5 questions to ask moving and storage companies

Posted on Mar 15th, 2010 | no responses

As you may have noticed, there are many moving and storage companies to choose from. So how do you pick the one that is right for you? By doing your research and comparing prices and services, you can easily find the moving company that will fit your needs. When it comes time to start getting your moving and storage quotes, do not be afraid to ask as many questions as you need.

Listed below are just a few of the common, but important questions you should ask any potential moving company before making your selection.

What services does the moving company offer?
Moving and storage companies today provide many different services. Some of the services offered include packing, unpacking, specialty packing (wines, collectibles), furniture set-up, short-term and long-term storage, and these are just some of the services provided. Some companies offer auto transport services as well. While there may be an extra fee incurred to take advantage of some of these additional services, sometimes the fees are well worth the time and money saved. It is important to ask any potential moving and storage company what services they provide, and get prices for the services to see if any would fit into your moving budget.

Can the moving company handle large and delicate items for me such as my china cabinet and piano?
Delicate items such as a china cabinet, piano, or a grandfather clock should be packed and moved with extreme care. These items may not only be fragile, they may be very valuable and can damage easily if not handled properly. Picking only experienced and reputable moving and storage companies that specialize in handling such items will ease the worry of getting these delicate items moved to your new home safely.

What items cannot be moved or stored?
No professional moving and storage companies can transport anything that is combustible, flammable, or explosive. To give you an idea of some the items that cannot be transported, here is a short list:

-Fire Extinguishers
-Household disinfectant cleaners
-Oil, gasoline, or antifreeze
-Propane cans or tanks
-Perishable foods
-Pool chemicals
-Charcoal

Again, this is just a short list, but it is listed here to give you a general idea of what moving and storage companies will not transport with your household belongings. If you are uncertain if something can be shipped or not, ask your mover and they will tell you. Most moving companies will also provide you with a list of what not to include with your shipment.

Does the company use the services of subcontractors to handle their moves?
Many moving and storage companies use the services of their own employees. However, some companies utilize the services of sub-contractors to help them with their moves. Whether it is company employees or subcontractors, you want to be aware of who is transporting your household belongings. Ask any potential moving and storage companies whom they use.

Can the moving company store my items for me until I settle into my new home?
Several of the larger moving and storage companies offer storage services at nominal fees. Just as there are different types of moving options, there are also different types of storage options available to you for your move. For instance, if you only need your belongings stored short-term, you should inquire about short-term storage services. If you plan to leave your belongings in storage for a longer period, discuss long-term storage options and pricing with all potential moving and storage companies.