What to ask your LA mover

Moving to LA is a unique beast, and having some tailored questions ready to go can make a big difference. It’s all about getting a feel for the movers and making sure you’re not hit with any surprises on moving day. From dodging the crazy LA traffic to finding a spot to park the moving truck in cramped neighborhoods, the right questions can help you figure out which LA moving company is up for the job.

So, before you dive into the LA scene, here are some key questions to help you pick a LA mover who knows their way around the city:

• Traffic & Timing: “How do you plan around LA’s notorious traffic?”

It’s no secret that LA has some serious traffic jams, so ask how they plan the timing of your move to avoid the worst of the traffic.

• Parking Situation: “What’s your plan for parking the moving truck?”

In many parts of LA, parking can be a total nightmare. It’s good to know how they plan to handle parking, especially if you live in a busy area.

• Local Permits: “Do we need any special permits for moving in my area?”

Some parts of LA may require special permits for moving trucks. It’s good to know if this is something you’ll need to sort out.

• Heat and Weather Precautions: “How do you protect my stuff from the LA heat?”

The sun can be blazing in LA, and it’s good to ensure that your belongings, especially delicate or valuable items, are protected from the heat during the move.

• High-Rise Moves: “Have you done high-rise moves before?”

LA has its fair share of high-rise buildings. If you’re moving to or from a high-rise, ask about their experience and how they handle such moves. Many luxury apartments and condominiums require a certificate of insurance (CIO) and reserving the service elevators and loading dock.

• Local Regulations: “Are there any local moving regulations I should be aware of?”

Different areas might have different rules when it comes to moving. It’s good to have a heads up on any local regulations.

• Unloading Zones: “Where will you unload if there isn’t a designated space?”

In crowded or compact areas, loading or unloading can be a challenge, especially if there isn’t a designated zone. Ask how they plan to handle loading and unloading in tight spaces.

• Earthquake Precautions: “How do you secure my belongings for transportation given LA’s earthquake-prone nature?”

It might sound over the top, but it’s a fair question for a region known for its seismic activity and common mini earthquakes.

By asking these LA-specific questions, you’ll have a better grasp on how well-prepared your moving company is to handle the unique challenges of moving to LA.

You’ll also want to make sure to ask the following general moving questions before locking your professional movers:

• Pricing: “What’s the pricing structure?”

One of the key things you’ll want to understand is how they structure their pricing. Some moving companies offer flat fee pricing based on an estimate of what your move entails, which can be a sweet deal for knowing the total cost upfront. It’s good to ask what exactly is covered in the flat fee, including the number of movers, trucks, and the estimated time the move will take.

On the flip side, other moves are charged by the hour, especially for local moves. It’s crucial to understand the hourly rate and what it includes to help you ballpark the cost based on how long you think the move will take. Sometimes, unexpected situations can bump up the time and cost of the move, like traffic or parking, or having to lug furniture a longer distance or managing extra heavy items. Some movers may also have a minimum charge, so it’s wise to ask about this upfront.

Don’t hesitate to ask for a detailed written estimate to get a clear breakdown of the costs. An itemized list can help you see exactly what you’re paying for. When comparing different movers, ask what sets their pricing apart from others. This can give you a peek into the value you’re getting and can help you weigh your options.

• What’s Included: “What’s included in the price?”

Get a clear rundown of what’s included in the quoted price to avoid any surprise charges later on. Typically, the quoted price should cover the basics like labor (the movers), transportation (the trucks), and fuel. However, the scope of services can vary from one company to another. Some might throw in additional services like disassembling and reassembling furniture, packing and protecting your belongings, or providing moving boxes and supplies. Others might charge extra for these services. It’s also wise to ask if there are any circumstances that could bump up the cost, like long carries, stairs, or heavy items. Ensuring you have a detailed understanding of what the price covers from the get-go, can set the stage for a smoother moving experience and help you budget accurately for your move to or within LA.

• Additional Services: “Can you help pack up my stuff?”

