When planning a relocation, it is important to hire a reliable moving company that can be depended upon to provide a great service.

Plenty of small outfits claim to be professional movers, but they may not have the experience or resources to do the job.

These important questions can help anyone searching for local moving companies find the best service to handle their move without problems.

1. Is The Business Legitimate and Licensed?

Before looking further into any moving company, first ensure that they are a legitimate, legal business with a permanent location and website and have been in business for some time.

Confirm that they are USDOT and/or state-licensed to provide moving services within the state.

Movers should also hold Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration authority, as the moving industry is federally regulated.

2. Do They Have Liability Insurance and Workers Comp?

Movers should be able to show proof of insurance that protects both themselves and their customers.

Inquire about commercial insurance and workers compensation insurance as well as liability protection that covers damaged items.

Clarify whether their liability insurance covers full value protection or releases value protection, which usually pays a per-pound value for damaged items.

3. Can They Provide References?

Ask local moving companies to provide references that can be contacted, as this is one good way to learn what experience others have had with them.

Customer reviews on online business directory websites like Yelp! and Google My Business are also helpful for determining whether the company is reliable and trustworthy.

4. How Are Services Charged and Payments Accepted?

Another critical detail that should be confirmed is how charges are made, as moving companies charge for their services in different ways.

Know hourly rates, how many movers are provided for that rate, the cost of materials and mileage or any other charges, plus the cost of additional moving hours.

Confirm the payment types that are accepted and whether deposits are necessary and when payment is expected.

5. What Kind of Estimate Will They Provide?

Moving services are usually quoted based on either moving weight or amount of items.

Confirm how estimates are calculated and ask if local moving companies will send someone to do an in-person estimate, which is preferred.

Also, find out how estimates that come in over or under the actual charge are handled, especially when dealing with weight estimates.

6. What Services Are Offered?

Will the mover only pick up and relocate items or do they offer additional services?

Find out whether they offer packing services and furniture disassembly and reassembly and if so, what the cost of packing materials will be.

7. How Are Damage Claims Handled?

The second important question that relates to liability insurance is how the company handles damage claims.

What is the process that a customer must go through if the movers cause damage to their items?

The claims and reimbursement process should be as straightforward as possible.

Know The Traits of A Trusted Moving Company

Though these are far from the only questions one might want to ask a moving company before contracting their services, they can give a good idea of the company’s practices and if they are a reliable business that strives to provide good service.

Screen local moving companies to find the recommended ones before getting into the finer details, like scheduling.

Local moves handled by reliable services involve far fewer headaches!