Things to Check Before Hiring Movers 

Planning to move from one home to another? The major challenge during a move is shifting your belongings, as packing the small and large items and then loading them onto a truck is anything but simple. 

Most people, instead of doing this themselves, hire professional movers. However, it’s important that you hire the right kind of person so you never run into issues during the process. 

In today’s article, we’ll share some critical things to check before you finally trust someone with the moving job. 

Let’s get started. 

Check Their Reputation 

Not every mover is worth hiring, and you need to do proper research of their background and reputation before you trust them with your money. You can take advantage of word-of-mouth references from your friends or co-workers. You can even check online reviews to get a comprehensive picture of how often they satisfy their customers. 

Read both the positive and negative reviews to analyze where they usually underperform. Then, before hiring them, point out the same weakness so they never repeat it.

A reliable mover will never ask you to pay in advance to secure your spot on the schedule. And they also never shy away from sharing their portfolio.

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Do They Offer a Pre-Move Survey?

A pre-move survey is an in-person or virtual assessment in which a moving company evaluates your household items and access points before you relocate. 

Legitimate movers will inspect your home carefully and provide an accurate cost estimate. They’ll calculate the actual volume, weight, and space your belongings will occupy on the truck. It helps them determine the exact size of the moving vehicle and amount of packing material needed so the job isn’t delayed by a truck that is too small. 

If you have specialty items like pianos, artwork, or large electronics, they’ll handle the preparations in advance.

Licensing and Insurance

You cannot afford to work with a mover who is not legally authorized to perform the job. Now, the license you need to check depends on where you’re residing and where you’re moving. You can check the US DOT number or local state registration to see if they’re valid. 

And never forget to verify their insurance coverage, as it will protect your items against loss or damage. 

You can even check with your insurance company to see whether your belongings are covered and what to do if supplemental insurance is required.

Detailed and Written Estimates 

You should never rely on vague verbal promises. Instead, request a clear, itemized, written quote that includes everything the mover will do. They should also clearly highlight the cost associated with each step.

Then, clarify whether the quote is binding, non-binding, or a binding not-to-exceed estimate. You need to clarify any potential extra fees in advance, as some shrewd contractors may take advantage of your lack of knowledge and impose hidden costs later. 

And it’s always good to compare multiple movers before you finally choose someone. You can go with a mover that offers a mix of affordability and high-quality service.