Hiring the right professional packer and mover in a bustling city like Birmingham, AL, can be challenging when relocating to a new place. With so many available options, knowing which service best fits your needs can be hard.

In order to ensure that you work with the right partner for your move, it is important to ask prospects some key questions. This article will provide you with the top seven questions to ask when hiring a professional packer and mover.

1. Are You Licensed?

Every state requires licensing or certification for moving companies, and it’s essential to ensure that the company you choose has all the necessary credentials. If they don’t have the proper license, there’s no guarantee they are qualified to do the job properly and safely. Ask them if they have a U.S. DOT (Department of Transportation) number, which is required for interstate moves.

Also, check if the mover is registered with state movers’ associations like Alabama Trucking and organizations like AMSA (American Moving & Storage Association).

There are many advantages to using a licensed packer and mover, such as their knowledge of the area you’re relocating to, their experience in packing large amounts of furniture quickly and safely, and the use of specialized tools for heavy lifting or disassembly/reassembly of furniture.

Licensed movers also have access to better quality packing materials that help protect your belongings during transport, meaning fewer chances for items getting damaged during transit.

2. Can You Give a Quote?

A quote will give you a fair idea of how much money it would cost for the company to do its job properly. It’s also helpful because it allows you to compare prices from different companies in Birmingham, AL, and decide who would be most suitable for your situation. At AL Home Movers, we provide our prospects with free quotes.

Knowing the expected expenses upfront can help you plan your budget more effectively as a customer. Besides, many movers offer additional services or discounts along with their quotes.

Getting a quote also allows you to assess the company’s customer service before making a commitment. During this process, you can ask questions about their experience level and what kind of equipment they use for packing and moving items.

3. What Kind of Insurance Coverage Do You Provide?

Many packers and movers provide some level of insurance, but it’s essential to understand what is covered in case something happens to your items during transit.

It’s important to find out what kind of insurance coverage is included in the cost of their services. Ask if they offer Full Value Protection or basic liability coverage such as Released Value Protection. Full replacement value means that if something is damaged or lost during the move, your mover will reimburse for its current market value.

Basic liability coverage typically covers only certain types of damages and losses, so read through any documents carefully before inking papers with a company.

4. What Packing Materials/Moving Equipment Do You Use?

Packing and moving materials can range from cardboard boxes and bubble wrap to padded blankets and furniture dollies. It’s always good to know what type of resources the packer and mover have for your move so you will be sure everything arrives in perfect condition.

Best companies like AL Home Movers use only high-quality packing materials designed specifically for transportation. The cardboard boxes a company uses should be sturdy enough to protect items from damage during transit, while bubble wraps should provide an airtight seal over delicate items such as electronic devices or glassware. They should also use quality moving blankets that protect against scratches or dents on furniture surfaces when loaded onto the truck.

5. Do You Provide/Access to Storage Services?

Storage services can be incredibly helpful if you are downsizing or relocating and need somewhere to temporarily store some of your belongings. They make it easier for people to keep their items secure while making arrangements for their new home.

Professional packers and movers usually have (or have partnerships with) secure storage facilities with 24/7 surveillance, fire protection, and dust-free environments.

6. Are There Any Miscellaneous Charges?

Miscellaneous costs may include packing materials, fuel charges, or additional labor fees. Asking this question upfront will help you understand what costs may be involved so that there aren’t any surprises at the eleventh hour.

It’s also important to inquire about the services a mover provides, such as wrapping furniture with pads or shrink wrap (more common and popular), as these might also incur additional fees.

7. Referrals & Experience

Talking to the customers of a moving company will allow you to get an idea of their experience and whether or not they would recommend them. If possible, try to obtain at least two or three references that reflect the company’s work within the past year.

It is also important to determine what kind of experience the packer and mover have. Ask how long they are in the business and if they can safely pack and move items like antiques, fine art, furniture, or other fragile materials.

Conclusion

Asking the right questions can help you zero in on a reputable, experienced team with the proper tools and equipment to complete your move. With the answers to these questions in hand, you can relax and have peace of mind that your move will go smoothly.