Moving to a new home can be an exciting yet stressful experience, especially if you’ve never used professional movers for your relocation. Choosing the right moving company is crucial not only for the overall safety and quality of your items, but for your budget as well.
At Hillside Van Lines, we believe that an informed client is a happy client. To help you make the best choice for your upcoming move, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 questions you should ask potential moving companies to help you get matched with the right movers for you. If you’re looking for Long Island movers, you can also learn more about what we have to offer.
Researching Moving Companies: Where to Start
Before we dive into the essential questions to ask your potential movers, let’s talk about how to start your search for a reputable moving company:
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or real estate agents.
- Check online third-party review platforms like Yelp, Google Reviews, and the Better Business Bureau.
- Verify the company’s licensing and insurance through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website.
- Look for companies with a local presence, a good reputation and a history of serving your community.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential movers, it’s time to start asking questions.
Questions to Ask Professional Movers
Here are the top 10 questions you should ask your moving company:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Why it’s important: A properly licensed and insured moving company protects you and your belongings.
- What to look for: Ask for the company’s USDOT number and verify it on the FMCSA website. Also, inquire about their insurance coverage and what it includes.
- What type of estimate do you provide, and is it binding?
- Why it’s important: Understanding the type of estimate helps you budget accurately, avoid unexpected costs and ensures complete transparency.
- What to look for: A binding estimate guarantees the price won’t change, while a non-binding estimate may result in additional charges. Some companies offer a “not-to-exceed” estimate, which sets a maximum price.
- What services are included in the quote, and are there any additional fees?
- Why it’s important: This helps you understand exactly what you’re paying for and avoid surprise charges.
- What to look for: A detailed breakdown of services, including packing, loading, transportation, and unloading. Ask about potential additional fees for things like stairs, long carries, or bulky items.
- How do you handle fragile or valuable items?
- Why it’s important: This ensures your most precious possessions are properly protected during the move.
- What to look for: Information about special packing materials, custom crating services for valuable items, and any additional insurance options for high-value belongings.
- What is your claims process if something gets damaged or lost?
- Why it’s important: Knowing the procedure for filing a claim can save you time and stress if an issue arises.
- What to look for: A clear, straightforward claims process with reasonable timelines and fair compensation policies.
- Do you subcontract any part of the move, or do you handle everything in-house?
- Why it’s important: Moving brokers or subcontractors may not adhere to the same standards as the company you’ve researched.
- What to look for: A company that handles all aspects of the move with their own employees and equipment.
- What is your cancellation policy?
- Why it’s important: Life is unpredictable, and you may need to change your plans.
- What to look for: A flexible cancellation policy with clear terms and reasonable fees, if any.
- How do you train your moving crew?
- Why it’s important: Well-trained movers are more likely to handle your belongings safely and efficiently.
- What to look for: Information about the company’s training programs, background checks, and employee retention rates.
- Can you provide references from recent customers?
- Why it’s important: Speaking with past customers can give you valuable insights into the company’s performance.
- What to look for: Willingness to provide references and positive feedback from recent clients.
- What measures do you take to protect homes from damage during the moving process?
- Why it’s important: Ensures both your old and new homes are protected during the move.
- What to look for: Information about floor protection, door jamb guards, and other precautions taken to prevent damage to walls, floors, and doorways.
Additional Tips for Choosing the Right Moving Company
- Get multiple quotes: Get estimates from at least three different companies to compare prices and services.
- Be wary of extremely low prices: If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Extremely low prices may indicate subpar service, hidden fees, or potential moving scams.
- Read the fine print: Carefully review all documents, including the estimate and the bill of lading, before signing.
- Trust your instincts: If a company is pushy, evasive, demands a cash deposit, or is unprofessional during your initial interactions, consider it a red flag.
- Plan ahead: Book your moving company well in advance, especially if you’re moving during peak season (typically summer months).
Why Choose Hillside Van Lines?
At Hillside Van Lines, we’re committed to transparency, professionalism, and exceptional service. We welcome these questions and any others you may have about our services. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fully licensed and insured with a proven track record of satisfied customers
- Clear, detailed estimates with no hidden fees
- Highly trained, background-checked moving crews
- Specialized handling for fragile and valuable items
- Comprehensive claims process with fair compensation policies
- All services handled in-house, never subcontracted
- Flexible cancellation policy to accommodate changes in your plans
- Rigorous training programs for all employees
- Numerous references from happy customers
- State-of-the-art equipment and techniques to protect your home during the move
We understand that choosing a moving company is a significant decision, and we’re here to make that choice easier for you. By asking these important questions and doing your research, you’ll be well-equipped to find a reliable, professional moving company that meets your needs.
Choose Hillside as Your Long Island Mover Today!
Ready to experience the Hillside Van Lines difference? Contact us today at 631-499-8400 to learn more about our services or request your free move quote now and let us show you why we’re the right choice for your upcoming move!