Category: NYC moving tips

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4 Useful Tips for Finding a Great Moving Company

Posted on by BigApple

If you’re planning on moving soon, you’ll need to hire a reputable NYC moving company. While it is possible to DIY your move, it’s not recommended. Moving by yourself is a major hassle, and moving furniture and heavy boxes is easier said than done. If your budget allows for it, it’s a better idea to hire a professional moving company. Unfortunately, moving scams are surprisingly common, so it’s important to find local movers who have a good reputation and are properly licensed. Follow these 4 useful tips for finding a great moving company.

1. Ask around in your network to help you find a great moving company

Do a Research Online for Finding a Great Moving Company

Word of mouth is a coveted (but hard to get) form of marketing. That’s because it has to be legitimately earned through exceptional service. One of the best ways to find a great moving company New York is to ask people you know for a recommendation. Chances are you have a friend, neighbor, or co-worker who can recommend someone. Ask around in your network if anyone has moved recently. If they have a good experience, it is a great reference. Successfully completed move from a close person is a pretty good bet. Remember to do the same for someone after you complete your move by leaving a review.

Moving Companies Reviews in NYC

Speaking of reviews, the online era gives you the freedom to do a complete check on the company you are eyeing to hire. Go online and search for NYC moving companies reviews. Read impressions from their previous customers to see how many of them were satisfied with a service. Search for comments relatable to your situation. For example, if you are moving long-distance, read comments specifically addressing that type of move. Don’t get discouraged if you come upon one bad comment. However, pay attention if movers respond to the complaint in a professional manner and if they are searching for ways to solve the issue. The way they handle problems will tell you a great deal about how they run their business.

2. Look up moving companies on the USDOT website

Interstate movers are regulated by the US DOT. They maintain an online database of moving companies, which lets you see their previous consumer complaints and safety performance records. You can view their US Department of Transportation (USDOT) number to verify that they’re registered with the federal government. You can also look up the company on other resources like the Better Business Bureau. That is a non-profit organization that works to protect consumers and expose fraudulent or poor service. Each company needs to go through a vetting process to become a BBB member.

Woman writing, laptop on the lap

You can also check the company’s license and insurance number to make sure they operate in a legal manner. Furthermore, get in touch with movers. Give them a call and speak to the representative that can answer your questions about the company’s credentials. Feel free to ask them if they can provide proof of their license number, and pay attention to the person you speak if they are polite and open to answering your questions. It will give you some more insight into the way they operate and if you want to make arrangements with them.

3. Get estimates from more than one moving company

Shady or illegitimate moving companies often give suspiciously low estimates. If you’re not even sure how much your move should cost, you may not realize that you’ve been given a low-ball quote. It’s a good idea to get estimates from more than one moving company, to get a better idea of reasonable pricing. All reputable movers will offer an on-site estimate to determine the price. Take this with a grain of salt because it might be easier to get an online estimate due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Whatever the case might be, keep in mind that movers have to see your property in order to provide a quote. Compare quotes from a few different movers to find the average price. After you decide what works for you regarding the budget, you can proceed to details regarding the services they are offering.

4. Don’t go with the lowest bidder

Research Online Moving Companies NYC

It’s only natural to look around for the best deal. But be careful because an abnormally low estimate can be a sign that something’s not right. It could be that the company doesn’t do good work, or it could even be a scam where they’ll bill you for a lot more on moving day. Normally, your final cost won’t be more than 110% of your original non-binding estimate, but some companies will pull a bait-and-switch that lures you in with a lowball estimate. You already got several quotes, so it’s easy to see whether one of them stands out. If the price seems too good to be true, it most probably is. Be very careful not to hire the lowest bidder in case it differs extremely from all the others.

Also, check if proper paperwork is following because you should always get a signed contract with your movers. It can be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed, it depends on your preference which you will choose. But if your amazing-low-price movers are not providing a written and signed contract, you are better off finding another one.

