Questions to Ask a Mover

"I'd wish I'd known that before I picked a mover."  Having a checklist of questions might have prevented this issue.  This list of questions will provide you with things to discuss when interviewing a moving company.

Fees

• What is the charge for packing?
• Does it include boxes?  If not, what do they cost and will you deliver them?
• Is there an additional charge to deliver some items to a storage unit?

Insurance

• How is a damage claim handled?
• What insurance do you provide and is there a cost?
• Does the insurance cover items packed by the owner?
• Can additional insurance be purchased?
• If items are covered by my Homeowner's insurance, whose insurance pays first?

Unusual Items

• Can you ship my car(s)?  Will they be in the moving van or towed?
• What are the charges for shipping cars, lawn tractors, etc?
• What items cannot be shipped?
• If a shuttle truck is needed because of the location of my house or size of the drive way, is there an additional charge?
• If packing and loading are on different days, can you leave the beds and other basics out for us to use?

Dates

• What dates are available for our move?
• What date will you pack and how long will this take?
• What date will you load the van?
• What date will the van arrive at my new location?
• If my new home is not ready for delivery, how many days can it be delayed before there is a charge? 
• What is the charge for additional days or weeks?

Terms

• Are there any additional fees that I'm responsible for that have not been discussed?
• What are the terms of payment? 
• Is a down payment required? 
• When will the balance be due and who is authorized to accept it?

Download a Moving Guide with more suggestions and a link to change your address online with the United States Postal Service.