Introduction
Moving, whether houses or business locations, is a time consuming process that requires a lot of planning and coordination to make sure it happens without too many hiccups. Hiring a professional moving company will definitely remove a lot of the stress associated with moving because they have the experience, equipment, gear, vehicles and expert manpower to carry out the shifting process efficiently. There are many reputable companies, so it is not difficult to choose a removal company that meets with your requirements. By asking the important questions listed below you will be able to avoid miscommunications and find the perfect moving company for you because you will be clear on what the company offers, and the company will be clear on your precise requirements.
Length of service in the industry?
Not that new companies are bad but if you do not have time to manage the coordinating then opting for an experienced removals company will ease a lot of your stress. The longer they have been in the industry the more experience they will have and be able deliver a good quality service. This includes providing the service at an affordable cost because they are able to manage everything smoothly and spot any potential problem areas and take quick remedial action to avoid costly mistakes.
Are they licenced within that area to operate?
The correct licensing gives the removal company the legal authority to operate within a given area. The removal licence can apply to different sections of removals from the authority to dispose of hazardous items, to processing and storing. It confirms that a company has the relevant manpower, tools and vehicles to carry out a removal safely and within stipulated legal regulations. Another good benchmark to consider when looking for removal companies is to see if they are members of the British Association of Removers which benchmarks a standard for services.
Budget and cost estimates
Important questions to ask your removals company includes how they determine their pricing and what it is based upon. Also ask them to be upfront about what is included in the overall cost and if or how they charge any additional fees. Do not be afraid to ask about finances as it is important that you know exactly what you are paying for and budget your moving expenses accordingly. Check if they provide a home removals survey which helps them provide you with a clear estimate of the cost.
Find out if the company requires a deposit or if they are ok with collecting payment once the job is complete. These questions will help ensure that you and your chosen company are on the same page regarding costs and payments and that you will not be surprised by sudden or hidden costs that can completely mess up your budgeting.
What removal vehicles do they offer?
The correct vehicle or vehicles makes all the difference to how smoothly a moving day proceeds. Part of the hassle of trying to manage a move on your own is transporting your items to the new location. You have to depend on friends and family and if everyone has small cars then multiple trips will need to be done. There is the possibility that certain items will not fit at all which will leave you with the additional hassle of hiring a separate removal van. Most companies will have a small fleet of vehicles on offer which makes all the difference. Always check on the type of vehicles they have so there are no complications later on, say for example if you have a heavy item that will need a larger vehicle. Proper communications will guarantee that such issues can be sorted out early.
Payment options
In keeping with your cost and budgeting find out what sort of payment options a company offers such as whether they accept credit cards or are cash only and if they have any easy payment options on offer. Also how they expect the payment to be made. Having these details discussed early will help you have your finances in order and the cash at hand if necessary.
Services offered in the package
In your list of questions be sure to ask what ‘services do you offer’ so that you know exactly what to expect. It is helpful if you can get a service that provides packing services, unpacking services, storage services or storage facilities. If they offer storage facilities ask for how long and if there is an extra cost involved. Check if they provide packing materials and boxes and whether they offer flexible pick up times etc. Find out if the equipment and gear needed during the move are included in the service so that you will have less to worry about on the actual day.
What are the insurance options?
Loss and/or damage are very real possibilities during a move which is why it is essential that a moving company has the correct types of insurance. Ask how they handle loss or damage and whether you would have to incur any additional costs. It is best to ensure that whatever you do transport with them is covered by their insurance. It is advisable that you see for yourself the details of their insurance and check what items exactly are covered in their transit insurance scheme.
Expected timeline for the move
Most movers will do a survey to give you a proper expected timeline for the move along with some guidance on steps that will make the process less hectic. Always get the agreed projected timeline in writing so that both parties can agree on it and avoid issues arising from possible miscommunications. Ask if they offer compensation for delays at their end which could result in additional costs for you. Read reviews to find out how efficient they are regarding their timelines and promised delivery dates.
Cancellation policies
It is always advisable to book your moving service early to ensure that everything happens as scheduled. However, there are many reasons that may result in you needing to cancel your move. That is why is important that before booking, you find out the cancellation policies of the company and how the charges would be if the necessity should arise to cancel. Always check your options before signing a contract so that you can try and make the cancellation in time to avoid any penalties.
Customer support
This is a very important aspect to look into and checking reviews or word of mouth is the best way to find out what to expect. This is your point of contact and should be readily available to answer all your queries, understand your requirements, manage any sudden developments while providing you with real time updates regarding the status of your move.
Conclusion
Use these questions to find a reliable and professional removal company in your area. Always give your full address and enter your postcode when searching for options so that you get suitable results of companies that handle your areas. They will have the necessary licencing and know the areas well to ensure a trouble free move.
