The key to making local moves easier and less stressful is finding the right mover to hire.

With so many moving companies to choose from, some research is essential for discovering which one will be the best to work with.

Before getting to the specifics of the move, those seeking to hire moving services should start their search by asking these five important questions.

Once the basics are out of the way, customers should have an idea of which services they should consider hiring for a move.

1. Licensing

To legally operate in any state, a moving company must be licensed there.

Licensing makes it harder for fly-by-night companies to get away with moving scams and it regulates the industry.

Interstate movers will have a USDOT license, while local movers will have a state DOT license.

Seek proof of either, then confirm those license numbers at the state or federal DOT website to confirm they are real and if the business is being run in accordance with state or federal moving industry regulations.

2. Experience

Next, inquire about the type of experience the moving service has, especially if the move will involve anything out of the ordinary.

Heavy items, antiques, fragile items, or exceptionally large items are just some things that require that a moving company has specific experience in packing and relocating them.

Moves that require items to be carried up multiple flights of stairs or through small hallways are other details that customers should ask about.

Make sure the movers are able to do the job, whatever it entails, before hiring them.

3. Liability Coverage Options

After confirming that moving companies are licensed and that they can handle the move, ask them about the options they offer pertaining to liability coverage.

Do they provide Full Value Protection, which means they are responsible for replacing damaged or lost items?
Do they provide Released Value Protection, which usually limits their responsibility to 60 cents per pound on damaged or lost items?

Some offer both, with the former being a more expensive moving plan.

Before choosing the latter option and accepting a reimbursement that is related to an item’s weight and not its value, moving customers should think twice.

4. Types of Estimates

When inquiring about moving estimates, be aware of the pitfall of non-binding estimates, as this can lead to expensive surprises if the move takes longer than estimated.

Instead, see which moving services will provide a binding quote or “not-to-exceed” estimate as a firmer idea of cost.

Binding, written estimates are more detailed and should include all extras and fees with additional fees clearly spelled out, as they are a company’s guarantee that the cost will not exceed the stated amount.

5. Recent Referrals

Once getting through the above four questions, it is time to ask the local movers still being considered for some recent referrals that can be contacted for their opinions.

Additionally, customer reviews can be reviewed in business directories like Yelp! And Google Business Profiles as well as visit the BBB website to see what people are saying.

Choose A Qualified Moving Service - Ask These Vital Questions

With satisfactory responses to the above questions, anyone should be able to find a few moving companies to ask more detailed questions about their services.

These critical screening questions will narrow the field when searching for moving services and save customers time.

The next step, after identifying a few local movers that seem right for the job, is to start getting into the details and scheduling that move!