The 7 most important questions to ask a mover

Moving is a big life event. It's not just the financial components you have to consider, either; there's also how this exciting change will impact your family, your job and the rest of your life. While it's quite natural to have plenty of questions, you can always rely on one trusted source: your professional moving service. These experts will be able to handle just about any query you throw their way and ensure the smoothest move possible. Here are seven questions you should consider asking your mover:

1. Does your company offer a moving estimate?
Only licensed moving companies will ensure you receive a proper moving estimate.The process depends on a few different factors, including valuation coverage, the distance of your move, the approximate weight of every item and the number of items that require extra special care. Estimates are essential to keeping you on budget for your move.

2. How much of the work am I responsible for?
Depending upon the company you hire, they may have a few different options available. That can range from leaving the consumer responsible for packing to full-service options that handle the entire process. You may have to pay more depending upon the service, but some packages may be better if you have more items or are in need of a few extra helping hands.

3. Are there extra charges involved?
Though not true of every moving company, some will charge extra fees for certain services. That could include charges for parking trucks in major metros, storage, unhooking appliances, long-carry charges, fuel and even if the movers will require special equipment. It's important to know of any fees beforehand so the final bill isn't a surprise.

4. Is the company insured?
Yes, even moving companies need to be properly insured. Without this form of protection, they wouldn't be able to reimburse you in case of any accidental damage to your home or goods. There are different levels of coverage for these companies, so always make sure you know the details before the moving process officially begins.

5. Is the moving crew properly prepared?
This begins with having the right equipment and being ready in case of issues like your street being too small or not having the right amount of packing material. Preparation also extends to the crew itself, and you should ask if the movers have experience working in peak seasons or moving certain items. Don't be afraid to seek out references from other satisfied customers.

6. What can you tell me about your company?
Just as with any other kind of relationship, you need to know who you're working with during a move. When was the company founded? Has the company won any awards? What kind of training programs do employees undergo? What measures are in place to prevent damage? Are the movers given an incentive program to ensure customer satisfaction? All of these help paint a portrait of the company you've employed. 

7. Do I have all the necessary documents?
If you're working alongside a professional moving service, there are three forms you should receive:

• An inventory list.
• Order of service.
• A bill of landing. 

These documents should help you understand the extent of the move as well as your responsibilities and those of the moving company. If any of these pieces of paper are left blank, protect yourself by not signing them until the company's completed each form. Always be sure to hold on to them for your personal records.

Making sure you get the answers you want means hiring a professional moving company. Atlas Van Lines has just such a commitment to customers. Over the last six-plus decades, Atlas has remained dedicated to transparency and helping customers have the best moving experience possible.