks, so you’re not scrambling to pack, load, unload, and settle in all at once. Keep non-essential items in storage, take your time, stay organized, and focus on moving with confidence, without the pressure of doing it all in one go. For a smart way to simplify your move and protect your belongings during the transition, visit an Advantage Storage facility near you to reserve your unit today.