With the number of moving companies that move millions of people each year in the United States, it's a small miracle that the majority of them are smooth without any issues. A quality move that is hired is essential for sure.
Even with these effortless moves, scams, or bad practices are still a possibility. It's important to be educated about each stage of the process.
These are the 11 best ways you can find the best team to help you move:
- Moving inventory
A reputable company for moving will inventory everything you own and calculate the weight and volume of your move in person or by the use of a virtual survey. The estimator must be thorough and examine every storage space like drawers, cupboards as well as bookcases, garages and bookcases. A significant portion of the price charged by the moving company is determined by the amount of weight you put on your possessions as well as the space that your possessions will take up inside the truck. Make sure you comprehend the calculation and ensure it's as exact as you can.
- Do a thorough walk-through
A professional who does just a brief walk-through without mentioning what you are planning to move will not be accurate. An honest estimator will inquire about the items you're planning to move from your current home to your new home. Make certain you're prepared to explain to the estimator the items you do not want to put to be loaded onto the truck. These are items that you'll give away or give an organization, offer at a yard sale or leave for new owners.
- Don't pay a large deposit
A reputable moving company won't require cash or a large sum of money prior to moving. Pay only upon delivery. If you make a payment in advance, you will have none control of when or if you'll be able to access your possessions. If you decide to pay, you should use credit cards to ensure that you are not a victim of fraud.
- Beware of companies moving with the name change
Some businesses avoid being evaluated through the Better Business Bureau by doing business under several names. Check to see if the company has a physical address in the local area and details about insurance and licensing. Employees should respond to calls with your full address and name for the business.Find out whether there are other names that the company "does business as," along with their federal and state license numbers. Check online to determine the number of complaints filed against the business. To learn more about the history of the company contact the consumer complaints hotline at Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at 888-368-7238.
- Get references to the movers
If your family and friends do not have any recommendations, you can get the names of reliable moving companies from associations like the American Moving and Storage Associationand state associations of moving companies.Ask any movers you talk to for references. Ask them for three references in your area who relocated in the last three months. Contact them and ask questions direct about their experience.
- Avoid packing costs
If you are packing your possessions yourself, your mover typically isn't liable for any damage that may occur to their possessions. If, however, you let your mover pack your belongings then you could pay exorbitant cost for boxes and other packing supplies as well as the time and effort. If you opt to have the packers do the packing, inquire what their experiences were like. The majority of packers are cautious and you'll want to be sure to avoid one who throws everything they can in a box and seals it without much concern for breakage.
- Beware of additional fees
Are you in a two-story home or are you planning to move into one? Are you moving to or from a 10-floor apartment? If so, you'll be charged an additional fee for removalists' need to climb elevators and stairs. Are you living on a narrow road which isn't wide enough to fit in a moving truck? Be prepared for a charge to transfer your belongings onto an enlarger truck to be delivered. Be sure to inquire with your moving company about any additional charges that could be applicable to your specific circumstances.
- Beware of a blank moving contract
Never sign any blank contract. Write everything down. The estimate of the mover and any additional charges should be included along with your pickup and delivery dates.Read the terms of your contract and ensure all your belongings are noted. If your laptop's not listed on the inventory form that you fill out before the driver departs the premises, don't expect it to be there at the time he arrives. It's not possible to make a claim on things that don't show up in the inventory list.
- Don't believe"guaranteed. "guaranteed" quote
There are three types of contracts for moving:
- The non-binding estimation
- in your contract means the business is not required to pay at least 10% more than the initial estimate. Any excesses must be payed within 30 days from the date of delivery.
- A non-binding agreement not to exceed the estimate
- in your contract assures that you do not be required to cover any additional charges to the initial estimate. This estimate represents the amount you'll be required to cover for any service rendered.
- A legally binding estimate on your contract meant to be a guarantee price for the removal including all other services and additional charges. If you need other services (such as packing) additional charges have to be paid within 30 days from the date of delivery.
- Contact us if you have any concerns.
There is a period of nine months to notify any issues to the company that you are moving and submit the insurance claim. If you open boxes one year later only to discover glass fragments in the box and shards of glass, you're out luck.On the day of your move, make sure to open every box and then sift through it to see if there is damages. Notify any issues on the copy provided by the moving company on the invoice of delivery prior signing it.
Your moving company has 30 days to acknowledge the receipt of the claim. Within 120 days after receiving it, they must either deny the claim or make an an offer to settle.
- Insurance for moving and valuation protection
Every moving company is obliged to accept liability for the worth of the products they carry. There are two levels of responsibility. It is important to keep track of costs applicable and the level of protection offered at each stage.
Complete (Replacement) Valu Protection
The most complete program that can be used to protect your items. If you don't choose the alternative level of Liability, which is described below, your package will be handled by the moving company's full (Replacement) Value Insurance level of liability. If an item gets damaged, lost, or destroyed during the time it is in the custody of your mover the mover will have the option of:
In this scenario moving companies are able to restrict their liability for damages or loss to items that are of exceptional value, provided they specifically mention these items on the Freight Shipping companies. An item of extraordinary worth is anything that has a value is greater than $100 per pounds (for instance silverware, jewelry furs, china antiques, rugs, antiques and electronic equipment). Request an explanation of this restriction prior to the move. It is your responsibility to read this clause carefully and then make the appropriate declaration.
Alternate Level of Liability:
This is the cheapest security available, however it only provides a minimal amount of security. In this case the mover is liable in the amount of 60 cents per kilogram per item. Damage or loss claims are settled according to the weight in pounds of the object divided by the 60 cents. For instance for example, if a stereo that weighs 10 pounds component worth $1,000 was lost or damaged then the moving company would be accountable for just $6 (10 pounds 60 cents). There is no additional cost for this protection at a minimum however, you must sign a document on your bill of lading confirming the terms. If you do not choose the alternative level of responsibility, your cargo will be handled at the total (replacement) value of liability . You will be charged the appropriate valuation cost.
