Questions to Ask a Moving Company

Moving can be an exciting time. This is especially true is you're selling a home. Home values are rising and homes are selling quickly. There may also be some stress involved. One way to keep the stress to a minimum is to interview and hire a moving company as soon as you secure your moving dates.

How Far Out Are They Booked?

Call a few moving companies as far in advance of your moving date as possible to see how far out they are booking. You don't want to be caught at the last minute without movers.

Is There a Cancellation or Change of Date Fee?

A change of plans is part of life. Sometimes there are bumps in the road beyond your control. It's a good practice to ask the moving companies you are interviewing if they charge a cancellation fee or a change of date fee.

Is There a Minimum Number of Hours?

Many moving companies require a minimum number of hours for a moving job. For example, Two Men and a Truck, a nationwide moving company, requires a minimum of 3 hours of moving services. In addition to the three hours minimum, they also charge for travel time from their nearest location to your home and back. Be Prepared to pay for an extra hour or two of travel time.

How Do They Determine the Charges?

Many moving companies charge a flat fee per hour no matter what they are moving. Some also charge a traveling fee. Other companies charge an additional fee for larger items such as flat screen televisions or pianos. Two Men and a Truck does video consultations where you show them around your home and they take notes of the furniture and items that are in closets and drawers. They will then determine how many movers will be needed (yes, it's sometimes more than two) and how many trucks will be needed. They will send you an estimated quote. This quote is based on the number of movers, the number of estimated hours and the number of trucks. Some moving companies charge extra if there is overnight storage on having to keep your belongings in a storage facility.

Do They Pack if You Need Packing Services?

Many moving companies offer packing services a day or two before the actual moving date. Be sure to clarify whether or not they supply the boxes, packing tape, packing paper, foam peanuts, plastic bubble wrap and the like.

Do They Provide Boxes and Other Packing Supplies?

Some companies provide boxes that can be delivered to you ahead of time. This is a convenient service for people who want to pack themselves. If you're in need of packing tape, packing paper, foam peanuts or bubble wrap, they may have those available for purchase as well. They may even include packing supplies with the moving price, so be sure to ask.

What is Their System For Out-of-State or Long Distance Moves?

Some companies are solely local movers. Some move long distance, across state lines or across the country. Be sure to hire the company that best suits your needs. If you need long distance movers, get a detailed price list and agenda. This may include packing dates, truck loading dates, driving dates, overnight stay locations and delivery date.

Many people don't take into consideration the cost of moving when they are trying to figure out their net home value with closing and moving costs. Movers can be quite pricey, so be sure to ask all the questions and get all the information you can while interviewing moving companies.