Finding the right moving agency is a concern for about 30 million people in the US alone each year. Moves are stressful enough without a trustworthy agency handling your things.

In the following article, we share the six questions that can give you the peace of mind you deserve! 

1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

Before hiring a moving company, make sure they are licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. This is a step that shows the agency is legitimate and cognizant of the legalities that come with being entrusted to do a job. 

Also, the “bonded and insured” part is important because it means their business meets the basic requirements for insurance in the event of a loss. It also means they’ve paid additional funds to be “bonded” for more than the minimum. In other words, it provides the promise of monetary relief should you need to file a claim.

2. Are You Actually Doing the Moving or Will You Farm It Out?

Another thing to remember before moving house contents from one location to another is that not all moving agencies actually do the heavy lifting themselves. Some act as brokers to movers that fall within their requirements. 

This can be a good thing because it gets moving companies competing for your business. A consideration if you go this route, however, is that there is a layer of division between you and the actual mover that doesn’t always translate successfully. Ultimately, it’s about how the broker does his or her job.

3. What Is the Scope of Your Services?

Pricing a mover of your own creates more room for communication breakdowns to occur. Brokers can help on this end of things by ensuring that everyone bidding for the work is bidding with the same scope of services in mind. 

If you’re going directly to movers, make sure they understand what your requirements are and vice versa. Otherwise, you could end up paying extra for things like packing and boxing. 

4. How Are Prices Calculated?

Search “moving companies near me” and you’re liable to find dozens of movers who each price their services differently. Some charge by the truckload, some charge by truck size, and some charge by the room.

You might have others that go by weight, while still others are open to negotiation. Knowing how prices are calculated ahead of time gives you the ability to address little things that might drive up costs before you get the official quote.

5. Do You Offer Tracking?

The best moving companies have embraced technology and 21st Century consumer expectations. They know you want real-time tracking and to know the moment the movers will show up for pickup and for delivery (or at least as close to real-time as possible). 

Ask movers how you can track your things. Check-in frequently on moving day, and ask questions if you have concerns.

6. What About Lost Items or Damages?

An organized moving company may have a perfect track record and never have need of a lost or damaged items policy. They should still have one, though, so you know which steps to take in the event of an accident or miscommunication that leads to a loss. 

Choose the Right Moving Agency for the Job

A moving agency can bring peace of mind or tension to moving day. It all depends on how committed they are to excellence and the answers to the questions posed above.

Best of luck as you prepare for your move. For more tips and information on how you can prepare for your move, check out some of our additional posts!