It doesn’t matter if you’re moving for the first time or have a handful of relocations under your belt. There are always some questions to ask movers before booking your Chicago move. Getting answers to your key questions manages your expectations and helps ensure you’re working with the best movers in Chicago.
Is your moving company licensed and insured?
Some of the most important questions to ask movers are about their license and insurance. You need to make sure you find a legitimate company, so don’t be afraid to request the movers’ credentials. When you start researching companies, you can start by looking them up on the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association (IMAWA) and Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) websites.
In addition to proving their legitimacy, your moving company’s license and insurance protect your belongings and the homeowner (whether that’s you or your landlord). If any of your possessions or property are damaged during your Chicago move due to a mover’s error—or in the rare case of injury occurring during the move—you can rest assured that the company is covered.
How far in advance should I book my Chicago move?
This is one of the age-old questions to ask movers as soon as you start researching companies to handle your relocation. Your Chicago moving company most likely fills up their calendar on a first-come, first-served basis, and the best movers will book up quickly.
In general, try to book at least four weeks in advance of your move. Although some companies can accommodate a last-minute or even a same-day relocation, you probably won’t get the best movers in Chicago if you wait too long.
Will my costs change depending on when I move?
Most Chicago moving services charge differently based on when you move. If you have to book your move during a peak time, you can probably expect to pay more than if you’re relocating during slower days.
The moving industry’s busy season spans from late March through early October each year, so your relocation will cost a bit more during those months than if you can move in the autumn or winter. Additionally, movers are usually busiest on weekends and at the end of each month. To save the most money possible on your Chicago move, try to book on a weekday toward the middle of October, November, December, January, or February.
What types of moving insurance do you provide?
Moving coverage should be at the top of your list of questions to ask movers before booking. When you hire a legitimate moving company, you generally have three moving coverage options:
- Carrier liability, which the movers are legally required to provide to you at no additional cost
- Declared valuation, additional coverage that you can purchase from your mover
- Third-party insurance for people who want specialized coverage for valuables or antiques, which you can get through your auto, renter’s, or homeowner’s insurance company
It’s important to note that carrier liability and declared valuation are not true insurance. Instead, they’re different types of moving coverage. If you want actual insurance for part or all of your home’s inventory, you’ll need to source that on your own through an insurance provider.
Can your movers disassemble and reassemble my furniture?
Most Chicago moving services will be happy to provide basic furniture disassembly and reassembly on your move day. They’ll carefully take apart items like bedframes and dining tables and take the raised feet off of your couches to prevent damage and make it easier for large furniture to fit on their truck, and put things back together in your new place.
However, there are some items that movers don’t assume liability for. Cribs, bunkbeds, and some appliances are usually on this list. If you’d like help disassembling and reassembling these pieces, you might have to call in a professional carpenter or plumber, depending on the complexity of your items. Just add this to your list of questions to ask movers during the estimate process so you know exactly what to expect on your move day.
Will you bring boxes and other supplies on my move day?
When your crew arrives for your Chicago move, they’ll likely have some standard small, medium, and large boxes on their truck that you can rent or buy. Keep in mind, though, that your home should be completely packed before your movers arrive. If you’re still packing while your crew is there, the move will take longer, and your costs will increase.
The supplies your movers bring should only be used for last-minute items that won’t take long to pack, like the hanging clothes in your closet that can be quickly placed inside wardrobe boxes. To help you out in the packing process, many Chicago moving services offer material delivery prior to your move date. And, if you’re planning an eco-friendly relocation, you can rent plastic moving bins that will be brought right to your front door.
Do you offer professional packing service?
Packing is a pain, which is why a lot of residents want some help wrapping and boxing their home’s inventory before their Chicago move. Most moving companies offer professional packing services to take this chore off your plate.
Depending on the size of your home and how much you want packed, your packing crew will probably schedule your appointment a day or two before your actual move. The team will arrive with all of the boxes, tape, packing paper, and other supplies they’ll need.
You decide how much—or how little—the professional packers do. For example, some people hire packers to take care of their kitchens, books, and delicate knick-knacks, but choose to box up their bedrooms and bathrooms on their own.
Can you store my belongings?
It’s common for residents to need storage service during their Chicago move. If there’s a gap between the date you have to leave your old home and when you get the keys to your new dwelling, your moving company might be able to help.
Storage options range from very short-term (i.e., one or two nights) all the way up to long-term (months or years). If you’re looking for storage service, here’s a list of questions to ask movers as you plan your relocation:
- Do you offer on-site storage at your facility?
- How do you charge for storage?
- Will my materials stay on your trucks or be loaded into your warehouse?
- Is your storage area climate-controlled, secure, and under video surveillance?
- Can I access my items while they’re in storage?
Remember: the more information you gather, the better equipped you’ll be for a smooth move…so ask away!
How much should I tip my moving crew?
Although tipping your movers isn’t mandatory, it is customary—and it’s a great way to show your appreciation for a job well done.
How much to tip your moving crew depends largely on the size and complexity of your move. If you have oversized or heavy items like a spinet piano or a sofa bed, or if there are a lot of stairs involved in your move, you might choose to tip a little extra. On average, people generally tip $5 to $10 per mover, per hour that the move takes.
In case something is damaged during my move, how do I place a claim?
Neither you nor your movers want anything to be damaged during your move. Unfortunately, though, sometimes damage happens. Before you book your move, be sure to ask about your moving company’s claims process so you’re prepared just in case something is broken.
Usually, you can initiate a claim by contacting your moving company’s customer service team within 90 days of your move. They’ll send you an official claim form requesting an item description, original purchase cost, and pictures of the damage. They’ll process your claim based on what type of coverage you chose (i.e., carrier liability or declared valuation) and whether the damaged item can be fixed or must be replaced.
You Have Questions to Ask Movers, and Our Experts Have Helpful Answers
We want you to have the very best moving experience possible, and that includes answering all of your questions before you book your Chicago move. We’re here to help you plan a stress-free relocation, so don’t be afraid to ask about our credentials, pricing, services, and processes.
Chat with one of our moving specialists today to put your mind at ease and get an estimate from the best movers in Chicago!