Moving Companies in NYC

Hire Professional Movers to Avoid Moving Scams

Moving in NYC? At Big Apple Movers, we provide residential and commercial relocation services for both local moves and long-distance moves. To find out more, call us anytime, or get in touch today to get a free moving quote.

 

Importance of Moving Companies Reviews

Posted on by BigApple

Finding the right moving company in NYC can be a challenge with so many options available. Reputable movers should be your ally during relocation and make it a convenient and stress-free experience. If you are wondering how to make a choice, keep reading to learn about moving companies reviews in NYC.

How to Find for Moving Companies Reviews

Online

In contemporary times, a majority of corporations acknowledge the significance of social media networks as a potent tool for online information retrieval. Utilizing one of these platforms, one can easily locate and evaluate potential movers for hire by perusing customer reviews.

Established moving companies are likely to have a substantial number of comments on their pages on popular networks such as Facebook and Instagram, where previous customers share their experiences. Additionally, official websites of such companies often feature a dedicated section for customer feedback and reviews.

Ask around 

An effective approach to obtaining a review is to request recommendations from acquaintances regarding a moving company. It is advisable to seek a referral from someone who has had a positive experience with the company recently. It is recommended to approach friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, and other individuals within your network to suggest a company.

Inquire about their experience and the specific aspect that they found most satisfactory. Obtaining feedback from actual individuals may provide sufficient insight to assist in making an informed decision and ensure that a reliable company is hired.

Negative comments 

If you see one bad comment, don’t let it discourage you, as no service will ever satisfy every single person equally. As long as most of the reviews are positive, that can be a good sign. However, pay attention to how movers respond to those negative comments.

This will tell you about their customer service. Check if their replies are focused on finding a solution rather than blaming a customer or being rude and disregarding a problem. Also, check if those comments seem reliable and relevant to the service you are looking for.

Importance of Moving Companies Reviews

With many choices in NYC, it can be easy to overpay for services that are not the best. If not checking ratings and credibility, you might easily get caught up in a scam. For those reasons, you want to make sure that movers have satisfied customers to prove their services are up to standards. 

Online Moving Companies Reviews Can Help You Choose the Right Mover

What to Look for in Moving Companies Reviews

Start from the big picture 

Commence by obtaining a comprehensive impression from the customer. Was their experience convenient and stress-free? Are they content with the final outcome? The ultimate result of their collaboration with the movers is of utmost importance as it will provide pertinent feedback and aid in the search for comparable services.

Situation 

Check if there is a description of the situation. Consider information such as destination, the size of the household, time of the year, etc. This will help you identify your needs in their comment. For instance, they might be writing about long-distance while you need a local move service, so it’s easier to look for comments relevant to your situation.

Customer service 

This is a very important aspect for many customers. Everyone wants to get great customer service and trust the company they are paying. Check if there were any particular situations included in the review. Pay attention if they pointed out things like good communication, taking time to answer questions, being polite during the interaction, etc. 

Issues 

Search for comments that are describing any incidents that occurred during the moving process. It is important to find out the way that movers handled the incident because it will explain their customer service and their expertise.

What to Do After

After you have done your research and found a company that has good reviews it is time to give them a call. Speaking with a representative will give some insight into the way they operate.

Even when other people are satisfied, it is always best to see for yourself. Ask your movers as many questions as you need to understand their services and credibility. It is also a good time to see how their customer service is.

If they are not open to answering your question, search for a different company. They should also ask questions to understand your needs and meet them accordingly.  

Questions to ask your movers

1. License number

Ask if they can provide proof of their license and insurance number? Check websites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), requiring a company to go through the vetting process before being BBB accredited. Another great organization is the American Moving & Storage Association whose membership confirms that a moving company is credible and trustworthy.

2. Experience

Ask your moving company how much experience they have. Check for how many years they have been in business. Not necessarily a rule of thumb, but it is much easier to confirm credentials if movers have been operating for years.

3. Hidden costs

It’s crucial to understand what is included in the price and which services they are offering. Always opt for movers that support a transparent payment system. That means that you know exactly what to expect and no unexpected costs will appear after the move. 

