7 Questions to ask your moving company
Before choosing a moving company, interview at least two or three different ones to understand which of them best suits your needs. This entails one of the company’s representatives coming to meet you in your home to assess how much stuff will be moved and discuss any specific requirements. It is helpful to ask all the companies the same set of questions. Their answers will help you to appoint the right company based on your needs.
Here is my suggested list of 7 questions to ask a moving company before choosing the right one.
1. How long will it take to pack everything?
As soon as the moving company rep arrives in your home, show him around and explain what items are going with you and if any are staying. Open all the drawers, cabinets, and closets to allow the rep to understand the true amount of stuff you are moving. Based on what is being moved, ask how long it will take to pack all of the items — is it something that can be done in one or two days, or will it take longer? State upfront if you need certain items or rooms packed in a particular order or on a particular day. For instance, if the packing will take place over two or three days, you might want to have the beds packed last so that you don’t have to stay in a hotel.
2. Are there any items that will be taxed?
If you are moving abroad, depending on the country you are moving to, you might need to pay taxes on some goods. Ask the moving representatives if they can provide a list of goods that might be taxed along with an estimate so that you are clear upfront about the costs. They should tell you if there are taxes to pay in order to import some products (this is especially true when you move alcohol).
3. Can I bring everything with me?
Show the prospective movers everything you own and everything you wish to bring with you, as you might discover that there are restrictions on some products (i.e., the quantity of alcohol, tobacco, soap liquids) or that some items are forbidden. Other restricted items may include weapons, pornography, and some foods. Be open and ask about everything. The best thing to do is to ask if they can provide you with a list of prohibited goods and before the movers come, go through your belongings alongside the checklist. Ensure that you have taken any forbidden items off of your property so that there is no risk that they will be packed and not delivered to you.
4. How long will it take for my goods to arrive at my new home?
The arrival time of the goods depends on a range of factors — everything from your final destination to the amount of stuff you have. If you’re moving to a different continent, it may take a long time for goods to arrive, especially furniture. Clarifying the arrival time of the goods will help you to determine additional costs that you might incur and need to budget for, for instance, the cost for temporary accommodation.
5. Which additional costs should I calculate?
Be aware that one aspect that will affect the cost of the move is how complicated the logistics are from Point A to Point B. Prices increase if, for instance, you are moving into an apartment and there isn’t an elevator in your building and the moving company needs to get a crane to lift your belongings into the property. Paying for a parking space also adds additional costs. That’s why it is essential to ask the moving company about any additional costs and have them give you a detailed quote that you’ve both agreed prior to appointing them.
6. How does the delivery process work and what kind of additional services do you offer?
Another element that can help you in choosing a moving company is regarding the unpacking timing. Unpacking can take multiple days depending on the amount of stuff you have. During the meeting with the moving company, clarify what they do and don’t do on the delivery and during the unpacking process. For instance, some companies offer a full service with furniture placement and mounting frames and shelves on the spot. Others might have a more streamlined approach and simply deliver the boxes and leave — they will not unpack objects like books, DVDs, or clothes.
7. What is your refund policy for lost or damaged goods?
During a move, items can be lost or damaged. For this reason, you need to make an inventory of all your stuff with the value of every single object the moving company will handle. Clarify what their refund policy is and if they have a liability limitation after a certain amount of damage or in the case of a natural disaster. Pay attention to all the clauses and understand their policy so that you do not get caught out.
