Pop the Question: Asking All the Right Questions To Your Movers

Our article gives you a list of ideal questions to ask your moving team as well as red flags that we have seen from our experience. Knowledge is power.

Read on to know what to look for and what to look out for.

1. Are you a licensed and insured service provider?

• This is a key question you should never just take at face value (unless you booked with iMoving). Ensure the moving company you choose is properly licensed for your move and ask for proof of insurance to protect your belongings.
• Make sure you understand the premiums and how it all works.

2. What extra services do you offer and what is included in the basic price?

• Clarify in writing in a binding quote what services are included in the moving packages (labor, packing, loading, transportation, unloading, unpacking). Make sure it is clear of any additional charges for extra services along with their pricing.

3. What is your experience?

• Experience in the field is key. It is also important they have done similar moves (ie office or private).

4. Can I contact references and see recent customer reviews?

• Ask for phone numbers from past customers who are willing to testify to their service level and check online reviews (Yelp or Google Maps) to get an idea of actual customer satisfaction.

5. How will my items be protected?

• Make sure you discuss their packing and handling tactics to ensure your items are professionally protected from damage. They should be using professional packing materials to ensure everything arrives safely.

6. What is the process for filing an insurance claim for damaged or lost items?

• Understand exactly how their claims process works and how they handle claims for damaged or lost belongings. Make sure you know your coverage level. Ask about their liability and what other additional insurance options there are to consider without high premiums.

7. How is the cost of the move figured in your quote?

• Understand in full the pricing structure and ask for a detailed binding estimate that includes all potential costs (hourly manpower rates, weight-based charges for long-distance moves, packing materials). Some companies charge based on km traveled while others are by hour or the task as a whole.

8. Ensure there is a written contract and ask when you will receive it.

• Request a copy of the written contract that outlines the terms of the move, dates and times, including services provided, pickup and delivery dates, payment terms, insurance terms, and their cancellation policy.

9. What happens if there are delays?

• Make sure you understand their policies and procedures in case of delays in pickup or delivery, delays from your end, and how they handle compensation for any issues that may occur from delays from their side.

10. Do you have any restrictions on items?

• Ask about any specific requirements they have for specialty items like pianos, antiques, or large appliances. Generally, they will not allow open food or any gas containers by law. They may not want to take other items as well such as sports equipment or musical instruments.

11. What is the expected timeline for my move?

• Discuss the realistic timeline for packing, loading, transportation, and delivery of your home goods. Understand if there are any factors that could affect the schedule. Discuss your extra service options and what is needed to meet that timeline.

12. Do you provide packing materials? If so, how many and how much?

• Ask if your moving vendor will give you packing materials such as boxes, tape, and wrapping materials, or if there are additional costs for these supplies. Ask them to throw in at least 10-20 boxes free as most movers will agree to this.

13.What payment methods are accepted?

• Speak about accepted payment methods and when payment is due (Percentage upfront of the deposit, percentage upon delivery). Understand if there are any additional fees for certain payment methods. Never book a mover that asks for all the payment upfront, he will steal your money.

14. Request a contact person during the move?

• You should have contact information for a designated manager of the move who can address any questions or issues you may have before, during, and after the move.

1. Too Cheap of Quotes

• Be wary of moving companies that provide estimates that are way lower than others in the industry. They aren’t trying to help you out, but rather rip you off.

2. Licensing and Insurance

• This is usually where the scammers get sketchy! Legitimate moving companies are always properly licensed and insured.
• You can avoid the tricks by asking for their license number or just booking with iMoving.

3. Bad Reputation

• Read reviews from previous customers on various platforms. Try to see if it seems they were written by friends or actual clients. You can click on each reviewer and see if they have reviewed other real places before.
• Pay attention to any patterns of issues of damaged or missing items, late deliveries, or weird behavior. Many negative reviews or a lack of online reviews is a red flag.

4. No Office

• A legit company always has a physical office where you can complain if needed.

5. Large Deposits

• Legit moving companies do not require large upfront deposits before the move- usually, only around 10% of the total cost upfront should be paid to lock in your date.

6. Lack of Written Contract

• Always get everything in life in writing. Demand a written contract that clearly outlines the terms of the moving agreement.
• It should include the services provided, the cost with no hidden fees, the pickup and delivery dates and times, and any fees not listed.
• Avoid companies that refuse to provide a written contract.

7. No Written Inventory

• Before loading your belongings on the truck, the moving company should conduct an inventory check of items to be moved. This way they are accountable for what is there. Make sure to receive a written copy of this inventory, and review it to ensure accuracy.
• As well you should have your personalized inventory to compare it to.

8. Lack of Transparency

• Pay attention to how the moving company communicates with you and trust your gut feeling. If they are evasive, overall feel sketchy, unresponsive, or unwilling to provide clear answers, run away while you still can.

Asking the above questions and having the knowledge of red flags to look out for will help you evaluate movers to best choose a reputable company that meets your moving needs. In the end, go with your gut and book with iMoving to find your incredibly talented pro-moving team.