Questions to ask your local movers before booking

The time has arrived, you are moving across town and starting to research the endless pool of local movers who can help you out with the moving project you are planning. A good start that everyone’s trying is typing local movers near me, but many people get lost once they see how many results are there. So, how do you find the right professional movers? Besides doing detailed research, making sure to check the reputation of your potential local movers, you will also have to prepare a list of questions for them, so you can be sure that they are the right choice. If this is your first time moving, you might not have even an idea of what to ask your local movers, and that is why we are here. We have narrowed down the most important questions that will help you determine if you should hire local movers or not. Since this list should be just a base, feel free to add more questions that will help your specific case. After all, every move is different and you should approach it individually. 

How do you charge for your services?

costs, local movers

If you think about it, the most important thing you will have on your mind when hiring local movers is related to your moving budget. That is why your first questions should be related to this. Firstly, you need to know how your professional movers are charging for their services, is it hourly, or if they have flat rates. Most local movers are charging hourly rates with a certain number of minimum hours. You shouldn’t be worried about overcharging from your professional movers if you find a reliable team. 

The price that you will get from your local movers will depend on the size of your home and the complexity of the move, so don’t be surprised if the price is not the same as some of your friends had. 

Is it cheaper if I book labor-only moving?

You probably already thought about this, but some local movers might have cheaper rates if you are not using their moving truck. Explore your options, maybe it will be more budget-friendly if you hire professional movers only and rent a moving truck elsewhere. This is usually not the case, but you are not losing anything if you try and check. 

Is there any difference between days?

When moving on the budget, you need to be flexible because some local movers might be offering cheaper rates for weekdays. It’s simple, most people want to move on Fridays or Saturdays because they will have the weekend after to unpack and settle down. But if you are looking for the most affordable option, you might want to check with your local movers if they have better offers for moving on the weekdays. Usually, local movers are offering lower rates for slower days, but during the moving season, this might not be the case and the price might be the same every single day. 

What services are included in the price?

local movers

Learning what is included in the price will help you prepare for the moving day most appropriately. Some local movers will include the moving equipment, wrapping materials, a moving truck, etc, while the others might charge these extra. Many local movers offer the service of disassembly and reassembly free of charge, as well as the protection of your items. The difference is in details such as – wardrobe boxes, moving dollies, straps, etc. So make sure to check everything with your potential local movers before you make the final decision. 

Are there any hidden fees?

Some local movers might think that you are familiar with some state-regulated fees such as the California double drive time, but why would you be familiar with these? Especially since the moving industry is developing and changing constantly, it is hard to keep a track of the things that they are offering and not offering. So make sure to ask your local movers if there are some hidden or additional charges they haven’t mentioned over the phone. To be even more sure, you should ask your professional movers to send you the moving quote over, so you can read everything carefully one more time and be confident that there is nothing that you were not informed about. 

Can you meet all of my requests?

moving

Before calling various local movers, you should determine what your moving needs are. Think about all the services that you would like your professional movers to provide and see what will make your moving service exceptional. After you call local movers, check with them if they can fulfill your requests. Considering how many movers San Diego has to offer, we are confident you will find the company that can do everything that you would like them to. 

Is there any weight limit for particular items?

Local movers always have some limits when it comes to handling heavy belongings and too fragile items, so if you have something that is not the regular furniture piece in the household, such as a piano or a pool table, make sure to ask your local movers if they can help you with that. Even if they cannot help you, don’t worry, it is better if you learn about it early, so you can come up with a plan. Also, it is fair that you hear from your local movers that they would rather not move something, than having them try and damage your valuables. If your local movers cannot help you with some items, you can always find specialized professional movers who will make sure your items are safe and sound throughout the process. 

Do you offer packing services too?

Speaking of services that local movers are offering, packing is one of them. This is not a part of the standard offer professional movers have, but it can be done upon request. Having professional movers taking care of your packing as well will make your move seamless and smooth. Needless to say how much time professional movers who are helping you with packing will save you. 

packing by local movers

Instead of you having to spend weeks of your time packing up everything, your professional movers will relocate and pack everything for you in a day or two. If you are interested in a service like this, check with your local movers how much do they charge for it. 

