Where are you relocating to? What items will you need to move? Will your house be larger or smaller? Are there things you want to keep but can’t take with you for some reason? What kind of budget do you have? What kind of insurance is available? What is the moving company’s previous experience with the type of move you have to get done? These are just a few of the questions you will need to have prepared before you begin talking to any particular moving service. Good answers from the potential moving service will increase your confidence with them immeasurably.

To get started, you should have a list of potential moving service providers. Depending on how much effort you can put into planning, the move the list should be at least 3 and as many as 10 or 15 potential services. Most people go with 3 to 5 options. Almost all moving services have websites on which you may check out their services, costs and get quotes. But always remember to make contact with them over the phone or email so you can find out about any additional services available. At the very least, talk to your employer and determine if the company has a preferred mover. Using the preferred service may get you a big discount or additional services not normally provided.

The value of a reliable moving service is measured in the quality of the move in relation to its cost. It is most important to move your items so that they arrive safely when you expect them to arrive. Your choice of moving service may come down to the additional services provided. However, never think of licensing and insurance as additional services; these are requirements that each of the moving services you are evaluating should have. Additional services can include packing and loading your stuff at your existing location. You may need to purchase packaging supplies for your packing of certain items yourself. Ultimately you need to be aware of any additional costs associated with these additional services.

Requesting a quote from the moving service is the best way to know the costs on all the services provided. Any reliable service will agree to provide a quote they will stand behind. Your final review should be based on the quote provided. Don’t forget to ensure that the appropriate insurance, moving method and delivery schedule has been documented. Oftentimes, assuming all the right information can be provided, an online quote can be made by the moving service. This will certainly make it so much more convenient for you. It will also show you how professional a moving service is, should you choose to work with them.

1. Does your moving service perform their own work, or do they outsource?
This is important to be aware of because if your moving service does their own work then their own employees will be handling the work. If this is not the case, subcontractors that may not care about the experience you have may be doing the work.

2. Does your moving service have insurance?
Moving services should have insurance to cover broken, damaged, or lost items that they work with, but be sure to double check. As with any service, the consumer must never assume that insurance is provided.

3. What does your moving service’s insurance cover?
Some insurance plans only cover the retail value of the item that was broken, damaged, or lost. If you paid $1,000 for a television 5 years ago, that same television is probably not worth $1,000 anymore. The same model may be able to be purchased in a store for $500. However, since your television was 5 years old, the insurance company could say that they will not insure you for the full $500 it would cost to replace the television because it is used. This could leave you only getting a fraction of the cost of replacement for an item.

4. Have the movers been background checked and drug tested?
The last thing in the world that you want is to have your moving day stress escalate because you cannot find your precious jewelry when you are unpacking. You don’t want to have to question whether or not the moving services are hiring employees that have a criminal record, thereby forcing you to wonder if your jewelry found a new owner.

5. Does the service charge hourly?
Sometimes an hourly rate can assist you in getting the best deal possible, especially if you are able to help with some of the labor. Alternatively, it can also be the worst possible deal if the moving services are hiring unmotivated movers.

6. Does the service offer a flat-rate?
Many moving services will offer a flat-rate service in which they agree to move a certain amount of furniture for a set price, regardless of how long it takes.

7. When are the movers available?
Sometimes it is difficult, if not completely impossible, to locate movers on holiday weekends. This can be especially inconvenient, since this is when many people choose to move.

8. How far in advance do you need to make a reservation?
Some moving services plan several months in advance, whereas others only deal a few weeks or days in advance.

9. Is a deposit required?
Some moving services require that you prepay for your move, while others require a deposit, and some only require payment at the time services are rendered.

10. What happens if my movers call in sick?
Large moving services usually do not have a problem ensuring that a move is taken care of. Smaller companies, however, rely on their staff to show up everyday. Be sure to know if a mover getting sick will force you to reschedule.