Choosing a reliable mover is essential to a positive relocation. When you are interviewing potential movers asking the right questions (and getting the right answers) will help you hire a reliable moving company.

These questions can help you determine whether the mover you are interviewing is likely to perform your relocation proficiently, within a reasonable time frame and for a fair cost. Remember, your aim is not only to get the correct answers to these questions, but to assess how the questions are answered - a conscientious and meticulous moving consultant usually represents a conscientious and meticulous moving company.

Questions to ask of the moving company's representative:

1. How long has your company been in business?

If the moving company that has been in business for some time they have probably been doing something right. Fly-by-night or low-ball calgary moving companies don't generally last; their reputation eventually catches up with them. Length of time in business isn't the most critical element in your hiring decision but it is a good insight into the company.

2. What kinds of estimates and pricing options are available from your company?

You can learn a lot about both the moving company and its' representative if you listen carefully to how the consultant answers this question. They should be able to demonstrate their knowledge and be willing to take the time to explain their estimate and pricing options clearly and thoroughly. It doesn't bode well if they don't seem to fully understand the options or rush through their explanation.

3. Does your company do any repeat work for local businesses?

It's always a great idea to ask a moving company for references, but they aren't likely to offer a BAD reference. A better indication of consistently good service is repeat relocation work for a particular business.

4. What is my delivery schedule?

What you are looking for here is a realistic answer. Long distance relocations can be tough to schedule with precision, so expect to receive a delivery range that encompasses at least a couple of days. And be very suspicious of dates that seem too good to be true.

5. How will you handle my...

Whether it's your collection of antique jukeboxes, your atv or your piano, find out how it will be moved. This is one more test of your consultants' professionalism and knowledge. If they just brush you off with assurances that everything will be taken care of rather than explaining exactly how they will approach the handling of your special things then you ought to think twice about entrusting them with your treasured belongings.

Ultimately, you must ask yourself this question:

6. Is the moving consultant just telling me what I want to hear?

This is when you need to be able to use your "spidey senses" to help you decide whether the moving company's representative is genuinely trying to help or just trying to gain the business by promising whatever they think you want. This can be difficult to ferret out, but look for some suggestions from the consultant that, while they may diverge from what you were expecting, are practical and make sense.

The task of choosing a reliable moving company should be a little simpler now that you're equipped with these questions to ask when interviewing potential movers. And any experienced moving consultant who is working for a reliable moving company should welcome these and any other questions you may have regarding your relocation.