When moving, you have to make many decisions quickly. To-dos can be overwhelming, from picking the best supplies to picking the right move date. The hardest relocation decision is choosing a moving company in abu Dhabi. You have plenty of options with thousands of local and interstate moving companies nationwide. When interviewing moving companies, know what questions to ask. Five questions to ask before hiring a moving company to find one that meets your needs.
Make sure the moving company is licensed to avoid scams and rogue movers. Professional interstate movers must have a USDOT license number (USDOT). Their license number and complaint history are available online from USDOT. However, the state regulates local moving companies that only move customers within the same state. Thus, local movers must be licensed. Note that each state has its moving regulations and licensing requirements.
You won’t have to ask this question if you choose a moving company from our network. Our professional moving companies must be licensed and insured.
Do you know my type of move?
Ask the moving company if they’ve handled your type of move before. For instance, if you’re moving to a high-rise apartment building, a townhome with multiple stories (and steps), or a big city, ask the moving company if they’ve done this before. Parking restrictions, steep stairs, lack of elevators, and small doorways should not deter movers.
What liability coverage does your company offer?
Before handing over your belongings, make sure they are insured. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, your professional moving company should offer multiple liability coverage options. For licensed interstate movers, Full Value Protection and Released Value liability options are required. The FMCSA defines these options:
- Guaranteed Value
Your mover is responsible for replacing all lost or damaged goods in your shipment. This plan protects your belongings better.” The mover determines Full Value Protection’s cost.
- Released Value Protection
Since it’s free, Released Value is the most affordable protection. The protection is minimal. The mover is liable for up to 60 cents per pound per article under this option.
Customers can also buy third-party insurance. Before buying insurance, the FMCSA recommends checking your homeowner’s insurance policy.
You should also request a moving company’s insurance proof. When asked, every licensed moving company should show you their insurance policy.
Are you referred?
Why hire without checking their references when you would check an employee’s? Before hiring a moving company in Dubai, check references. When asked, a moving company representative should provide all the necessary information.
It’s your responsibility to do your homework. Consider asking friends and neighbors for moving company recommendations. Even today, word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to find a reliable mover.
Check the moving company’s online reviews. More than 600 moving companies reviewed in our Moving Company Directory. The reviews also include the moving company’s USDOT number, Better Business Bureau rating, FMCSA complaints, and AMSA membership.
Can you provide a binding quote or a not-to-exceed estimate?
Don’t surprise by your bill. Most moving companies provide non-binding estimates, which may change depending on actual costs. It could go either way. You may pay more if your move requires more person-hours or is heavier than estimated. If not, you could save.
Do you want to know how much you’ll owe beforehand? Hiring with a binding estimate is better. Your move will cost less with a binding written estimate. Include add-ons and potential charges in the binding estimate. When searching for a moving company, ask if they provide binding written estimates. The quote should include stairs, travel time, and other add-ons.