Relocating to a different home is a challenging task. From choosing the transportation method to packing all your stuff carefully, there are an overwhelming number of tasks that one needs to do.
But the good news is that you can hire a residential moving service where professionals visit your home, pack your belongings and transport them safely to your new home.
However, there are plenty of movers available in the Bay Area. How do you choose the best mover for your task?
Well, don’t worry because we have extensively covered five important questions that you must ask them to ascertain their credibility:
1. Can you show me your license?
License is the first thing that you must check while selecting the movers. Although most genuine movers are authentic and carry a license from the United States Department of Transportation or their respective state authorities, it is still best to confirm that you are not dealing with a rogue company.
To confirm their license, you can head over to the USDOT website and check their previous history and current validity.
Moreover, only a licensed company can get insurance. Thus, if the mover is not licensed, they are unlikely to be insured.
2. Do you have experience in moving goods to specific areas?
If you are relocating to a big city, your movers may have trouble parking their truck, climbing steep stairs with weight and moving stuff through small doorways.
Therefore, you need a mover who is prepared to do that easily. They must have experience in doing such challenging tasks.
An experienced moving company will know how to pack your belongings and move them carefully in high-rise city apartments. Thus, you don’t have to worry about damage to your belongings.
3. Do you provide liability coverage protection?
Accidents and mishaps are unpredictable. But to be safer, you must at least have a liability protection plan that covers all your belongings in case things go south.
Therefore, you must ask the mover about their protection plan. Most movers will likely give you two options: a full-overage plan and a released coverage plan.
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Full coverage plan
Under this plan, you get complete protection. Any damage to your belongings will be paid for.
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Released coverage plan
This plan is slightly less safe than full coverage because it only allows your mover to cover approximately 60% of the total damages.
4. Can you provide an estimate that is within your budget?
This is one of the most important tips when choosing movers.
Although most people would happily welcome surprises, that is not the case when money is involved.
That is why it is best to get an estimate beforehand to manage your finances accordingly.
Moreover, it would help if you also inquired about whether or not there will be any additional costs associated with the final budget. The last thing you want is to add one more zero at the end of your overall cost amount.
5. How long will it take to move my belongings?
Genuine movers are generally preoccupied with work but value their customer’s time too.
Still, it is best to ask beforehand whether they are available to move on a particular day.
So, select a time slab on which both you and the mover are comfortable and ensure that everything gets moved within the pre-decided time.
Final Thoughts
Moving companies consist of experts who are trained in lifting heavy items. They perform everything with caution, keeping the safety of their belongings in mind.
Unlike a layperson, they have packaging material, a workforce and the right set of equipment to load heavy items in the truck.
So, don’t risk injury by trying to move your belongings all by yourself. Ask these five questions from the movers and get a no-obligation quote.
