Moving Interstate? 8 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Removalist

An interstate move is a major decision that does not only impact your life but also your wallet. It’s therefore vital that you hire the right removal company and get a removal quote to maintain your sense of peace during this critical life transition.

To ensure that your interstate move starts off right, here are important questions you should ask your removalist.

1. Do you provide a fixed-price quote?

As a customer, you deserve a fixed-price quote. This means that the price of the move shouldn’t exceed the prearranged work scope. To get a fixed-price quote, the company will send an assessor to examine your possessions.

After you get a written quote, which is a lawful document, the maximum cost of the move is then established, based on the information you have provided to them.

2. Do you use temporary labor or any third party?

It’s important that you know who will really be responsible for your belongings. Some moving companies rely on temporary labor or subcontractors. So before accepting a quotation, make sure to verify this with your chosen removal company.

When employees are loyal, they’re more likely to conduct your interstate move well. On the other hand, subcontractors may not be as dedicated since they have less at stake. What’s worse, if they get injuries during the move, you could be liable if they don’t have insurance.

3. How will you handle special items?

Ask for specifics about how they will move fragile items like appliances, pianos and antique furniture. Their answers will give you an idea of how experienced they are with moving valuable pieces. Furthermore, this grants you the opportunity to give instructions on how you want them to handle your belongings.

An interstate removalist on the Gold Coast knows the best techniques for moving fragile items to ensure they reach their destination safe and sound. Since no amount of insurance can bring back a damaged precious item, like a grandfather clock passed down through generations, the more you know about your removalists, the better.

4. What will you do if one of my belongings get lost or damaged during the interstate move?

Most moving companies offer distinct levels of protection depending on the items you intend to move. Before signing a contract, ensure that  you’ve read all of their insurance documentation so you know how you can safeguard your belongings.

To fit your requirements, most companies will tailor an insurance package for you. As much as possible, choose a company that offers full transit insurance that covers the entire consignment value.

5. How do you calculate charges?

A common practice among moving companies is to charge you based on the volume in cubic meters. Ask about any extra fees or charges you may encounter during the move to avoid incurring huge costs. Common extra charges may involve the difficult access to the properties or the heavy lifting of items, such as pianos.

 

6. Are you going to collect a deposit?

Various federal laws require removalists to charge only for the services they provide. This is why you should consider the need for a deposit a huge red flag. Most quality removal companies won’t ask you for a deposit, but rather, require you to pay within two days or on the day of the move. Some companies may also request to hold credit card details on file to secure a booking.

7. Will I receive updates all throughout the moving process?

It’s vital that you are able to contact the removalist before,during, and afterthe move. Make sure that you know the company’s contact numbers and email addresses. Get in touch with the removal company before your interstate move to make sure they have the right information.

8. When will my belongings arrive?

The removalist will be able to determine the estimated delivery schedule of your household items. This is important to ensure that the estimated time of arrival matches your timetable for the move.

  

Several things already occupy your mind before and during the move. Upon arrival at your new place, you still have urgent matters to face, such as getting your house in functional shape (making sure the utilities are hooked up, keeping up to date with plumbing maintenance or inspection, unpacking, and the like).

So the greatest thing you could ever do before hiring a removalist is to ask the significant questions early on. This will help make certain that you don’t get extra costs or surprises all through the move. After all, when you’re moving to another state, choosing the right removal company is vital in enjoying a stress-free start to a new life.

                                                                             

AUTHOR BIO

John Pfeiffer has been the proud owner of Ashtons Removals for over 41 years. His attention to detail, a product of his accountancy background, and his emphasis on training and empowering his team members, has ensured the vast number of Gold Coast families who have been moved by Ashtons Removals, have had their furniture and effects moved undamaged and with minimum fuss.