4. Paperwork

Reliable movers will make sure both parties involved are protected. That means that you and they have a signed agreement with details about your move. 

5. Estimate

A very important question to ask is how they provide a moving estimate. A reputable moving company will always offer to visit your home. They should also offer to do a walkthrough over a video call. Most companies will have measures of precaution for moving during the coronavirus outbreak, so online estimates can be more convenient for you. 

If you are searching for a reputable moving company with good reviews, Brooklyn movers and storage might be the right fit for you. Big Apple Moving is an NYC based company with over 40 years of experience. Contact us anytime to get free moving quotes.

Useful Tips for Spotting Moving Scams

Posted on by BigApple

Moving scams are surprisingly common nowadays. Moving is a complex and difficult process, and there are people out there who prey on people amid the chaos and confusion that moving can sometimes cause. That is why you should always opt for a moving company that you can trust, and that has a transparent paying method. Before hiring movers, make sure that you check the credibility and reliability of the moving company. Ask for a recommendation from a friend who recently moved and research online NYC moving companies reviews of several movers before you make a choice. If they have reviews from satisfied customers, you can proceed and contact them to get a further insight into their services.

lap top that says fraud alert - avoid Manhattan moving scams
Check online reviews to avoid Manhattan moving scams

We prepared for you some tips that can help you identify moving scams. Follow these steps to avoid getting scammed by shady or unlicensed moving companies.

How rogue movers operate

Illegitimate moving companies generally source their marks through the internet. Often they use black hat SEO tactics to rank in Google for things people search for when they’re looking for moving companies. Here are a few things that generally imply a fraudulent moving company:

Estimate without visual

Scamming moving companies will give you an estimate over the phone or through an email. Every company will need a visual to provide a Brooklyn moving quote. Because the price is based on a total load (weight or size), this is absolutely necessary. If they give you the price without visual of your household, it implies that you are on a good road to be a victim of a scam.

Extremely low price

These companies will quote the price which is usually much lower than what most companies would quote you. Don’t settle quickly at the lowest price offered. Some companies will be more affordable than others, but if an offered quote seems too good to be true, then it probably is. No matter how cheap some movers might be, they still have to cover for some expenses like gas for moving vehicles and labor.

Extremely Low Price
Be wary of rogue moving companies that offer extremely low price

Unexpected bill

After your move, your bill will be significantly higher than you expected. If you refuse to pay or are unable to, they will hold your belongings hostage until you do. On the other hand, a trusted company will offer different types of quotes and you will sign a contract depending on your needs and possibilities. There are binding, non-binding, and binding-not-to-exceed contracts, but every contract should have a transparent price and no surprising expenses after the move is done.

Red flags to look for to avoid moving scams

Here are some of the most common red flags that signify that you might be encountering a moving scam. When you’re shopping around for local moving companies, these can give you an idea of what to avoid.

Movers won’t agree to an onsite inspection

To give you an accurate estimate for the cost of your move, we need to visually assess what you need us to move. We’ll need you to show us your home and belongings so we can get an accurate idea of what you’ll probably pay. No reputable moving company would give you a non-binding estimate without a visual inspection. If they do so, it’s usually a sign that something’s not right. An online estimate is often, and convenient, especially during COVID-19 pandemic. However, a reputable moving company New York will always be willing to visit your home and provide an onsite estimate. It is up to you to choose which option you prefer.

Movers demand a large cash deposit before the move

In Florida, moving companies are required to accept a minimum number of payment types, as delineated in Florida Statues Chapter 507. We will never insist on cash. If someone does, it could mean that they’re committing tax fraud, or otherwise doing something shady that requires them to avoid leaving a paper trail. You should ask your movers as many questions as you need to understand the moving costs and insist on signing a contract. Inquire about additional charges that might apply for extra services, like packing or transporting large items.

