What should you ask before you hire a residential moving company? If this is your first move and you're not sure what you need from a moving contractor, take a look at the top questions that can help you to find the perfect pro.
What Type of Estimate Do You Provide?
Did you know there's more than one type of moving estimate? Residential moving company services come with one of three types of quotes. These include the binding, non-binding, and binding not-to-exceed estimates. The binding estimate is exactly what it sounds like. This estimate is binding—meaning it won't change. This is a guaranteed fixed cost based on the estimated weight of your to-move load.
Unlike a binding estimate, a non-binding estimate could change. If your haul is lighter than the original estimate, you will pay less for the move. But if it's heavier, you will pay more. If you don't want to agree to a binding estimate and you don't want to potentially pay more for your move, consider a binding not-to-exceed quote.
A binding not-to-exceed estimate is fixed. Instead of charging you more for extra weight (beyond the original estimated weight), the movers will cap the quote at a set price.
How Many Movers Will You Send?
A team of two will take significantly longer to move a full single-family household's worth of belongings than four or more movers. If you want to get a better picture of the time it will take to move you from your old home to the new one, ask the contractor how many staff members they'll send.
Can You Accommodate Special Requests?
Movers have experience transporting boxes, bins, bags, and regular household furniture. But this doesn't mean every contractor will move everything in your home. If you have musical instruments, delicate works of art, oversized and awkwardly shaped items, or anything else that requires special handling, make sure the movers can accommodate these requests.
What Won't You Move?
Most moving companies have a list of prohibited items. These are items that aren't safe to move and could include household chemicals, flammable substances (such as propane tanks or lawn equipment that contain gasoline/oil), and similar combustible items. Along with potentially hazardous substances, many companies won't move food, live plants, or pets.
What Extra Services Do You Offer?
Some residential moving companies offer extra or additional services. They may provide packaging materials for a fee (such as boxes, tape, and bubble wrap), packing services, or a full-service move.
Contact a residential moving company to learn more.
