30 Nov 8 Questions You Should Ask Before You Choose a Moving Company
Your new custom home is nearing completion, and its time to choose a moving company to move your life to your new residence.
This is a big decision that impacts your wallet, your belongings and your sense of peace during this major transition in your life.
Finding the right moving company that will make your move easy and stress free. With all the attention to your new dream home, you don’t want to have to worry that your possessions won’t arrive intact, or that the bill is more than you expected.
It’s Important to remember that the person selling you your move is an estimator. Even though the estimator is guided by federal laws, company policies and culture significantly influence the details of your move. That’s why its important to ask each prospective moving company some important questions, so there are no surprises before, during or after your move.
Questions to ask before you choose a moving company:
- Can you provide us with a binding quote?
The law requires is that you deserve a binding quote. A binding quote means you get a price that can’t be exceeded based on the predetermined scope of the work. In order for the moving company to provide a binding quote, they will have to send a certified assessor to survey your possessions. Once you are get a written quote you have a legal document and the maximum cost of your move is set.
- Are you a member of the American Mover and Storage Association (AMSA)?
AMSA helps its members boost their customer satisfaction by making compliance with federal moving laws a term of membership. The U.S. Department of Transportation oversees interstate moving companies and many of the related laws are designed to protect consumers. Local movers can join the AMSA as well, which keeps standards high for in-state moves that are otherwise guided by less stringent state laws.
- Will the movers that will actually be handling the possessions employees or independent contractors?
Companies that hire a moving staff and offer benefits cultivate loyalty. Loyal employees are more likely to handle your move well, because the happier you are with their work, the better the feedback you give their bosses.
- How will special items in my home be protected in the move?
This is an important question to ask. You should get specifics about how items like pianos, flat-screen televisions, front-load washers and dryers, heirloom furniture and mattresses that have memory foam, gel or other components will be moved. The answers your estimator gives will tell you how experienced your potential movers are with moving valuable, sometimes irreplaceable, pieces.
- What will happen if something is damaged or lost during the move?
Be sure to address this issue as moving companies offer different levels of protection for your items.
You should determine if there is an upgrade for Full Value Protection. Full Value Protection is when your mover agrees to be liable for the full value of the lost, damaged or destroyed item. The mover can choose whether to repair or replace the item on their discretion and their liability is limited depending on how detailed a list you provide of your property.
Released Value Protection is what is included in every move by law. Unfortunately, Released Value is only 60 cents per pound (a 25-pound flat-screen TV would then be valued at $15). You’ll want Full Value Protection, even if it is an upgrade cost.
- Do you blanket wrap furniture, appliances and electronics?
Be careful to set your expectations based on facts, not assumptions. While most movers used to wrap delicate-surfaced items with blankets, some movers are skipping this step to save time.
- What do you do to protect the walls, floors and other surfaces in my former house and my new one?
Because you want to leave your old home in great condition, and also wish to preserve the pristine walls and floors in your new house, the staff’s careful movements in and around the homes are of great importance. Be sure that you know how the moving companies process for protecting both of your homes during the move. Do they provide flooring protection? How to they protect stairway railings, corners, etc.
- Do you require a deposit?
This should be a red flag if the answer is yes. Federal laws require movers to charge only for services provided.
Selecting the Right Moving Company Will Allow You to Relax and Enjoy Your Move
With so much on your mind during a move into your new custom home, asking the right questions ahead of time will reduce the amount of confusion, damage and stress during the move.
At Devonshire Custom Homes, we try to make each new custom home building process as stress free as possible. These key questions can make moving stress free as well.
