Choosing a moving company can be a daunting task, especially if you have never used the services provided by a mover. There are a lot of details to consider when analyzing prospective movers, and you should be sure you have all the information you need ahead of time to make an informed choice. Below are three particular criteria to look at closely when choosing a mover; these factors will help you pick a moving company that provides the best of care for your possessions and at a reasonable price:
Make your evaluation more than about price
It's important to get a good deal, but you should always know what you're getting for your investment. Once you get a quote, you need to ask a couple of specific questions to further evaluate the value of a mover's services:
How many personnel will be available at the price? - It is important to know what size crew will be available to perform the loading and unloading. Since a small crew will take longer to perform the move, all other things being equal, you may need to pay an additional amount for an extra crew member, if time is of the essence.
What kind of truck and moving equipment will be used? - Another relevant question that can help you evaluate a quote is knowing the equipment that will be used with your move. For example, it is worthwhile to ask if one vehicle will be sufficient or if it will take multiple runs with smaller trucks or trailers. In addition, be sure to inquire whether or not furniture pads are included or if you will need to pay an additional fee for more pads.
Is packing or unpacking included? - Some full-service movers will pack or unpack certain items or place them in a specific location. Others will drop-off your possessions in a common area, such as the garage, but getting them into the house is your responsibility. Be sure you know what you want and need in advance, and find a company that will offer services that match.
Make sure the bottom line is the bottom line
When investigating which moving company to choose, be sure to get a firm, written estimate of charges for the services provided ahead of time. Don't let yourself be surprised by unknown fees that may appear once the final bill comes due. Here are a few common charges to be on the lookout for when making a decision:
Stair charge - If your home has stairs, leading either up or down, then you will want to inquire about how much you will need to pay for moving items up or down from the other levels in your home.
Oversized objects fee - Certain items, such as grand pianos or hot tubs, are likely to incur additional charges during a move. Be sure to get in advance the mover's fee schedule for specific oversized items, if relevant in your situation.
Mileage fees - You will need to be sure you understand the pricing structure of the moving companies you evaluate. Many moving companies offer a flat rate for local services, but they may also charge for miles beyond a certain limit. For example, a $199.95 base rate might sound great on the face of things, but mileage charges could quickly add to the total
Check their background and reputation
Since information about most businesses is relatively-easy to find due to online sources, researching a prospective mover's background isn't usually terribly difficult. Not surprisingly, that is the first place many people look for information. However, be careful that you draw reviews from reputable sources and seek a comprehensive summary of reviews from multiple sites; avoid making decisions based on one review or one site.
A good source to find out more about moving companies is through businesses and services that have a close working relationship with the home buying and selling business. Real estate agents and brokers can provide you with leads to reliable moving companies, and others you may wish to contact include title companies and home inspection services. In addition, don't hesitate to ask for references from past clients. Many moving companies will be happy to provide a list of customers for you to contact.
An important, unbiased source to reference when investigating moving companies is www.protectyourmove.gov, a consumer protection web site hosted by the United States Department of Transportation. At the site, you can locate information to verify mover registration, view customer complaints and find out other important details. In addition, some states maintain their own database of registered moving companies, and they can provide you with valuable information about a company's customer satisfaction rate. Check with your state's commerce department or transportation department for information on how to view the registry.
For more information on moving companies, consider a company like Wheaton World Wide Moving.
Share10 November 2015
I try to keep my living expenses down to save money for my family. But when we faced moving from one state to another last year, I didn't know how to do so without breaking my budget. Fortunately, a relative of mine suggested that I ask a moving contractor for help. The contractor helped me plan a moving strategy that not only saved me money on boxes, supplies and transportation, they also provided tips on how to make the move easier once we arrived to our destination. I learned so much about moving that I developed this blog. I offer tips on how to move on a budget, select the right moving supplies and even how to pack your belongings properly. If you're ready to get started, keep reading. Thanks for stopping by and good luck with your move.