1. Licensing, Insurance, and Credentials

These are non-negotiable. A legitimate moving company must operate with the correct legal and financial protections.

• Is your moving company licensed for operations in Colorado and, if applicable, for interstate moves?

  For moves within Colorado (intrastate), companies must be registered with the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC). You can verify their permit number. For moves crossing state lines (interstate), they need a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number. Operating without these licenses is a major red flag.

• What types of insurance coverage do you offer for my belongings?

  Movers are required to provide at least two options:

  • Released Value Protection: This is the most basic, offering minimal protection (typically 60 cents per pound per article). It’s usually included at no extra charge.
  • Full Value Protection: This is more comprehensive and means the mover is liable for the greater of the current market replacement value, repair cost, or depreciated value of any lost or damaged goods. This option will cost extra. Ask about deductibles and specific coverage limits.

  You might also consider your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for additional coverage.

   

• Can you provide references from past customers or direct me to online reviews?

  Reputable companies should be happy to share testimonials or point you to platforms where you can read unbiased reviews (e.g., Google, Better Business Bureau). Looking into a company’s history, like Your Neighbors Moving & Storage’s commitment to community, can also provide insight into their reliability.

• Does your company have a physical address and local phone number?

  A lack of a physical address can be a red flag. Legitimate businesses should be transparent about their location. Your Neighbors Moving & Storage is proudly based in Arvada, serving the Denver metro area and beyond.

2. Understanding Costs and Estimates

Clarity in pricing is crucial to avoid unexpected charges on moving day.

• How do you determine the cost of a move? What factors influence the price?

  Costs can be based on hourly rates (common for local moves), weight of goods, and distance (especially for long-distance or in-state moves). Other factors include the number of movers needed, complexity of the move (e.g., stairs, long carries), and any additional services requested.

• Will I receive a written, binding, or non-binding estimate?

  Always insist on a written estimate after an in-home or thorough virtual survey. Understand the difference:

  • Binding Estimate: This guarantees the total cost as long as the inventory and conditions don’t change.
  • Non-Binding Estimate: The final cost could be higher than the estimate, but typically movers cannot charge more than 110% of the non-binding estimate if the scope of the move doesn’t change significantly (check Colorado PUC rules).

  At Your Neighbors Moving & Storage, we offer options like a quick quote or a more detailed quote to ensure transparency.

   

• Are there any potential extra fees I should be aware of?

  Ask specifically about charges for stairs, elevators, long carries (distance from truck to door), shuttle services (if a large truck can’t access your home), packing materials, fuel surcharges, or handling specialty items. A reputable company will be upfront about all potential costs. For affordable options, you can inquire about any deals or special offers.

• What are your payment terms and accepted payment methods?

  Clarify when payment is due (e.g., upon delivery) and what forms of payment are accepted. Be wary of companies demanding large upfront cash deposits – this is a common red flag.

3. Services, Logistics, and Timelines

Understanding the scope of services and how the move will be executed is key to a smooth process.

• What specific moving services do you offer?

  Beyond just loading and transporting, do they offer packing and unpacking services, furniture disassembly/reassembly, or storage solutions? Your Neighbors Moving & Storage offers a comprehensive range, including local and in-state moves, emergency relocations, and same-day oversized item transport.

• Who will be handling my belongings? Are they direct employees or subcontractors?

  Knowing who is responsible for your move is important. Companies using their own trained employees often have more consistent service quality. Ask about their hiring and training processes.

• What is your process for handling fragile or valuable items?

  Inquire about their methods for protecting delicate possessions, such as special packing materials or crating options.

• What is the expected timeline for my move, including pickup and delivery windows?

  Get clear dates and times. For long-distance moves, delivery windows can be several days; understand how this is communicated and guaranteed.

• What is your cancellation policy?

  Life happens. Understand the terms if you need to reschedule or cancel your move.

4. Experience and Problem Resolution

A company’s track record and how they handle issues can tell you a lot.

• How long has your company been in business, particularly in Colorado?

  Experience, especially local experience, matters. A company familiar with Colorado’s unique challenges (weather, terrain) can navigate your move more effectively. Your Neighbors Moving & Storage, founded in 2022, brings a fresh, community-driven approach backed by professional expertise.

• What is your process for handling claims for damaged or lost items?

  Understand the claims process: how to file, the timeline for resolution, and what documentation is needed. A reputable mover will have a clear dispute settlement program.

• Do you have experience with moves similar to mine (e.g., apartment, large house, specific Colorado locales)?

  Ensure they have the expertise for your specific type of move, whether it’s a high-rise apartment in Denver or a sprawling home in the suburbs.

Fact 1: The summer months (May to September) are typically the busiest season for moving companies. Booking well in advance is recommended if you plan to move during this peak period.

Fact 2: Not all companies offering moving services are properly licensed and insured. Always verify credentials with the Colorado PUC or USDOT to protect yourself.

Fact 3: Decluttering before your move can significantly reduce the volume and weight of your shipment, potentially lowering your moving costs and making unpacking easier.

Bill of Lading: The contract between you and the mover. It also serves as a receipt for your goods.

Binding Estimate: An agreement made in advance with your mover that guarantees a fixed cost for the move based on a specific inventory and services. The final price should not exceed this amount unless you add items or services.

Non-Binding Estimate: The mover’s approximate cost for the move based on the estimated weight or cubic feet of your belongings and the services requested. The final charges may be higher or lower than the estimate, but in Colorado, often cannot exceed the estimate by more than 10-15% unless agreed upon changes occur.

Colorado PUC (Public Utilities Commission): The state agency in Colorado that regulates household goods movers for intrastate moves, ensuring they meet licensing and insurance requirements.

USDOT Number: A unique identifier assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation to companies operating commercial vehicles transporting passengers or hauling cargo in interstate commerce.

Full Value Protection: An insurance option where the mover is liable for the replacement value of any lost or damaged goods in your shipment. This is more comprehensive than Released Value Protection.

Released Value Protection: Basic liability coverage offered by movers at no additional charge. It provides minimal protection, typically 60 cents per pound per item.

Intrastate Move: A move that takes place entirely within one state (e.g., moving from Denver to Arvada, or Arvada to Colorado Springs).

Interstate Move: A move that crosses state lines (e.g., moving from Colorado to another state).

High-Value Inventory: A list you prepare of items in your shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. This is important for insurance purposes.