Are the moving boxes included?

Usually moving boxes are not a part of the packing service that your local movers are offering, but if they have a flat charge for everything, they might be. If you decide to use the boxes from your local movers, you won’t have to think about a thing, just to open the door for your team, and they will take care of everything for you. Check with your professional movers if they are selling the boxes and if that fits your moving budget. 

Are you licensed?

Having licensed local movers is crucial if you want to have a stress-free relocation because they will assure you that the service is done properly and you will be protected in case something goes wrong. Considering there are many local movers with not such a good reputation, so you should be careful and cautious when it comes to scheduling. It is easy to check if your local movers are licensed, you just need to get their PUC number and check it with Better Business Burro. Even if something goes wrong, you can know there will be a solution for your moving issue. 

What coverage insurance is included?

fragile

When you hire licensed local movers, they will have insurance that is included in the price. This is the best part when you are hiring licensed professional movers. Usually, the coverage insurance is 60 cents per pound in California, but who knows, maybe your local movers will have some other offer. Professional movers won’t have any issues with you purchasing third-party insurance for some more expensive and valuable items. Explore your options when it comes to moving insurance. 

How do you handle complaints?

No need to prepare for the worst, but it is not bad to learn a bit more about the way your local movers handle their claims. This is usually a process that can last, so you can speed up everything by learning more about the process before the moving day. It will be useful for you to know if you can collect some evidence before filing a claim. Also, you can check their online reviews, and see if you can find some bad reviews to check out how the local movers are handling these as well.  

Can you fulfill my building requirements?

Whenever you are moving from a building, the crucial step you have to make is to check with your building management if they have some requirements on their behalf. Because they usually do. These requirements might be different, from asking your local movers to provide you with the certificate of insurance, protecting your building property, to moving in or out in a certain part of the week or time. Professional movers will need some time to prepare everything that you need, so make sure to notify them in time. 

Do I need to lay down the deposit?

local movers moving

Once you explore your options when it comes to local movers, and you decide which company would you like to hire, you will need to lay down the deposit. It is usually collected on the spot, and without it, your local movers can’t keep you on the spot. However, the deposit should be considered as a downpayment, because it will be applied towards the final bill. 

Check with your professional movers how do they collect the deposit, is it a credit or debit card, or you have to bring the cash in. Once you lay down the deposit, make sure to check the confirmation email you will get from your professional movers to see if everything is accurate. 

What is your cancellation policy?

Before you lay down the deposit, ask your local movers about their cancellation policy. Life can get hectic and busy, and unpredictable things can happen that might lead to changing the date for your move or even canceling. This is why you want to hear more about the cancelation policy your professional movers have, so you don’t lose the deposit. It is fair to let your professional movers know early about any changes because most of them are small, family businesses that have limited availability, and if you let them know that you are not moving a day before the move – they will lose money. And that is not fair. 

How do you charge for the services?

Probably the worst-case scenario: The relocation is done, your local movers are preparing to leave and you have to pay for the move. You are giving them a check and your professional movers let you know they don’t accept it. Maybe you don’t have any money on your cards and you don’t have anything in cash. Everything will become stressful within a minute. Why would you be in a situation like this when you can check with your local movers what methods of payment do they accept? You need to be

Are you looking for the best movers San Diego can offer to a person? You are in the right place! Call La Jolla Movers and get your free moving quote, and we will make sure you are covered and provided with every information you are looking for. Our team of customer support agents will be at your service every day of the week, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us to get all the answers you have been looking for. We are not just here to provide you with a moving quote, but to help you put the moving plan in motion. All of our local movers are trained and experienced individuals who will make sure that your relocation is done smoothly and seamlessly. You can rely on our team for any moving project you are planning. Give us a call and get your quote today! 

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