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10 things to know before you hire a moving company
Properly evaluating moving companies can be a challenge. Use these questions, tips and tricks to compare them like a pro.
If you can handle the expense, hiring a moving company is a great way to ease what can be an arduous process. Professional movers have the experience and tools to work quickly while safely transporting your stuff. Picking the right company can be daunting, though, and there is a lot to keep in mind when calling around for quotes, let alone preparing for moving day.
We spoke with dozens of moving companies and found that each asks for relatively standard information when calculating the potential cost of your move. You should come prepared to ask some important questions, and any reputable company will be able to answer them. We also have tips on ways to better prepare for your moving day once you’ve hired a mover.
Here is some advice on how to prepare to hire a mover before, during and after your call.
Recommended reading from Yahoo: Where to get moving boxes for free
Before you call a moving company
1) Have addresses and ZIP codes handy
This may seem obvious, but you may not have your new address or ZIP code memorized yet. Some companies ask for full addresses when giving you a ballpark cost for your move, while others may only require a ZIP code. Having your current and new addresses readily available will help smooth out the process of obtaining an initial quote over the phone, especially when calling multiple companies.
Some, however, may be willing to offer rates only using information about the house size to calculate the number of movers and the time needed. Others we spoke to requested just the names of the towns you’re moving between.
2) Know key facts about your home size
When you initially speak with moving companies, one of the first things they’ll ask is the size of your home. Typically, they want the number of bedrooms to help inform how large of a move you’ll have. Most also ask for square footage, so it’s good to have that information handy.
Additionally, you’ll want to be aware of any other complicating factors for the move. Lots of companies charge extra for stairs, so they’ll ask if you’re on the ground level of your building or if you’re in a multilevel home. You should also note if you have a garage because the stuff stored there can add to the size of the truck required for your move.
Finally, estimate how close the company will be able to park to the entrance of your home. Most companies offer basic rates with the assumption that the distance from the truck to your door is around 50 feet. If the distance is farther, it may add to the cost.
3) Account for large furniture and items
For quotes over the phone, some companies ask you to list large furniture and other items like TVs (and their sizes). This helps estimate the size of the truck they’ll need for your move, along with any packing materials they’ll need to bring. Try to have a count of these items when calling for estimates.
This is also a good time to decide whether you’re bringing any of your large kitchen appliances, such as refrigerators or ranges. These often require special equipment to move and can expand the truck size or number of trucks. It will also help to clarify with the company whether you’re disconnecting the appliances before the move or if you want them to do it.
During your call with the moving company
1) Ask the movers about hourly rates, minimums and deposits
The companies you speak with may lean toward providing an overall estimate based on the information provided, but it’s worth asking about hourly rates. Typically, moving companies have a set per-hour cost for each mover required for the job. Asking for this rate will give you an idea of what’s average for your area when contacting multiple companies, and how much more it may cost if you want to request an additional mover. It will also tell you if one company is significantly pricier or more affordable.
Most companies we spoke with also have a minimum number of hours you must commit to paying for with your move. The most common minimum is two hours, but we saw as high as four. Occasionally, you’ll find a company that doesn’t have a minimum.
Finally, clarify whether a company requires a deposit to secure your move date. Most companies charge a flat fee, but others may not require one. Our estimates were typically $200 or less, so watch for suspiciously high deposits. You should also ask whether the deposit is refundable if you cancel within a certain time frame and if it’s credited toward the final cost of the move.
2) Ask the moving companies if they give in-person estimates
One of the biggest red flags for a moving company is if they only do estimates over the phone. “When possible, I recommend getting in-person estimates,” Angie Hicks, co-founder of local services review site Angi, told Yahoo Local. “Your estimate of what is in a 1,200-square-foot home could be very different from someone else’s estimate.”
Most reputable companies use your phone call to give you a ballpark idea of the cost, then settle on a final estimate after conducting an in-person walkthrough of your home. Always get your estimate in writing, and don't sign or commit to anything if you’re uncomfortable.
3) Ask about moving insurance coverage and how they protect your belongings
Moving companies are required under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations to provide liability coverage for your belongings. They’ll offer to cover 60 cents per pound per item for free, which quickly falls short of covering damage for expensive items like TVs and furniture. They should also offer a full-coverage option, but it will add to the price of your move.
It’s a good idea to ask what steps a company takes to protect your belongings. Blankets and plastic wrap are standard for large items, but you should ask if they use floor runners to protect your home from their equipment. No matter what, make sure the company provides you with documentation for the coverage they offer and what you’ve chosen.
4) Ask if movers undergo a background check
When you have strangers responsible for moving your stuff, you want to make sure they’re trustworthy. Ask whether the company performs a background check on all its movers. Ideally, you want to choose a company that fully employs its movers instead of one that hires day laborers who they may know nothing about.
After you book a moving company
1) Start packing as early as possible
Once you have scheduled your moving date, start packing what you can as soon as possible. “Stay on top of your move by ordering your packing materials as early as possible,” Hicks says. “It’s also a good idea to start packing several weeks to a month before your move.”
Start with boxing up things you don’t use very often, and gradually move toward packing more frequently used items as the day approaches. This is also a perfect opportunity to declutter and downsize your belongings to help save on time, energy and the cost of your move.
Alternatively, you could choose to have your moving company pack your belongings. Most companies offer this service, for which you typically pay their hourly rate and the cost of materials. A separate team typically performs this service the day before your moving date, so be sure to let the company know if you require packing services when you book.
2) Schedule utility disconnects and connections
Call your utility companies to schedule a date to disconnect or transfer your service ahead of time. The same goes for setting up utilities at your new place. Make these calls in the weeks before your move, and prepare to disconnect your large appliances from power and gas if you’re taking them with you.
3) Prepare moving accommodations at your new home
If you live in a city, you may need to get a moving permit to block part of the street to unload. For condo moves, you may have to reserve an elevator for a few hours. In either case, make sure to secure the required permits and reservations well ahead of time, and coordinate these times with your moving company.
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Preparation makes the move
Moving is generally no fun, and having all the information and questions you need to ask professional movers can make a big difference. The steps we laid out should help with that process, making it much easier to compare companies in your area. Above all, a good moving company should always make you feel comfortable and reassured during your move, so don’t be afraid to pull the plug if they fail to meet expectations at any point in the hiring process.