A Large Cash Deposit Indicates a Moving Scam
Be wary of moving companies that demand a large cash deposit before the move

They don’t provide you with the right paperwork

Movers are legally required to provide you with a document called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. We may provide a paper copy of this PDF link from the FMCSA website. It is important that both parties involved are protected, and paperwork is essential in collaboration. Don’t hire movers that are not providing paperwork for their services.

The company’s website doesn’t have their information. Their site should include a local address and a phone number where you can reach them. Fraudulent movers often lack a physical address, and may actually be a moving broker disguised as a moving company. Reliable moving companies will always have their own website, along with all the information and contacts.

Avoid moving scams with professional movers in NYC

Are you searching for reputable movers and storage NYC? At Big Apple Moving, we help local homeowners, renters, and commercial businesses. Whether you are moving within the area or moving a long distance, we will transfer your belongings safely. We will be happy to answer any questions that you might have, and provide reliability and credibility. Call us any time to get started, or contact us to get in touch today.

Hire Professional Movers to Avoid Moving Scams
Professional movers unloading the cardboard boxes in the van

 

 

8 Things People Forget To Do When Moving

Posted on by BigApple

Moving is a long process during which you need to be concentrated and focused all the time. If you happen to be thinking about something else, you may forget to do some things and only figure out when it is too late. That is why we have composed this list of things people usually forget to do when moving.

Go through it carefully, and then print it and place it on your fridge. In this way, there is no chance that you will forget to change your address on time or redirect your main, for example. For everything else, we can recommend great movers and storage.

1. Making Moving Checklist

Moving Checklist is One of the Most Common Things People Forget When Moving

It usually takes between 8 and 12 weeks to properly organize and perform a local move. For an interstate move, it takes even longer, up to 16 weeks. Whether you are moving locally or internationally, you need to have a guide in the form of a moving checklist. At the beginning of your preparations, put all the things that you need to do on a simple checklist, and check it out on a daily basis. This will be your anchor when you get lost amidst all the tasks ahead of you.

2. Pack an Essentials Box

It is common for individuals to overlook the importance of preparing an essentials bag during a move, leading to regret and inconvenience. Simply hiring affordable movers in Brooklyn does not guarantee a stress-free relocation. To ensure a smooth transition, it is imperative to have an essentials bag readily available. This bag should contain essential items required during the move and within the first 24 hours after it.

Pack all of your essentials in this box, so that you do not waste even a minute of your time searching other boxes. Phone and laptop chargers, clean clothes, toiletries, your kids` favorite toy, or a blanket. You can place keys, personal information, and your toothbrush here. This is a savior bag that you will love.

3. Label the Boxes

Don't Forget to Label the Boxes When Moving

Moving boxes are a major part of your packing supplies. Find out where to get free boxes for moving in NYC and save some money. After you obtain moving boxes and fill them up with your household items, do not forget to label them. Labeling moving boxes is an essential part of moving, as it can literally save your items from being damaged. If you write fragile on your boxes, your movers will handle them differently, so they won`t break. Plus, it will save you a lot of time once you start unpacking in your new home.

4. Pick Up Items from Dry Cleaner’s and Return Books to the Library

It is understandable to overlook the task of picking up and returning items, as it can be a simple oversight amidst a busy schedule. The absence of visual cues and a multitude of other responsibilities can contribute to this mistake.

It is recommended that immediate action be taken to retrieve the items from the dry cleaners and return borrowed books to the library. Alternatively, adding these tasks to a moving checklist can serve as a helpful reminder.

5. Hire a Babysitter on a Moving Day

Moving day is usually the day when you can just feel the tension in the air. While you are waiting for your affordable movers, wondering if they will be late or not, checking the forecast and monitoring those clouds, remember that your kids should be out of the house, enjoying themselves. It will be a lot easier for them to play rather than be under stress inside the house.

Your movers will greatly appreciate it if you arrange for your children to be supervised during the move, as they often carry heavy items and children can impede their progress. The same consideration should be given to your pets. If feasible, it is advisable to enlist the help of someone to care for your children and pets on moving day, as this will alleviate stress and facilitate a smoother transition for all parties involved.