Let’s be honest, no one wakes up excited to start packing. Find out if there’s packing included or packing as an extra service. Some movers can help with packing, but it might cost extra or be part of a bigger service package.

• Additional Fees: “Are there any hidden fees not yet discussed?

It’s a good idea to ask about any hidden fees or scenarios where they charge extra based on their discretion. You don’t want any surprises on your bill after the move. Ask them if the price they quoted is all-inclusive or if there are situations that could add to the cost. For instance, will you be charged extra if the movers need to carry your furniture down a flight of stairs, or if the moving truck is parked far away from your place? What about if the move takes longer than expected? Getting a clear picture of all the possible charges can help you budget accurately and choose a mover who’s transparent about the costs.

• Availability: “When can you help me move?”

Picking the right moving date is important as it can affect both the ease and cost of your move. When reaching out to moving companies, a key question to ask is, “When can you help me move?” It’s not only about their availability but also their flexibility around your preferred moving date. If you have a specific date in mind, check their availability, keeping in mind that weekends or the end/beginning of the month might be busier due to lease turnovers. Being flexible with your moving date could lead to better rates and availability, especially on weekdays. The time of day you choose to move can also be significant due to LA’s notorious traffic. Some companies might suggest early morning or later evening slots to dodge the worst of the traffic. And while LA’s weather is pretty steady, moving during a holiday season or the busy summer months may require booking well in advance. Don’t wait till the last minute to book your movers, especially during the busy moving season. Ask how early in advance you should schedule your move for your preferred moving date.

• Payment: “When do I need to pay, and do I need to put down a deposit to secure a moving date?”

Get the scoop on when payment is due and what forms of payment they accept. Getting a clear understanding of the pricing structure and payment terms not only helps you budget for your move but also sidesteps any potential misunderstandings. Whether you’re looking at a flat fee or hourly pricing, having a clear agreement on the cost and what’s included will make your move a smoother ride.

• Terms & Conditions: “What are terms and conditions, and what is the cancellation or rescheduling policy?”

Inquire about their cancellation or rescheduling policy to understand any fees or flexibility associated with changing your moving date. By sorting out the timing details, you can plan better, avoid scheduling hiccups, and potentially save some money on your move.

• Special Circumstances: “Are there any weight limits?”

Plan on moving a grand piano or pool table? Some items are super heavy and might need special care. Ask if they have any restrictions on heavy items or charge an additional cost.

• Special Circumstances: “Can you manage stairs and long walks, and do you bring your own equipment?

No elevator? Make sure to tell them as it might affect the move, cost, and how long the move takes. Also, confirm that they bring their own equipment such as dollies and furniture protection blankets.

• Insurance: “Is my stuff covered?”

Before you get the ball rolling with a moving company in LA, it’s smart to ask about their insurance and what it covers. Movers’ insurance is all about protecting your belongings during the move. Ask them what kind of insurance they have and what exactly it covers. Is it just the big furniture or does it include the boxes you packed, too? If something gets damaged, how do they figure out how much it’s worth? Knowing the ins and outs of their insurance coverage can give you peace of mind and help you understand what to expect if things don’t go as planned.

• Claims & Guarantees: “What’s the claims process and what guarantees do you offer” 

It’s prudent to ask about their claims process should anything go awry during the move, like damage to your belongings or delays. Ask about their process for reporting and resolving claims, and what kind of compensation or resolution you can expect. It’s also beneficial to inquire about any guarantees or quality assurance they offer, like a guaranteed delivery window, price guarantees, or satisfaction guarantees. Understanding these aspects can help you choose a mover who not only fits your budget and needs, but also has a fair and transparent process for handling any unexpected challenges that come up during your move. No one likes to anticipate any extra hurdles, but knowing how a moving company handles mishaps and what guarantees they offer can provide peace of mind.

Moving doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking event. With a little homework on picking the right moving company, you’re on track for a smooth move to or within LA. Remember, it’s not just about moving your stuff from one place to another, it’s about setting the scene for a peaceful and easy fresh start in your new LA digs. With the right moving company it can be a stress-free, totally chill experience.