Whether you’re moving to a new neighborhood, a new city, a new state, or even a new country, there are a lot of moving parts (no pun intended) in any relocation. And even if your upcoming move isn’t your first, you’re bound to find yourself asking a few questions as you look to hire a professional moving company.
At Ace Moving & Warehousing, we’ve been helping Twin Cities residents move since 1958, and over the decades, we’ve had a few of the same queries pop up over and over. Below, we’ve listed some of our most frequently asked questions about hiring professional movers to help you get a better idea of what to expect.
What Should I Look for in a Dependable Moving Company?
When it comes to hiring a moving company, you’ve got a near-endless list of options, but not all of them will deliver the kind of quality service you’re looking for. When you’re looking for the most reputable and reliable professional movers, here’s what you need to do:
● Get recommendations from people you trust.
● Look for reviews from past clients.
● Check out the company’s Better Business Bureau rating.
● Check out movingscam.com or ripoffreport.com for moving companies that have a history of consumer complaints.
● Get estimates from at least three or four movers
● Review your estimate and understand the type of insurance it includes.
● Ask to see a copy of the moving company’s licensing and insurance.
Am I Supposed to Tip Professional Movers & Packers? If So, How Much Is Appropriate?
Tipping should be reserved for great service, so if you feel your professional movers and packers went above and beyond to help you, tipping is never a bad idea. Your movers will certainly appreciate the gesture!
How much should you tip? That depends on the difficulty and complexity of your move. If your home has stairs, your movers must handle multiple heavy items, they had to maneuver through awkward spaces, etc., tipping shows your appreciation for their hard work.
Generally, it’s customary to tip around 10% to 15% of the total cost for local moves. That figure usually doesn’t work for long-distance moves, though. If you’re moving out of state, a tip of $4 to $5 per mover per hour is pretty standard.
Does My Moving Quote Reflect the Final Cost of Service?
Not always. That really depends on whether the moving company gives you a binding or non-binding estimate. When you get quotes, they will clearly state whether they’re binding or non-binding, so make sure you look for that.
If you get a binding estimate, the moving company is legally obligated to follow that estimate and move your things for the price they quoted. If you get a non-binding estimate, your costs can and probably will vary a little from the number on the quote.
What’s the Difference Between a Non-Binding & Binding Estimate?
Any quote from a reputable moving company will explicitly state whether it’s binding or non-binding. Here’s what you need to know about the differences between the two:
● Binding estimate. This type of estimate is legally binding, meaning the price on the quote is set and the movers must adhere to the agreed-upon price. However, if you choose to add services after you get the initial estimate, your movers will require payment for those additional services upon delivery.
● Non-binding estimate. This estimate does not reflect the total cost of your move; however, it should be relatively accurate to give a general idea of what your final expense will be. According to the 110% rule, if the final cost of your move is greater than what the non-binding estimate quoted, the mover must deliver your goods upon receiving payment of the total estimated cost plus 10% of that figure. If the final bill exceeds 110% of the quoted estimate, the mover must defer the remaining balance due for 30 days.
What Is a Bill of Lading From a Moving Company?
This document is a contract between you and your moving company. It’s the most important document you’ll receive from your movers, so make sure you know what to do with it! The bill of lading should list all of the goods to be transported during your move, as well as the terms of the transport.
Before your movers and packers load your belongings onto the truck, they should present you with this document and you should review it in its entirety. Before you sign, make sure everything detailed in the paperwork is true and correct. If you have any questions about what you read, ask your movers to clarify before you sign on the dotted line.
How Do I Get Moving Insurance to Protect My Belongings During Transport?
When you hire a moving company, basic liability insurance, called released value protection, comes standard. This level of coverage reimburses $0.60 per pound per article for lost or damaged items. If that’s not enough coverage for your needs, you can opt for added value protection or full value protection, both of which offer more coverage.
Many homeowner’s insurance policies also provide moving coverage, so if you own your home, check out your policy for details. There are also independent moving insurance companies that offer several different levels of coverage, so you may want to check out those options as well if you own several high-value things you’d like to protect.
Here’s what you should know about moving insurance before you relocate.
Ace Moving & Warehousing: Your Minneapolis Source for Top-Notch Professional Moving Services
Whether you’re getting ready to relocate somewhere within the Twin Cities, to another city in Minnesota, to a new state, or even across the ocean, let our team at Ace help you out! Since 1958, we’ve specialized in local, intrastate, interstate, and international moving, and we offer an extensive array of moving services to make your relocation as simple as possible. Whether you’re looking for full packing services, storage solutions, a custom move plan, or anything else, we’re here to serve all of your relocation needs.
To get started, call our Minneapolis office today at 763-755-2045 or request a quick moving quote online. You can also reach out to us with any questions or concerns, and we’ll be in touch.