Key Questions to Find Your Idea Moving Company

While many moving companies NJ are reputable and trustworthy, it's crucial to do your research before hiring one. This involves asking the right questions when you contact each company. The following questions will help you avoid scams and find a professional moving company that fits your needs.

Question 1: What is your business experience in moving?

When moving, it's important to hire a company with years of experience. Moving involves multiple steps, such as packing, loading, and transporting your belongings, which can be complex. An experienced moving company has the necessary skills to handle these tasks with ease, ensuring that your move goes smoothly. They are also prepared to overcome any challenges that may arise, such as navigating narrow hallways or handling fragile items.

Furthermore, companies with years of experience have likely moved a wide variety of items, including large or delicate ones like pianos, pool tables, hot tubs, and antiques. If you're moving any of these, hiring a reliable moving company will guarantee a better experience.

Experienced movers also have the proper tools and equipment to transport your items safely. Additionally, they often offer services like packing and unpacking, which can save you time and effort. A knowledgeable moving company will also be familiar with your area, knowing the best routes to avoid traffic or difficult streets.

Hiring a moving company with significant experience can make the entire process easier and less stressful, ultimately saving you time, money, and hassle.

Question 2: Are you licensed and insured?

A major warning sign for a moving company is if they lack both a license and insurance. All legitimate moving companies must register with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). In some states, like New Jersey and New York, movers are also required to register with the state’s Department of Transportation. Once registered, companies are given a unique USDOT number (and sometimes a state DOT number) that allows you to look up their safety records, including crash investigations and inspections. Most licensed movers will list their USDOT number on their website or provide it upon request. You can then use the number to check the company’s registration status, fleet size, and compliance details. Make sure the company is also “Authorized for HHG” (Household Goods), which confirms they are legally licensed for residential moves.

In addition to licensing, you should ensure that the moving company is insured. To obtain a USDOT number, moving companies must provide proof of insurance. The most common types of insurance include:

• General Liability: This protects the company from third-party claims for bodily injury, property damage, or personal injury.
• Workers Compensation: This offers benefits and medical care to moving crew members if they are injured while working.
• Commercial Auto Insurance: This covers the moving company’s vehicles in the event of an accident.

These policies ensure that you are protected and that the company is adequately prepared for any incidents.

Some movers go a step further by offering Umbrella Liability, an additional policy that provides coverage for settlements, legal costs, and judgments. Many apartment buildings require movers to have Umbrella Insurance, so it's not a red flag if a moving company doesn’t have it. However, simply asking if the company has insurance isn’t enough. You should request a certificate of insurance, a document that lists all the insurance policies they hold, to ensure they have full coverage. Also, verify that the name and address on the certificate match the details listed on their website.

Lastly, all moving companies are required to offer some form of cargo insurance, either through released value protection or full value protection. Released value protection is free but offers only $0.60 per pound for each item that’s lost or damaged in transit. Full value protection provides one of three options:

1. Repair the damaged item
2. Replace it with an item of equal current market value
3. Provide a cash payout based on the market value of the item

If you own valuable items, you can also purchase additional moving insurance from a third-party provider for added protection.

Question 3: What services do you provide?

Hiring professionals for your move can be costly, so it’s crucial to select a company that can meet all your needs. In addition to transporting your belongings, top moving companies offer a range of services. Some of these might even be included in your basic move, like disassembling and reassembling basic furniture, uninstalling window AC units, and mounting or dismounting TVs.

So, what other services can you request? Some of the most common options include:

• Packing and Unpacking: You can hire movers to pack specific rooms or your entire house. For an extra fee, they can also unpack your boxes and place your items in closets and cabinets according to your preferences.
• Storage Solutions: If you're not moving into your new home right away, you can ask the movers to store your belongings. Most companies offer both short-term and long-term storage rentals.
• Packing Materials: While you can find free boxes for your move, the materials purchased from a moving company are professional-grade, ensuring they won’t fall apart during transport. This gives you peace of mind knowing your items are well-protected.
• Specialty Item Management: If you have bulky or delicate items like pianos, movers can handle these with care. Additionally, you can request extra stops if you need to pick up or drop off items from a storage unit.
• Cleaning Services: Some movers may also assist with cleaning before or after the move.

Be sure to communicate your needs clearly, and confirm whether the movers can accommodate them before making your decision. Keep in mind, these additional services will incur extra costs, so be sure your budget can accommodate them.

Cost is typically the top consideration when planning a move. Though you can find affordable movers, even on the low end, you should budget for a couple of hundred dollars for a small one-bedroom apartment. The price rises as your house gets larger. The most important element to seek when asking this question is if the pricing is transparent. Are you getting the runaround? Do the quotes seem abnormally low compared with other movers you’ve reached out to? These may be red flags that you are being scammed. Well-respected movers will give you an itemized bill that includes all charges, even ‘hidden’ ones such as:

• Transportation cost
• Stair fees
• Materials
• Gas

And, of course, the real moving fee. Local moving companies generally charge by the hour, whereas long-distance companies typically charge based on volume and/or weight. So long as you clearly communicate your needs — for example, services you do not want and what you want done with your furniture — the final bill shouldn’t come as a shock.

Never Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Honest movers will be glad to answer any questions you have, providing detailed and understandable explanations. If somebody is pressuring you to decide or trying to argue with you, beware. Their prices may seem too good to be true, because they intend to bilk you later. If you happen to reach an agitated customer service agent, hang up and switch to a different company. Using some fly-by-night mover can result in any number of problems, including broken or missing possessions or even stolen property, and cost you thousands of dollars.