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Moving can be one of the most exciting times in your life.
There’s the thrill of a new city, new friends to meet and new places to eat.
But this can also be a stressful time when you think of all the stuff that happens on moving day.
You want everything to go smoothly, but there are things you should ask your movers to make that happen.
Here are five questions you should ask your mover to make sure this goes well:
IS YOUR MOVER ACCREDITED?
When picking a moving company the most important thing to remember is not get ripped off.
To ensure this, make sure your moving company is accredited.
Make sure the moving company is licensed and insured. What you don’t want is some new company that is out to hold your items hostage for money.
What you really want to check is that the moving company has their license to move between states. They should be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS
Make sure the moving company has a physical location and not just a website. This will tell you a lot about them. Find out how long have they been in business and do your research and check out reviews online. Make sure they are a reputable company. Get information about cost, if they pack the boxes and when to pay. Remember, most moving companies require payment after your stuff has arrived at your new home. Also check out cancellation policies and how things will be insured.
WHAT IS THE FINAL MOVING COST?
One of the biggest scams in the moving industry is to get all your stuff packed up and on trucks, then the moving company does not arrive with them at your new place. Instead, they hold them hostage while trying to negotiate a NEW price.
The Better Business Bureau receives 13,000 complaints a year about moving companies.
Of the complaints filed with the FMCSA, 57% of them involved overcharging. The FMCSA is your friend in this and who you can turn to.
The first thing to do is get a quote. Make sure they show up in person to look at your items. Most moving is charged by weight, so find out what the fees are. Ask is there any additional fees you should know about.
There should be a quote that gives you a price on packing, moving and insurance. That should be the final price.
Remember, reputable movers will not demand cash, and most movers will let you pay upon delivery. When you do pay, use a credit card to fight fraudulent charges.
WHO WILL DO THE PACKING?
This is a big one. There are companies that will not insure the stuff if you do the packing. They want to make sure nothing breaks.
Make sure there is one fee for packing and no additional charges. If you do some of the packing, make sure those items are insured during the move.
HOW MUCH DOES VALUATION COST?
You mover is legally liable for damages to items during transportation. There are two things to look at:
- Full Value Protection
This is the most expensive option but will cover everything during the move.
- Waiver of Full Replacement
This covers some cost, about 60 cents per pound. But that may not be enough.
Also look into third-party insurance.
A FEW OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Read all your moving documents and get everything in writing. EVERYTHING.
- Be available at the time of pickup and delivery.
- Notify your mover if something has changed and find out what the cancellation policy is.
- Pay the company.
- File any claims for damage quickly.
THE KEY TO A GREAT MOVE
If you are moving to or from the San Diego, area hire the most-trusted and reputable mover—McCarthy Transfer. Give us a call at 619-596-2595 or fill out the online form to have your moving questions answered and get started with planning your move!
