3 Things To Determine Before Hiring A Commercial Moving Company

When speaking to representatives from commercial moving companies like Ruth Movers, Inc. about relocating your business, there are a few important things you'll need to determine. Whether you are relocating your business because you need to expand or whether you are seeking a smaller space because of downsizing, you'll need to choose the moving company that has the most knowledge and the best resources in order to make your move seamless. Here are three things to think about when hiring a commercial moving company:

Reimbursement Policy

Ask the representative from the moving company about its reimbursement policy in case your items are damaged or lost during the move. In most instances, the moving company will either offer you the full replacement value of your items or provide you a limited liability cost, meaning that you'll only receive a portion of the value based upon the weight of the item, should something happen while in transit. The company's reimbursement policy should be clearly explained in the contract, so before signing, make sure these details are clearly documented on the paperwork.

Storage Availability

If, after reaching the destination of your new business, it is determined that all your items will not fit into the space, you'll be scrambling to find storage to house your furniture, files and equipment. Some commercial moving companies provide their customers with storage accommodations in fire resistant, climate controlled facilities.

If they don't offer storage accommodations themselves, many moving companies will know of local storage facilities that are near to your new business that can keep your items safe and secure until you are ready to move them into your new location.

Tipping Policy

A study posted on iTipping stated "the industry standard was 5%, which seems reasonable—if a crew of two movers move you in town for $500–$750, you might tip a total of $25–$35, or $10–$20 for each mover depending on the quality of the move." Typically, 2–4 people are involved during a move, and according to the study, proper etiquette dictates that the tip should be given to each mover individually.

If you notice that one or more of the movers goes "above and beyond" the scope of the normal duties, it is acceptable to offer a slighter bigger tip, but most of the time, it is proper to simply split the tip equally.

Call a few commercial moving companies well in advance of your anticipated move so that you can gather a few estimates. While price should factor in to your decision in hiring a moving company, it should not be the deciding factor. Reputation, years in business and reimbursement policies should also play important roles in your hiring decision.