Washington Metro-based moving company, United Moving Services, says it is important to ask a lot of questions before choosing a moving company.

HYATTSVILLE, MD, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2015 /EINPresswire.com/ -- “When you’re ready to talk with movers about an upcoming move, you need to be prepared for the conversation,” says Gary Stone, president of Unified Moving Services (http://www.unifiedmovingservices.com), a Maryland-based full-service moving company that specializes in both residential and commercial moves in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. “Part of that preparation should include a list of questions for moving companies who want to earn your business.”

Stone says that by asking the following questions, anyone planning a move can kick start the conversation with a potential moving company and help pick the right mover.

Some of the important questions to ask, he says, are as follows:

Do you work for the mover or are you a broker?

“Maybe you saw an advertisement online and made the phone call and found out that the person on the other end was a broker,” Stone says. “Brokers can match customers with moving companies, but keep in mind that brokers can’t give you a binding estimate and a broker isn’t responsible for loss or damage.”

Stone recommends steering clear of brokers.

Do you give binding quotes?

Stone says that a mover may give a binding, or “not to exceed” quote upon reviewing your items in person and warns that brokers typically don’t give binding quotes.

“If a mover or broker attempts to give you a binding quote over the phone, do not accept it,” he warns. “Make sure your possessions are inspected in person before accepting a quote.”

Does my quote include extra charges?

“There is always the chance that special circumstances will result in additional charges,” Stone says.

If any of the following apply to your move, he says that you may face additional charges:

· stair charges
· long carry charges
· appliance charges
· parking charges
· storage charges
· fuel charges
· charges for awkward or extremely heavy items

It is also important, Stone says, to ask your movers if they have equipment to handle such items.

Will my items be transferred?

If planning a long distance move, Stone says that your items may be transferred to another truck.

“This extra handling increases the chance of damage,” he explains.

What forms of payment do you accept and on what terms?

“Don’t hire movers if they only accept cash,” says Stone. “Make sure you and the movers are in agreement on the amount due upon delivery versus the deposit amount, and whether your deposit is refundable.”

What type of insurance is included in your quote?

While most companies offer basic coverage, Stone says that some moving companies will offer an upgrade.

“You can also work with third-party insurance providers to cover the move,” he said.

What is the process for damaged or broken items?

“Make sure you understand what your moving company is responsible for in terms of broken items,” Stone says. “It is also important to ask about the mover’s reimbursement policy.”

United Moving Services is a full service moving company, located in Hyattsville, Maryland, that specializes in commercial, residential, local, interstate and international moves. Through an organized team of office staff, movers and a well established name and reputation Unified Moving Services has provided services to thousands of satisfied customers across the country and around the world. 2015 marks ten years of Better Business Bureau accreditation for the company. For more information call toll-free at 1-800-406-1649 or visit them on the web at http://www.unifiedmovingservices.com/.

Lue Crisafi
UMS
800-406-1649
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