If you’re planning to move sometime in the near future, then you’ll need to find the right company to tackle the ever-important task of transporting your belongings safely from your current home to your new abode. This is where the moving estimate tends to come into play. The purpose of a moving estimate is to have a moving company representative come to your home, give you a sense of what your move is likely to cost, and answer any questions that you might have about the company at hand.
Bobby Hughes is the marketing coordinator at Hughes Relocation Services, Inc., a moving company that has been serving Philadelphia since 1973, and he thinks that customers shouldn’t hesitate to “interview” their estimators about the companies they represent. The following are questions that you might want to ask when a moving company representative arrives at your door for an estimate:
How much will my move cost?
Moving services don’t tend to come cheap, so you’ll want to know what you’re dealing with as far as finances are concerned. When your estimator does his calculations, make sure that he accounts for factors such as bulky furniture items, fragile collectibles, and oversized artwork. Additionally, you should ask your estimator if he’s willing to commit to a “do not exceed” clause as part of your contract, which would essentially cap the price of your move to a certain amount.
How do you calculate pricing?
As a customer, it’s important that you understand how any given moving company goes about calculating its pricing. While most moving companies charge by the pound for interstate moves, the standard for local moves is to charge by the hour. If your estimator tells you that his moving company does things differently, then you might want to take a step back or at least ask why.
Is there anything I can do to save money on my move?
If you’re looking to come away from your moving experience as financially unscathed as possible, then it never hurts to ask your estimator what you might be able to do in order to save yourself some money. Remember, most estimators operate under a sales mentality, so yours will probably be willing to share some tips if it increases his chances of getting your business.
Will my belongings be insured?
When it comes to moving, one of the greatest concerns among homeowners is the notion of having their stuff damaged or broken during the process. Therefore, you should definitely make a point of asking your estimator what his company’s insurance policy entails. You should also inquire about additional insurance options in the event that you decide to extend your coverage.
How long have you been in business?
One thing that you’ll certainly want to find out during a moving estimate is how long the company in question has been in business. On the one hand, you don’t necessarily want to discount a company just because it’s new; on the other hand, the longer a company has been in business, the more likely it is to be reliable and well-run.
How many moves do you do each year?
If a moving company doesn’t seem to get a lot of business in general, then there’s probably a reason for it. Therefore, you might want to ask your estimator how many moves his company does each year on average. This will give you a sense as to whether or not you ought to trust it with your belongings.
Do you have references?
When you hire a moving company, you are essentially putting a lifetime of possessions into a few hopefully capable hands. For this reason, it’s imperative that the moving company you choose be one that is capable, experienced, and reliable, and the only way to reassure yourself of such is to ask for references and follow up with them independently. If a company is able to provide a list of glowing recommendations, then you can take it as a sign that it probably knows what it’s doing.
How do you handle and protect high-value goods?
As a homeowner and customer, it’s natural for you to want to ensure that your high-end belongings will survive your upcoming move. Therefore, make certain to ask your estimator what steps his company will take to protect your valuables while they are being transported. If you’re uncomfortable with the answer you get, then consider taking your business elsewhere, as a good moving company will have methods in place for keeping high-value goods out of harm’s way.
Choosing the right moving company can certainly be challenging. By taking advantage of your moving estimate and asking all the right questions, you can increase your chances of selecting a company that will make the process as painless as possible.
