14 Important Questions to Ask Before Hiring Any Santa Barbara Movers
Making many decisions is necessary when moving to a new house. There are numerous things to do, from choosing the best materials to picking the ideal moving date, that may be downright stressful. The most challenging relocation choice is also crucial: selecting the best moving company. Countless local and interstate moving firms compete for business nationwide.
It is essential to ask the right questions of any moving company during an interview. Here are several queries you should ask a moving company before employing them to locate the one that best suits your particular requirements.
Is This Company A Carrier or A Broker?
Brokers contract partnerships with businesses to handle their relocation needs. Once you inform a broker about your relocation, the broker will post your information to a community board similar to a marketplace so that the affiliates can submit bids for the position. Working with a broker can lower pricing since various businesses compete for your business.
However, using a broker has drawbacks as well. One is that a different team than the one you spoke with will arrive to load and transport your goods to your new residence. This may lead to misunderstandings, extra expenses, and fees on moving days. You will have a more seamless experience working with a carrier than with a broker since carriers handle all your moving services.
What Is Your Company’s History?
At first glance, the company’s years in operation might have a negligible influence on your decision. However, more professional experience is earned from moving clients for years compared to a short period. An experienced moving firm is equipped to deal with unforeseen emergencies like a sick truck driver, severe weather, and misplaced items.
You can get an idea of working with local moving businesses by asking about their history. Are they a family-owned company that will treat you with respect? Or is it a large, modern enterprise with all the bells and whistles of a well-run business? You get to choose whatever company suits your transition the best.
Is Your Moving Company Accredited?
Confirming that the moving company has a license and insurance before setting a moving date is crucial. Knowing that the firm you work with is capable of the job comes before packing up your entire life into boxes. Aside from liability insurance for broken objects during the move, licensed and insured movers give you peace of mind and protection against anything that might happen on a moving day.
What Is the Final Moving Cost?
Nobody wants to discover that the cost of moving has increased owing to additional charges or alterations. Regardless of how long it takes, confirming the agreed-upon fee and obtaining it in writing on a signed and dated contract ensures a worry-free move day. Moving quotes must be received before your move date, as moving cost estimates are typically dependent on weight and distance.
Moving firms have a process for assessing the costs of their transfers since every move is unique. Ask your movers about their moving policies so you can take advantage of moving day. It’s excellent to ask moving firms about flights involving elevator charges and carrying items up and down stairs.
Does This Company Have Any Additional Charges or Hidden Fees?
Most moving firms use hidden fees to inflate their rates on moving days. These costs are either misrepresented in your contract, buried under mounds of legalese, or only revealed once they appear on your final bill.
Additionally, it’s doubtful that a customer support agent will provide you with a straightforward response. If a business conceals its fees, it probably instructs its employees to do the same. Look at client testimonials to see if a company frequently imposes unexpected expenses.
Does This Company Background Check Its Employees?
A full-service relocation will involve outsiders visiting your home, going through your belongings, packing them, loading them into a truck, and leaving with them. Although the experience will always be somewhat comfortable, you can significantly reduce the tension by determining if your organization does background checks on its personnel.
Background checks assist movers in eliminating candidates who have already been fired from other organizations for theft or property damage. Additionally, they check employees’ permanent records to ensure they have no severe drug offenses or burglary accusations.
Do You Have References and Reviews?
You should only hire a moving company after asking for a reference. Ask for references from a moving company before entrusting them with your belongings. A representative from the moving company should be able to give you all the information you require if you ask them to.
Of course, doing your homework is always your responsibility. One option is to ask your friends and neighbors for advice when looking for a moving company. A top-notch mover should be happy to give reviews and point you toward their client testimonials. Additionally, the company must have a positive social presence and response rate.
What Coverage Options Does This Company Offer?
The cost of your belongings is covered by moving coverage, an almost insurance-like service if they are damaged or lost in transportation. Basic liability insurance must be provided without charge by every moving company. Your belongings are insured under this plan for intrastate movers at $0.30 per pound and interstate moves at $0.60 per pound.
If the company has VFP and your sofa accidentally falls off the moving truck while it is being transported, you would be compensated to repair it or purchase a replacement of comparable value. The types of coverage available vary from one organization to the next, and some businesses even provide custom coverage options. Before employing a firm for relocation, you should always inquire about the available coverage choices.
Do You Offer Packing Services?
Packing services also referred to as accessorial fees, comprise the moving firm’s packing, unpacking, crate-making, or disconnecting appliances. These fees are in addition to your standard relocation costs. Inquire about the different packing services each moving company provides, the associated costs, and the necessary preparations. Packing services come in quite handy if you have a tight relocation deadline.
How Does This Company Handle Damage Claims or Losses?
Contact your mover and go through the claims procedure to understand how you can be compensated for lost or damaged items. Ask your customer service representative about the claims procedure to determine your options if something breaks or goes missing in transit.
You should also look at a company’s user reviews to acquire answers to this question, just like you would with hidden fees. Consider using a new provider if numerous clients claim they weren’t compensated.
Do You Have Experience with My Specific Type of Move?
Ask the moving firm if they have sufficient experience managing your particular type of move. For instance, you should find out if the moving company has experience moving to high-rise apartment buildings, townhomes with numerous levels and steps, or large cities. Moving companies should be ready for anything, including parking constraints, high stairs, a lack of elevators, and narrow entrances.
Who Will Do the Loading and Unloading?
Before choosing a moving firm, you should inquire who will load and unload the moving vehicle. Moving large and fragile goods requires expertise. To relocate everything in your home securely, you should ensure that your moving company sends a highly skilled team of movers who are up to the task.
Does This Company Guarantee Delivery Dates?
All movers provide estimates for when your belongings should arrive, but they must guarantee those dates to make it on time. A mover who promises to deliver your shipment by a specific date should make a written commitment. The movers you are working with should have a way to commit to your move and make it happen within the timeframe of your contract.
Does This Company Offer Shipment Tracking?
It’s simple to become restless and impatient while waiting for your furniture to get to your new house. Fortunately, some movers provide shipment tracking so you can get up-to-date information on your furniture. From GPS monitoring through the corporate website to something as straightforward. as calling the company and asking for an update, there are several ways to trace shipments. Shipment tracking shouldn’t be a deal-breaker, but it can give you peace of mind during relocation.
Why Are Elite Movers Your Best Choice?
At Elite Movers, we are committed to providing competitive, professional, and affordable moving services to move your family or office in a smooth and worry-free way.
Our employees are trained moving experts who offer a stress-free move with their friendly and professional personalities. Elite Movers provides excellent packing services, carefully and professionally wrapping every piece of furniture to ensure safe transportation. We start your move with a walk-through of your house to understand what needs to be moved. We take special care in packing, loading, storing, and unloading all your valuables.
Elite movers are committed to providing the best moving services available in Santa Barbara and surrounding areas. Whether you are relocating across town or the country, Elite Moving & Storage has you covered. For more information about our personalized moving services and a free quote, contact us online or call us at (805) 697-6220.
