6 Questions To Ask Your Prospective DFW Moving Company
If you’re moving into, out of or around the DFW area, then goal number one should be finding the perfect moving company for your commercial or residential move. Choosing the right company can make a big difference when it comes to ensuring a smooth move. To help your decision, here are six questions to ask your prospective DFW moving company.
References and Reviews, Please!
Your leading candidates for a moving company should have the kind of experience you can rely on and references to back it all up. Reviews and testimonials are almost always available online by way of services such as Google Reviews and Yelp. Some sites break down reviews to how many stars are received.
Pay close attention to those 4- and 5-star reviews, but also give equal attention to any 1- and 2-star reviews. If there are too many of the latter, then your search is not over. Also, don’t be afraid to grab a phone and personally ask for those references. Well-reputed moving companies love to take those calls.
No License? No Insurance? No Thank You!
Any moving company that cannot provide proof of insurance and/or lacks proper licensing or certification should be avoided at all costs. While these companies might offer impressive or discounted prices, the simple fact is that they aren’t taking the job seriously. If they can’t be bothered to respect the most basic conditions of the industry then what are the chances they will bother to respect your most important and cherished belongings?
Like anything in life, this is a “get what you pay for” situation. Sometimes, that works out well enough in a buyer/seller arrangement.. However, when it comes to your commercial or residential move, there’s clearly more on the line than a quick buy.
Look for a reputable moving company that understands your need for a smooth, stress-free move. This starts with finding those companies that proudly display their licenses and certifications. Otherwise, you might be stepping into rogue territory and taking unnecessary risks.
What Do You Get for the Money?
We’ve been in the moving business long enough to tell you that every move has different needs. Whether it’s a residential, commercial or long-distance move you need a moving company that knows how to handle it all. So, be sure you know what services are needed for your move when searching for that perfect fit.
As an example, will you need a moving company that offers packing and unpacking services? Will your family or business require temporary storage? It’s also likely that many of your possessions will be fragile and need special attention. Artwork and specialty items like pianos also require a special touch.
It’s important to know which services you need before you make that call. Plan ahead and put together your own moving checklist based on the aforementioned criteria. This way, moving companies will also know what to expect and how they can help.
Availability and Scheduling
Scheduling will be a critical part of your overall move. What is a moving company’s availability? A popular, well-reputed company will likely have bookings ahead of you. This might seem a bit frustrating at first but consider it a plus. This easily suggests that you have likely chosen the right moving company.
Availability can also be a bit stressed during peak moving seasons. This would include the summer months as well as weekends and, you guessed it, the end of a month. Do these time frames align with your potential move? Pick up the phone and make that call.
Be direct. Ask your moving company rep if they are available for your desired moving date. Also, ask how far in advance they need to book in order to ensure availability. Another factor involves the estimated time frame for the complete move from your old place to the new space.
Planning your big move is very involved so it may sometimes be easy to lose track of scheduling. However, this is a crucial element and, more often than not, it involves deadlines imposed by contracts or leasing agreements. Be sure to ask about availability early and often.
What if You Have to Move “The Move”
It happens. Sometimes a move has to be postponed or rescheduled. What would this mean to you and what would this mean for the moving company? Are they flexible with scheduling? What is their cancellation policy?
Some moving companies might impose a fee to reschedule. This isn’t unheard of so be prepared to accept that possibility. Also, you will need to know how much notice is needed when it comes to canceling or rescheduling a move.
This is not often an issue. However, it’s important to ask up front. It’s wise to know the answers to a question before the questions must be answered.
What About Oversized Items?
Moving large furniture or oversized items generally calls for a little more manpower and tools. As an example, you might have a baby grand piano that is a family heirloom. Here, two issues fall into one. This is a very large item and it would require a very delicate touch.
Other items to consider in this category would be any large home or office furniture that has to be disassembled and then reassembled after the move. Treat this like Christmas. Make a list. Check it twice.
Once you can properly identify these larger items, be sure to notify your moving company of choice. Do they have experience moving these items? Is there an extra fee for larger items? A professional moving company should be able to assure you that, no matter the size, your items will be securely packed, delivered and unpacked. When you choose the right moving company, peace of mind is just one question away.
The Moving Experts You Need are Right Here
Let us help you plan and execute your next big move. Whether you’re moving into or away from the DFW area, we can handle the job. IMS is licensed and insured and our ratings prove that we get the job done right. Contact us or otherwise request your free quote online.