Are You Asking The Right Questions About Your Local Moving Company?

If you partner with a moving company for your home or office relocation, you entrust that company with valuable, sometimes irreplaceable, parts of your life. Photographs, antiques, jewelry, electronics and digital data represent just a few of the items a moving company might be asked to carefully package and move on your behalf.

How do you really know you can have confidence in your local moving company? Vetting movers can take a considerable amount of time and energy, but making the right decision is important. With so much on the line, cost isn’t always the most critical factor. Here are key questions to consider when you’re evaluating movers for your next business or residential relocation.

Is the company accredited by the Better Business Bureau and American Moving and Storage Association?

Start by asking if the moving company you’re considering is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or search for the company on the BBB website. A BBB-accredited business meets particular standards, including a commitment to resolve customer complaints, operate transparently and advertise honestly.

Also validate if the moving company is a certified ProMover through the American Moving and Storage Association. Established to eliminate unethical practices, the ProMover certification provides a measure of quality for consumers evaluating moving companies. ProMovers are fully vetted, licensed and insured and federally compliant.

Does the company have any testimonials or customer reviews?

Perhaps the most valuable component of vetting a moving company is the customer testimonial. Ask the moving company if you can speak with previous customers, or if they have testimonials they’d be willing to share with you. Look for any inconsistencies, ask about how the company handled valuables and if they operated professionally throughout the process.

Can the company move unique or valuable items?

If your move includes large or delicate items like antique furniture, artwork or glassware, ask specifically about those items. Can the moving company handle them with care? If so, ask how the company plans to specifically address those items.

Often times, valuable items are irreplaceable due to age or sentimental value, so be sure to address any items of specific value with your mover. A moving company may suggest full-value protection or even private insurance depending the value of the items. Be sure to speak with your mover about any specific steps that you can take to mitigate issues involving items of particular value.

How does the company handle lost or broken items?

No one wants to imagine the worst possible scenario, especially when it involves items of great value. However, accidents happen. Ask how the moving company you’re considering handles lost or broken items.

Most reputable moving companies will accept responsibility for items lost or broken during the moving process, but ask about specific responsibility and how the company deals with the claims process. Setting expectations in advance can accelerate the claims process in the event of a worst-case scenario.

Does the company’s availability match your timeline?

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential moving companies, ask if their availability matches your timeline. Some moves are flexible, but others require a strict schedule so make sure the movers can meet your expectations, especially if the move includes weekends or holidays.

Using these questions as a guide to vetting potential movers will help you select the right option for your next move. Weigh each answer based on your priorities to come to a conclusion on which potential moving company is the best partner for you.

At Gilmore Services, we understand how difficult it can be to select the right moving partner. When researching Pensacola moving companies, you can feel confident knowing that our highly skilled team will handle your most valuable items with care, while saving you time and the hassle of purchasing moving supplies, renting equipment and taking extra time off work.

Contact us to learn more about our moving services. To learn more about preparing for your next move, download our guide: How to Emotionally Prepare for a Move.