6. Change Address

Moving is not just about moving your items. There are so many administrative things that you need to do, that it is easy to forget all of them. Luckily, we are here to remind you.

  • Change your address – And inform your bank, friends, relatives, etc.
  • Redirect your mail – Once you change your address, you need to notify the post office as well, so that you do not miss out on your mail due to an administrative mistake
  • Turn utilities on and off – Remember to turn off the utilities at your old house and turn them on at your new house. You do not want to enter your new home and find out there is no water or electricity.
  • Cancel subscriptions – Magazine subscriptions are cool, but you do not want to lose both money and the magazine if it arrives at the wrong address.
  • Cancel gym membership – Or any other membership for that matter. Since you will not be living in the neighborhood anymore, it is only fair to cancel all the memberships and search for new ones in your new neighborhood.

7. Change the locks after you move

This is one of those things that you should always keep in mind. Whether you are moving into a new home, or just renting it, remember to change the locks. Just think about how many of your friends might have the keys to your old home that they did not return to you.

In your new space, you will never know who might have the keys to the front row, and you do not have to. Just change the locks once you move in, and you will not have to worry about it ever again.

8. Relax

relax while moving

No matter how stressful the moving process may seem, remember to relax as much as you can. This is also something that people tend to forget when moving. Always leave an hour or two just for yourself. Take a long bath, watch your favorite music, play some loud music, and just enjoy yourselves.

The moving professionals from Big Apple Moving hope that list of those things people forget to do when moving can help you become more organized in your move.

8 Tips for Relocating a Wine Collection

Posted on by BigApple

Each relocation presents unique challenges. Some individuals may require the transportation of a hot tub, while others may need to move their prized wine collection. In either scenario, meticulous preparation and organization are essential for a successful outcome.

Timely initiation of preparations is crucial to avoid undue stress and anxiety. With the appropriate knowledge and expertise, any relocation can be accomplished with ease. We offer invaluable advice on relocating a wine collection that is sure to be of great benefit to you.

wine collection

Check the State Laws

If you are moving internationally, always check whether there are some restrictions on alcohol. Most countries have regulations about the amount of alcohol that can be imported. Do not let this discourage you, just contact the department that is dealing with alcohol and ask them what should you do in order to relocate your wine collection. If you do not do this, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise at the border.

Appraise Your Wine Collection

Please contact a nearby wine merchant and request their recommendation for a suitable wine appraiser. A wine appraiser will provide you with an accurate valuation of your wine collection, which will determine the appropriate transportation and handling methods.

For instance, if your wine collection is not of significant value, you may transport it in your personal vehicle. However, if the value is substantial, engaging the services of specialists is advisable.

Take Photos Of Your Wine Collection

photos of wine

Before the relocation, and before packing your wine bottles, photograph them. Photograph each bottle of wine that you own. This is even better than making an inventory list, which we also highly recommend that you do. Taking photos of the inventory is beneficial because in case of loss and damage, you will know exactly what happened. The photos are excellent evidence for a claim that you will be able to make if you hire professionals.

Right Temperature

During the process of relocating wine, it is important to note that the bottle may be susceptible to breakage. However, even if the temperature is maintained at an appropriate level, the wine itself may still undergo changes in taste. Specifically, if the temperature is too high or too low, the quality of the wine may be compromised, potentially ruining a collection that has been carefully curated over the course of several years.

To ensure optimal conditions for wine relocation, it is recommended that a temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit be maintained. While certain types of wine, such as white wine and less expensive varieties, may be able to withstand lower temperatures, 55 degrees Fahrenheit is generally considered to be the ideal temperature.

If transporting wine in a personal vehicle, it is important to take measures to regulate the temperature accordingly. Alternatively, if enlisting the services of professional movers, they will possess the necessary expertise to ensure that the wine is transported under optimal conditions.

Furthermore, the best period of the year when you should relocate wine is in spring or fall. This is because the temperatures are not extreme in these periods, and the wine will not suffer from sudden temperature change. If possible, you should not relocate your wine collection in summer or winter.

