10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company in California
If you’re getting ready to relocate to, from, or within Los Angeles or Orange County California, you may be in the process of contacting potential moving companies. Choosing the right mover can be a difficult and time-consuming process, especially if you don’t find the right mover on the first try.
Asking for a recommendation from friends and family is a good place to start. Testimonials and customer reviews are also great.
But how do you know if the local moving company you’re checking out is the right one for you?
Ten Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Moving Company in California
1. How long has your company been around?
While some newer companies are certainly reputable, working with movers who have been in operation for several years can offer you more assurance that the company knows what it’s doing. If the company is newer, tread more carefully, as scams abound in this industry. But if the company is well established in the area, you’ll have less to worry about.
2. Can you offer some good references?
Most Southern California moving companies will be more than happy to offer you references for satisfied customers. Some may have printed or online customer testimonials you can check out. If you’re planning a very large or important move, though, you may want to speak with former customers of the company on the phone or in person, especially when you’re planning a business move.
3. How much will it cost for you to do my move?
This can be a complicated question to answer since your moving needs will be unique to your particular situation. You’ll definitely want to have the mover in question do a detailed estimate – preferably with a walk-through to check out in person everything that you’re moving. When you get your estimate, be sure to ask how guaranteed that estimate is. Reputable companies will usually guarantee a written estimate within 10% or so.
4. Do you offer storage solutions, as well?
If you’re planning a long-distance move, a business move, or a move that will require you to live in temporary housing for a time, storage solutions may be necessary, as well. If the movers also offer storage solutions, all the better, as you’ll most likely save on the cost of storage and will only have to deal with one company.
5. How will my goods be protected by your Moving Staff?
You should first ensure that a company’s employees are well-trained in handling fragile household and business goods. Then, you should find out about the company’s insurance coverage. The mover you choose should cover damage to your goods – especially if they pack them – as well as potential accidents that could occur while the movers are on your property.
6. How long will it take for my goods to arrive at their destination?
This is an essential question for planning your move. A good mover will be able to give you a solid estimate, though you’ll definitely want to plan ahead. Popular moving companies can be booked well ahead of time, so you’ll need to give them as much notice as possible about your moving plans.
7. Can I create a moving package that will work better with my needs?
Excellent moving companies offer a variety of services, including packing, crating, and storage options. Ask how flexible the moving packages are from this particular company. Ideally, you should be able to create a completely customized moving package that will suit your needs and budget.
8. Are there any additional fees I should know about?
Some moving companies in California won’t be as upfront as others about additional fees you may be charged during your moving process. Asking about these charges up front will help get all potential issues on the table so that you can make a good choice in your mover.
9. Do my goods need to be transferred more than once during the move?
Some long distance moves may require that your goods be transferred from one moving truck to another during the moving process. If this is the case, you should make extra sure that all care will be taken during your move, since a transfer of goods leaves your items more open to accidents and breakage.
10. What are some other reasons I should choose you instead of your competitors?
Finally, it’s okay to flat out ask the moving company what sets them apart from the competition. Chances are that they’ll be more than happy to tell you! And asking this question can give you some insight into what special things set one moving company apart from another, so that you can make the decision that’s right for you and your particular moving needs.