Choosing a moving company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning a relocation. Whether you’re moving across town in Portland, relocating to another part of Maine, or heading across the country, the right moving company can make the entire process easier, more organized, and less stressful.
But with so many options available, how do you know which mover is right for you?
Before you book your move, ask these eight questions to help you compare moving companies and find a team you can trust.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters when it comes to moving.
An established moving company has likely handled a wide range of situations, from navigating tight staircases and challenging parking situations to transporting valuable or fragile belongings over long distances.
Bisson Moving & Storage has been serving customers since 1919. What started with a horse, a flatbed wagon, and founder Lucien Bisson has grown into a comprehensive moving, storage, transportation, and commercial services company serving customers throughout Maine and beyond.
When comparing movers, ask how long they have been in business and what types of moves they regularly handle.
2. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Before hiring a moving company, make sure you understand its licensing and insurance status.
A professional mover should be able to explain its credentials and the protections available for your belongings during the move. You should also ask what type of valuation or protection options are available and what they mean for your specific move.
Don’t be afraid to ask for details. A reputable moving company should be comfortable answering these questions and explaining the process clearly.
3. Do You Offer the Type of Move I Need?
Not every move is the same.
You may be moving from an apartment to a house, relocating an entire office, moving across the country, or simply needing temporary storage between two homes. Make sure the company you choose has experience with the specific type of relocation you’re planning.
Bisson offers a range of residential and commercial moving services, including:
- Local moves
- Long-distance moves
- Corporate relocations
- International moves
- Commercial and office moves
- Packing and crating
- Storage
- Warehouse and distribution services
Choosing a company that can handle multiple aspects of your relocation can simplify the process and reduce the number of vendors you need to coordinate.
4. Can You Help With Packing?
Packing is often one of the most time-consuming parts of moving.
If you don’t have the time, materials, or experience to safely pack your belongings, ask whether professional packing services are available.
Professional movers can help prepare everything from everyday household items to delicate, valuable, or unusually shaped belongings. Proper packing can also make loading, transportation, and unpacking more efficient.
If you prefer to pack some items yourself, ask the moving company which items you should handle personally and which items may require professional packing.
5. What Happens If I Need Storage?
Moving dates don’t always line up perfectly.
Maybe your new home isn’t ready yet. Perhaps you’re downsizing and need extra time to decide what to keep. Or you may be completing a renovation before your belongings can be delivered.
Ask your mover whether secure storage is available and, if so, how the process works.
Bisson provides storage solutions as part of its broader moving and storage services, helping customers manage belongings before, during, or after a relocation.
Having moving and storage handled by the same company can make a complicated transition much easier to coordinate.
6. Will I Have a Dedicated Moving Coordinator?
A move involves many details: dates, addresses, packing, transportation, access instructions, special items, and more.
Ask how the company manages communication throughout your move.
At Bisson, Certified Moving Consultants and Move Coordinators work with customers to help personalize the moving experience and coordinate the details of each relocation.
Having a knowledgeable point of contact can give you someone to turn to when questions arise before moving day.
7. What Is Included in My Moving Estimate?
Don’t make your decision based solely on the lowest price.
Instead, compare what each estimate actually includes.
Ask questions such as:
- Is packing included?
- Are there additional transportation charges?
- Is storage included or billed separately?
- Are there minimum labor charges?
- How are difficult-to-access locations handled?
- What protection or valuation options are available?
- What circumstances could change the final cost?
A detailed estimate can help you understand what you’re paying for and avoid surprises later.
Bisson recommends getting a written estimate and reviewing the services and charges carefully before your move.
8. What Do Your Customers Say?
Finally, take some time to research the company’s reputation.
Look for reviews and testimonials from customers who have completed moves similar to yours. Pay attention not only to comments about speed and price, but also to professionalism, communication, care for belongings, and how the company handled unexpected challenges.
A moving company is responsible for more than transporting boxes. You’re trusting its team with belongings that may have significant financial or sentimental value.
Choose a Moving Company You Can Trust
The right moving company should provide more than a truck and a crew. You want experienced professionals who understand the logistics of moving and are committed to taking care of your belongings throughout the process.
For more than a century, Bisson Moving & Storage has helped individuals, families, businesses, and organizations with their moving and storage needs. Today, Bisson provides local and long-distance moving, commercial relocation, packing, storage, and other services designed to make relocation easier.
If you’re planning a move in Maine or beyond, start by talking with a professional moving team about your needs.
Ready to get started? Contact Bisson Moving & Storage for a free moving quote and let’s get moving.