Pack Wine Bottles Correctly

wine bottle

To increase the likelihood of your wine bottles surviving the relocation, it is imperative that they are packed appropriately. The initial step in this process is to procure suitable moving boxes specifically designed for wine transportation. One may contact a nearby wine store or inquire with their chosen movers regarding the availability of such boxes. These boxes are equipped with Styrofoam cell dividers that provide optimal protection for the bottles.

If your bottles have corks, make sure that they are placed upside down. It is important that the cork is wet at all times. Packing services are high-quality and we can recommend them for absolutely everything that you need, including your wine bottles. Additionally, if you have already opened bottles, do not pack them. It is not safe and can cause damage to other bottles as well.

Label Moving Boxes

Labeling your wine boxes is the best thing that you can for your wine collection. It is important that the labels Fragile, This side up, and This side down are clearly visible. Label at least three sides of the moving boxes in order to protect your wine collection. You can download the labels on the Internet, completely for free. Of course, you can use a permanent marker, that is waterproof and write the label on the boxes.

Hire Moving Company To Move Wine Collection

If your wine appraiser has determined that you have a valuable wine collection, the safest thing you can do is to hire professionals. Your moving company can connect you to a company specialized in wine transportation. There is no reason to risk your wine changing taste, or bottles getting damaged, especially if your collection is too big to fit in a car.

Another great thing about hiring movers is definitely moving insurance. Even if something does happen to your inventory, you will be compensated for any damage or loss of it. Just make sure to inform your movers if the item value exceeds $100 per pound. It will be necessary to fill in a High-value form, but these are just formalities and they will inform you if anything else is needed. You will be at peace knowing that you are ensured from any accident.

After the Move Avoid Bottle Shock

The last tip is concerned about the period after the move. Once you get your wine bottles safely to your new home, do not open it right away. There is a rule that says that for every day the bottles were in transit, they should rest for seven days.

So, if you were on the move for two days, you should not open the bottles for at least 14 days. This is simply because the wine can lose flavor after being in transit. Since it is easy to avoid this situation, let the wine rest for as much as possible, and enjoy it later.

Moving your wine collection does not have to be stressful. Follow our useful tips, and soon you will be able to enjoy your fines bottles of wine.

Important Questions To Ask Your Movers

Posted on by BigApple

Relocation is always exciting, and it can be one of the best decisions you have ever made, but we all know that moving to a new place is not an easy job and you will need all the help you can get. If you want your moving day to be perfect, without surprises and problems, you will want to hire a professional moving company. Finding a moving company that fits your needs is first and one of the most important steps.

Before hiring a moving company, you will want to know that you have chosen the right one, and you will need to ask a lot of questions about paperwork, moving costs, estimates and about the company itself. Here is a thorough list of questions to ask your movers, knowing answers to all of those questions will leave no place for surprises and last-minute changes.

Questions About the Moving Company

big apple moving company

1. Is Your Moving Company Licensed and Insured?

Firstly you need to make sure that you are not dealing with a fake moving company in order to protect yourself from moving frauds. Check is your moving company in compliance with all laws and regulations. Almost all of the legitimate moving companies are licensed and insured with the US Department of Transportation, and their USDOT number is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA), you can check this number online to make sure that your moving company is working legally.

2. How Many Years Has Your Company Been in the Business?

Ask about history. New moving companies can be great too, but if the company has been in the business for a long time and it is still competitive that can show you that they have provided their customers with satisfactory results in the past. Moving companies keep their track records and those records are great evidence of the quality of their services.

3. Are All Your Movers Experienced or You Hire Temporary Employees?

Many moving companies will hire temporary employees during busy months and moving season. Those workers can lack experience and make many mistakes that experienced movers would never make. You should always request a professional moving crew.

4. Your Company Responsible for All the Services or Are There Any Third Parties Included?

You have the right to request information about any third parties or subcontractors. In many cases, some services will be transferred to someone else, and you want to make sure that all of the services are handled by professionals. Ask your movers who will be responsible for packing, unpacking, delivery, storage, and even paperwork.

