If you’ve moved without a company before, you know just how stressful the process can be. Even moving locally can seem like a breeze, but before you know it, you’re carrying box after box and wondering why you didn’t hire a professional moving company instead. Even small apartments can quickly accumulate items and heavy pieces of furniture.

With so many different moving companies at your disposal, how do you know that you’re making the best choice? As we’re passionate about helping you have the best moving experience possible, we’ve put together five questions to ask yourself before hiring movers.

#1. Are You a Licensed Moving Company?

There are more scams out there than you’d think! Make sure to talk with the moving companies that you’re considering and ensure they’re properly licensed. The United States Department of Transportation issues an official license number to all legitimate moving companies.

Some local companies only relocate customers in the same state, but these are not regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Instead, local movers have a state license. When in doubt, you can always look up the specific regulations and license requirements in your state, and you can turn to review sites to see what other people have to say about their experience with the company.

#2. Do You Provide Specific Moving Services I Need?

Another question to ask moving companies you’re considering is whether they provide the services that you need. As we mentioned above, some moving companies only focus on local moves while others focus on long-distance moves.

For example, maybe you’re moving into a high-rise apartment building in the middle of Chicago. Or maybe you are moving into a townhome that doesn’t have an elevator and instead has multiple staircases that need to be factored in. Regardless of your specific moving situation, a reputable moving company must be prepared and experienced in handling situations that are similar to your move.

In the case of Alliance, here are the services we provide:

#3. Do You Offer Liability Coverage?

questions to ask a moving company

Another essential moving question is what type of liability coverage does the company provide? Before you hand over all of your most important belongings, it’s important that you know they’ll be covered in the case of a mishap. Even if you’re planning a local, short-distance move, the moving company that you hire should have the right liability coverage options to keep you protected.

Licensed interstate movers must have two types of liability options: full value protection and released value. Here’s how the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines the two types of liability options:

  • Full Value Protection: In this case, movers are liable for replacing the value of lost or damaged goods during your move. This is the most comprehensive plan to help protect your belongings.
  • Released Value Protection: If you want a more economical option, you can opt for this level of protection. This is offered at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. In this case, the mover takes on liability for up to 60 cents per pound per article.

Always ask for proof of insurance from the company you’re considering!

#4. Do You Have Any References?

questions to ask movers

References and referrals are pivotal when it comes to questions to ask a moving company. Consider that you likely rely on other peoples’ opinions when purchasing a car or finding a new dentist. The same logic applies when you’re shopping around for a moving company. Before you’re willing to hand over all of your items to a company, you’ll want to double-check that other people have good things to say about their experience.

Simply Googling the name of the company will populate additional information about whether or not the company can be trusted. Online reviews and ratings speak volumes about what the true experience of working with a moving company is like. The choice of whether or not you do your research is up to you!

#5. Can You Provide a Binding Quote?

Cost is often top of mind when comparing movers and deciding what company is the best fit for you. When it comes to moving company quotes, many companies offer non-binding estimates. This means that the estimated price won’t necessarily be the amount that you’re charged when all is said and done.

This could be either good or bad; if your move takes longer than expected or requires more man-hours than originally anticipated, you could end up paying significantly more for the move. On the other hand, if things go smoothly, you could end up paying less.

To avoid any surprises, talk to your moving company about a binding estimate. This written estimate helps secure the cost of the move and helps you avoid any unexpected costs.

#6. How Does Your Company Rate with the Better Business Bureau?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating is a solid indicator of a company’s reputation and customer service quality. A high BBB rating (like A+ or A) suggests that the company consistently meets customer expectations and effectively resolves any issues that arise. When checking the BBB, be sure to look for any unresolved complaints or recurring negative feedback.

Keep in mind, though, that a lack of a BBB rating doesn’t necessarily mean the company is unreliable — especially if they’re new to the industry.

#7. What’s Your Company’s Experience in the Moving Industry?

Experience often translates to better service, especially in the moving industry. A company with 5-10 years (or more) under its belt is likely to have the skills to handle complex or long-distance moves with ease.

Newer companies might offer competitive rates, but they may not yet have the experience to deal with unexpected challenges. Don’t just ask about the company’s age — get details on the experience level of their staff and movers too.

#8. What Packing Services Do You Offer?

Packing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of moving, so professional packing services can be a huge help.

Ask about both full and partial packing options, and whether they offer specialized packing for fragile or valuable items. If you prefer to pack yourself, make sure to inquire about the cost of packing materials and whether they provide them.

#9. How Do You Handle Specialty Items?

Specialty items — like pianos, pool tables, antiques, or artwork — require extra care and expertise during a move.

Ask if the company has experience moving items similar to yours and what special equipment or techniques they use. It’s also wise to discuss additional insurance options for these high-value items to ensure they’re fully protected.

