4 Questions To Ask Before Hiring Movers
Posted on: 23 April 2018
Whether you are buying or renting your first place or relocating to an entirely new part of the country, moving can be a stressful process. Fortunately, hiring professionals can make the moving process less stressful and more efficient. Of course, not every moving company offers the same services as others, so it is important to do your research. Before you hire a mover, make sure to ask these questions to ensure they will be the right company for your specific needs.
What Is Your Availability?
First and foremost, you should hire movers and get on their schedule as soon as possible, especially if you hope to move during a certain period of time. The majority of Americans move between the months of May and September, so movers will be busiest during this time frame.
If you are moving during the peak season, check the company's availability to see if they have any openings to accommodate your move. You may need to reschedule until a later day. However, if you contact the mover well in advance, getting on their schedule should not be an issue.
It is also important to note that the costs of a move in peak season may be considerably higher. If you are on a budget, consider moving at a different time, or budget accordingly.
Are You Licensed?
If you are moving within the same state, your movers should have a state license. If you are moving to a different state and will be moving to a different part of the country, movers should be licensed by the United State Department of Transportation.
Licensed movers have the tools, equipment, and skills needed to transport your belongings in the safest manner possible. If damage or theft does occur, your belongings will be insured, reducing any financial distress of having to replace them after the move.
Make sure your movers offer full-value protection, which holds the moving company liable for the full replacement value of your belongings if they have been lost, stolen, or damaged.
What Services Are Offered?
Also, you should ask the company what moving services are offered before hiring them. Not every move is the same, so you need to hire a company that offers what you will need.
Some, but not all, movers offer packing services. If you want experienced professionals to handle the packing and transport of your belongings, make sure they offer packing as an affordable service.
In some instances, you may just need to purchase packing supplies from the company. Many movers do offer specialized boxes and supplies for packing fragile items, such as artwork, mirrors, and televisions.
Lastly, it is important to note that disassembly and reassembly of furniture may not be included in your moving package. This is another service you may want to consider adding on if you want your moving company to disconnect/disassemble and then reconnect/reassemble appliances and furniture.
What Belongings Are Prohibited?
Finally, you will need to determine which of your belongings the company will transport and which items are prohibited. Most people are surprised to learn a large number of items cannot be handled or moved by professionals. Here are a few things you may need to pack and transport on your own:
- Firearms and ammo
- Lawn care supplies, such as fertilizer, weed control products, and pesticides
- Household cleaners
- Paints, stains, and paint thinners
- Gasoline, oil, automotive liquids, and kerosene
- Batteries for automobiles, lawn care equipment, ATVs, motorcycles, etc.
- Propane tanks
- Fireworks
- Pool chemicals
- Charcoal
If you have any of the above items in your household, ask the movers if they are prohibited.
Moving does not have to be a physically, emotionally, and financially stressful task. This guide will help you hire the best movers for your needs. Contact a company like Two Guys and a Truck to learn more.
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