5. Can You Show Me References and Recommendations?

If your movers are providing great services, they will be satisfied with their previous work and they will be glad to show you some reviews and recommendations. You should definitely look for online reviews before making any contact with the company and if you like what you see you should ask them to provide you with some references by request.

6. How Often Are Your Vehicles Serviced?

This may not seem as important as other questions so far but proper vehicle maintenance is a great sigh of an eminent moving company. Apart from that, if the vehicles are serviced on a regular basis it is much less likely that any accident will occur and you can be much calmer knowing that your belongings are safe.

7. You Guarantee the Dates?

Ask your movers can they guarantee the dates of pickup and delivery or will they provide you with some delivery window? If they can guarantee the date, you need to make sure that they will take responsibility if they miss it.

8. What is Your Policy for Handling Claims and Complaints?

You need to check how will your moving company handles claims and complaints, are they willing t work on them until the compromise is reached and will they try to find the way to resolve the problem in a way that will be satisfactory for both sides.

9. What is Your Cancelation Policy?

Always ask about the cancelation policy, ask is the deposit refundable if you need to cancel and ask how it works if you need to change the date of the move.

Questions About Moving Documentation and Estimates

Moving Documentation and Estimates

1. Is Your Company Insured and Liable for Damage?

Basic liability protection covers only $0,60 per lbs per item. A professional moving company should provide you with full protection, and you should ask if you can pay an extra fee to ensure your belongings by their cost.

2. What Kind of Estimates Do You Offer? Learn About Binding and Non-binding Estimates.

There are two types of moving estimates, binding estimates guarantee the total price of your move while non-binding estimates can be increased based on several factors. Make sure you know what type of estimate will your movers provide you with.

3. What Documentation Will I Need to Sign?

Ask your movers about every document before you sign anything. You should also ask them will they be able to provide you with all of the necessary documentation.

Information About Packing and Delivery

Packing and Delivery

1. Do You Have the Necessary Gear and Equipment?

Every moving job is different, make sure that your moving company owns tools, gear, and equipment for your particular situation.

2. Do You Provide an Inventory List?

You can request a full inventory from your movers, that is the only way to know that they have measured your items properly. You should also have your own copy and many pictures of the content of the boxes.

3. Do You Provide Packing Services?

Check what types of packing services your movers offer, how much they cost per type and is there anything you will need to prepare.

4. Can I Do the Packing by Myself?

You need to check what is the liability policy if you are packing by yourself, also, ask your mover do you need to label the boxes in some specific way.

5. Do You Offer Property Prevention?

You have already asked about the protection of your belongings but what about your property. You need to check will your movers protect the walls, floors and door frames.

6. What Happens if Some of My Stuff is Broken or Missing?

This question is connected to the insurance plan and value protection plan, but you should always check are your mover ready to reimburse your broken or missing items and will they resolve those kinds of problems in a peaceful manner.

7. How Long Will the Moving Take?

You should always ask how long will the job take, you will have a lot of preparation to do and you will need to know how to organize your time.

8. What Happens if the Moving Truck Arrives Before Me?

Ask the movers will they organize additional storage if your belongings arrive before you and how much will you need to pay for that. Ask your movers can they offer available storage facilities.

Questions About Fees and Charges

fees and charges

Lastly, here is the list of the most important payment and moving cost related questions to ask your moving company. Moving can be really pricey, and you will want to know every single detail about moving costs, our list covers it all:

1. Do You Request a Deposit and How Much is It?

2. How Do You Determine the Cost of the Moving Job?

3. What Do You Consider Extra Services and How Much Do They Cost?

4. Do You Charge for the Travel Time to and From My House?

5. Are There Any Fees for Oversized Items?

6. What About the Fuel Charges?

7. Are There Any Extra Fees I Should Know About?

8. Are There Any Promotions or Discounts Available?

9. What Payment Methods Do You Accept?