#10. Do You Offer Storage Services?

If there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates, storage can be a crucial service.

Ask about both short-term and long-term storage options, as well as the security measures in place at their facilities. If you have sensitive items, inquire about climate-controlled storage to keep them safe.

#11. How Flexible Is Your Scheduling?

Moving dates can fill up fast, especially during peak seasons like summer. It’s a good idea to book early if you’re planning a move during these times.

Ask about any price differences for moving on weekdays versus weekends, and what their policy is for date changes or cancellations.

#12. What Inventory System Do You Use?

A detailed inventory system is essential for keeping track of your belongings and making the claims process easier if something goes wrong.

Ask how they document your items — whether through digital inventory or paper lists — and if you’ll receive a copy before and after the move. Discuss how their inventory system can help with unpacking and locating items in your new home.

#13. How Are Damage Claims Handled?

Knowing how a company handles damage claims is essential for your peace of mind. Imagine the stress of finding a scratch on your favorite piece of furniture — without a clear process in place, it can turn into a nightmare.

Ask the movers how quickly you can file a claim, and what steps they take to assess the damage and determine compensation. Make sure you understand the differences in how claims are processed depending on the level of liability coverage you choose. You deserve to know that your belongings are in good hands — and that any issues will be resolved quickly and fairly.

#14. Who Will Be My Go-To Person During the Move?

Moving can be a whirlwind, and having a single point of contact can make all the difference. Ask if you’ll have a dedicated move coordinator — someone who knows your move inside and out and is there to answer your questions at any time.

What’s their availability? How quickly can they respond if you have a concern? It’s also smart to find out if there’s a backup contact just in case. Knowing exactly who to call when you need something will reduce stress and keep everything running smoothly.

#15. Can You Share Pro Tips for a Smooth Move?

Why reinvent the wheel when you can learn from the pros? Professional movers have seen it all and can offer tips that will make your move much smoother. Ask them for a moving checklist tailored to your needs.

Find out if there are any items they won’t move (like hazardous materials or houseplants). Also, get their advice on how to prep your new home before move-in day. These insider tips can save you time, money, and a lot of headaches.

#16. How Can I Track My Belongings During a Long-Distance Move?

There’s nothing quite like the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly where your stuff is during a long-distance move.

Ask the company about their tracking methods — do they offer GPS tracking or an online portal where you can check the status of your shipment? How often will you receive updates?

Also, find out how you can get in touch with the driver or moving team during the journey. Being able to monitor your belongings every step of the way can turn a stressful situation into a smooth, worry-free experience.

#17. What Really Affects the Cost of My Move?

Let’s talk dollars and cents — understanding what factors into the cost of your move can help you plan and avoid unexpected surprises. Discuss how local moves differ from long-distance ones in terms of pricing.

Ask about key cost drivers like weight, distance, and any additional services you might need. And don’t forget to inquire about potential money-saving options — sometimes a little flexibility on your part can lead to big savings.

#18. Are There Any Hidden Fees I Should Know About?

Hidden fees can be the unpleasant surprise that turns a great move into a stressful one. Get ahead of any potential extra charges by asking upfront about costs for stairs, long carries, or elevator usage.

What about fees for packing materials or the use of specialized equipment? Also, discuss whether there are any surcharges for fuel or tolls. The more you know now, the less likely you are to be caught off guard later.

#19. Do You Offer Estimates with a Maximum Price Guarantee?

Nobody likes unpleasant surprises, especially when it comes to costs. A not-to-exceed estimate ensures you won’t pay more than the quoted price, even if your move takes longer or involves more work than expected.

Ask how they calculate this estimate and under what conditions it might change. Understanding the difference between this and a binding estimate will help you budget with confidence, knowing that the price won’t suddenly skyrocket on moving day.

#20. Do You Provide Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly Services?

Furniture can be tricky — especially those big, bulky pieces that seem impossible to fit through a doorway. Ask if the moving company offers disassembly and reassembly services. Are they included in the price, or is there an additional fee?

Make sure they have experience with all types of furniture, from antiques to modern modular pieces. And don’t forget to ask about their process for keeping track of all those small parts — nobody wants to end up with a wobbly table because a few screws went missing!

Contact Alliance Moving & Storage Today!

We know that you’re likely already feeling the stress of your upcoming move. By keeping in mind the above questions, you help get to the core of whether or not you can trust the moving company that you’re considering. If you’re in need of a reliable moving company in the Chicago area, look no further than our friendly and seasoned team at Alliance Moving & Storage.

We know the Chicago market inside and out and we’re happy to help you with any sort of moving needs that you have. Take advantage of our free moving quotes and don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.