There are so many moving companies out there—and with such an expensive, life-altering decision, you want to make sure you’re choosing the best one for you. Don’t fall into the trap of cheap estimates, aggressive marketing or sketchy salespeople. To help you weed through your options, we’ve compiled a list of the most important questions to ask moving companies before settling on one. After all, we should know—Wheaton has been in the moving business for decades, and we’re committed to making your move stress-free.
Read on for the most important questions to ask a moving company before signing on the dotted line.
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Questions to Ask About the Company
Are You Fully Licensed and Insured?
No insurance? Find a different moving company. Safe, reliable and reputable moving companies always carry insurance and are licensed with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates commercial vehicle operations.
Do You Own Your Own Vehicles?
Wheaton agents take pride in maintaining safe, clean and reliable trucks and vans. If a moving company does not own its own vehicles, the chances of properly maintaining them are in doubt.
Do You Have an Office and/or Warehouse Facility?
Properly running a moving and storage company requires a significant amount of equipment, organization and staff. Without a real facility, you may be dealing with a fly-by-night moving company.
How Many of Your Employees Are “On the Books,” Either Full- Or Part-Time, and How Many Are Day Workers?
Some discount moving companies hire day laborers who are not on the books, get paid cash at the end of each day and have no incentive to take good care of your home or belongings. Wheaton movers, on the other hand, are professionals who are invested in doing the best job possible because the company’s success relies on them.
How Long Has Your Company Been in Business?
Most reputable companies have been around for years—Wheaton, for example, has a history stretching back to 1945. If a company is new, it’s likely to be inexperienced, which can increase your chances of damaged goods, lost items and off-schedule moves.
Can You Give Me References?
A reliable moving company can easily provide examples of real-life customers who attest to its trustworthiness and professionalism. Look for details that mention speed, care, customer service and specialty item handling.
Questions to Ask About the Estimate
Do You Offer Binding Estimates?
Some companies scam movers by raising the final price after the estimate. Ask a moving company whether their estimate is binding, which means your cost won’t increase if the agreed-upon terms are met.
Are There Hidden Fees in the Estimate?
The moving industry is notorious for charging hidden fees buried in contracts or tacked onto the final bill. A trustworthy moving company will disclose and explain all charges without adding any extras at the end.
How Do You Determine Moving Costs?
During your moving estimate, your agent should clearly explain the factors that affect the cost, from the distance to the moving date to the move size and any additional services requested.
Do You Guarantee Delivery Dates?
This is one of the most important questions to ask long-distance movers. The last thing you want to stress about during or after the move is when, exactly, your items will arrive. While most moving companies offer delivery estimates, not all guarantee they’ll meet the delivery window. A good moving company will guarantee delivery dates and reimburse you for any delays.
Are You Available on My Moving Date?
Peak moving season is a thing—which means some movers may be completely booked up when you need them. Confirm availability well before your move to prevent any last-minute scrambling to find new movers.
Questions to Ask About the Move
Do You Provide Full Services?
Not all moving companies can handle packing, storage-in-transit, packing supplies and other convenient moving services. A full-service mover, like Wheaton, will offer a variety of full-service options to make your move simple and stress-free.
Do You Have a Dedicated Contact Person I Can Reach Throughout the Move?
Every move experiences hiccups, so it’s important to have a calm, knowledgeable and experienced agent guiding you from start to finish. Ensure you’ll have a lifeline every step of the way.
Is There Anything You Won’t Move?
Not every mover accepts plants, food, cleaning products or other items. Discuss these restrictions in advance to ensure your essentials aren’t on the “no” list—and consult our “what not to pack” list, too.
Can You Move Specialty Items?
If you’re moving fragile or difficult-to-move items like pianos, art or appliances, you’ll need to confirm that your moving company can handle specialty items. This may require specialized equipment, insurance or experience—not every moving company has the capability.
What Is Your Policy on Damage Claims?
A reputable moving company, like Wheaton, will offer valuation protection options, including limited and full replacement protection, to safeguard your belongings. Sometimes things happen, and moving companies should have a plan for investigation and compensation.
Do You Offer Shipment Tracking?
With shipment tracking, movers can get real-time information on the location of their items, often using GPS tracking. Some companies allow you to check the status on their website, while others handle tracking through a dedicated agent.
Move with Wheaton
Avoid a moving nightmare by asking these questions as you investigate moving companies. Look for precise, professional answers to help you sort poor business practices and untrustworthy companies from reputable ones.
Wheaton World Wide Moving aims to make moving easier from start to finish—we’re only happy if you have a great experience. To get started on a Wheaton move, contact us to connect with a local agent or request an estimate today. We’re here to be your moving partner, because We Move Your Life!
