So you are all ready to begin the moving process. You have picked out your new home and have started packing up your current one.
Now it’s time to reach out and enlist the help of some professional movers.
After you have picked the moving company you will go with, there are still some steps in the moving process. At this point, you probably have already done your due diligence, like making sure they are licensed and insured, and asked for a reference.
However, you will still be working with them for the duration of the move, so it is best to ask specific questions to ensure you are on the same page.
Here are some questions you should be asking your movers prior to the move.
If you’re on the fence about hiring a moving company, our ‘Why hire a full service moving company? Pros & cons’ article provides some great insight.
How Long Will the Move Take?
Ask the movers how long the move will take - will it be over one day or will it take multiple days. If it takes longer than initially planned, will they charge for overtime?
Also, it is best to get a good idea of how long the move should take, so you can plan accordingly and know how much they will end up charging in the end.
What is the Estimated Time of Arrival?
Get a rough estimate of when the movers plan to arrive at your new home with your belongings. Knowing when they will show up will give you an opportunity to prep and have your new home ready to be furnished. Find out how long it will take them to load your belongings and how long it will take for them to drive to the destination.
Ask if the moving company is offering any promotions or discounts. Many companies will offer a reduced price if you schedule your move in their off-season. They may also offer student discounts, elderly discounts, discounts based on how many family members there are, and more. You may be eligible for a considerable discount, so just ask, as every company is different.
Be sure to get the contact info of the delivery driver from the moving company. Having this information will allow you to track the truck and check in whenever you feel necessary.
Having the contact info of the delivery driver also makes it easier to plan the drop-off, and you can coordinate with them on where to park and how they can get everything into your new home.
With the pandemic still fresh in everyone’s mind, it is essential to know what precautions the moving company will take to prevent the virus’s possible spread. Ensure they take extra steps like wearing masks, using hand sanitizer, and other measures to avoid spreading the virus.
If you are moving during COVID, we have created this handy ‘10 Tips for Moving During COVID 19’ article that gives you all the information you’ll need to move safely.
Every company will be slightly different, as not all companies offer specific services, while others do. Some companies may offer things like packing services, shuttle services, and disassembly of furniture, while others don’t or may charge for it. Be sure you have a clear indication of what they do and don’t charge for and offer.
If you are packing up your home yourself, give our ‘Packing supply essentials’ article a look, it goes over all the necessary items needed for moving.
Many moving companies have some rules that they impose, like not allowing everything onto the moving truck. The company will more than likely tell you what these rules are, but if not, be sure to ask as it could lead to some additional fees added to your final bill.
These are some essential questions you need to ask your moving company before they start the move.
Being coordinated with the moving company will make the process much easier and save you some money due to the reduced time. Be sure to be on the same page as your movers and don’t leave questions unanswered.
If you are in the middle of packing your home before the movers arrive, check out our ‘The best order to pack your home’ article, which gives some great tips on how to pack efficiently.