Moving to a new house is exciting. You will have to make several decisions before you can relax in your new home. And before you hire someone to help with the transition, you need to make sure the company you’re considering is up to the task. Be sure to ask your potential moving company a few important questions:

License and Insurance

To avoid scammers, always verify the moving company’s credentials. The company should have a business license in your state. Ask the movers for written proof of their license and insurance.

The Level of Experience

The professionals should have experience with your specific type of move. If you live in a condominium, the movers should have experience dealing with high-rise apartment buildings. The movers should be prepared to deal with parking restrictions, stairs, and elevators.

Contractors and Moving Equipment

The moving company might hire sub-contractors. If the moving company works with independent contractors, you should ask for references and a background check. You should also ask questions about the moving equipment. If you have fragile items, the moving company may need to use specialized moving gear.

Peak Season and Temporary Employees

Some moving companies hire temporary employees during the summer months. The temporary employees are usually inexperienced transient workers or students. A rookie might damage your belongings. Ensure that all employees that will be handling your items are full-time, background checked, and drug-tested employees.

Storage Units and Security

If the moving company has temporary storage units, you should make sure that the facilities are safe and secure. Some moving companies use contractors for storage.

The Procedure for Delicate Items

The moving company should have a detailed plan for handling fragile items. Many fragile items are irreplaceable. The company should be able to answer all of your questions in a friendly manner.

The Policy for Broken and Missing Items

A reputable moving company will reimburse you for missing and broken items. The company will want to settle the dispute in a peaceful manner. If you packed the box, you would probably be liable for any damages.

Complaints and Claims

Ask the company for a history of any complaints or claims. Most companies will give you a list of the resolved complaints. If there are any outstanding complaints, ask the company about the nature of the complaints.

Packing and Labeling

Ask how items are packed and labeled. You will have to unpack several boxes when you arrive at your new home, so the boxes need to be labeled. Ask the movers if there is an additional charge for wrapping items and preparing appliances for the relocation.

Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Dates

If the moving company guarantees exact dates, make sure that the company will accept responsibility for late pickups and arrivals. You should be reimbursed for any unexpected changes.

The Policy for Transfers

If the company has given you a guaranteed delivery date, you should ask the movers about transfers and accidental damages. Your items might need to be moved to another truck if the first truck malfunctions. The company should have a plan for adverse weather conditions and accidental damages.

What is Your Level of Experience?

It may seem obvious, but you have to find out if the moving company you potentially employ has the right experience for the job. This means looking at their employees’ resumes and asking for references from customers who have used their services before.

Movers with years of experience are more likely to understand the complexities of your move, be able to offer you specific recommendations, work around your personal moving requests, and get on with the process without delays. Say, for example, you’re moving to a particular area such as Phoenix, you might want to hire movers who know how to preserve your belongings under the intense heat.

How Will You Pack My Belongings?

Among the services that moving companies provide are packing and unpacking. However, simply bundling your boxes into one van does not ensure they will safely reach their destination. 

So it is advisable to ask what kind of packaging materials a particular company uses before hiring them for the job. The right type varies depending on different factors, such as whether your belongings are fragile or you want them wrapped in plastic sheets to keep dirt off them when they are being loaded or unloaded from the truck. 

What Are Your Insurance Policies?

When hiring movers, it is imperative that you find out if they have proper insurance protocols in place. Most states require all moving companies to carry both commercial liability insurance as well as workers’ compensation insurance. 

This means that your mover will be responsible for paying any damages they cause during the move if an accident occurs. However, this coverage only works in a way that they’ll reimburse items according to the weight of the objects in question. If you want a better solution, seek third-party insurance that provides complete coverage for expensive appliances and furniture.

Do You Have a License?

A no-brainer question, you might think, but you’d be surprised at how many moving companies are actually licensed to operate or are even registered with the Better Business Bureau. Before hiring a company, make sure that they have all the proper licensing in order. The makings of a reliable mover typically include:

• A USDOT Number issued by the FMCSA.
• A specific documentation showing proof of authorization from the state. For example, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles regulates carriers in the Lone Star State, while the Arizona Corporate Commission governs moving companies in Arizona. Do your research.
• A high BBB Accreditation Rating.
• Good reviews and strong recommendations from previous customers.
• In Phoenix, you can check Great Guys Moving for the top Phoenix movers and also check their USDOT license information

If something happens during your move, this will give you peace of mind knowing that everything will not only go smoothly but also legally as well.