10 Tips For Hiring Quality Movers
Moving inventory
A reputable moving company will inventory all your belongings and determine the volume and weight of your move, either in person or through a virtual survey. The estimator should be thorough and check all storage locations such as cabinets, drawers, garages, and bookshelves. A large part of the moving company's price is based on the weight of your things and the space your goods occupy in the truck. Make sure you understand this estimate and that it is as accurate as possible.
Get a complete tour
An estimator who takes a quick tour without realizing what they plan to move will be out of place. A good estimator will ask you questions about what you plan to take from your current home to your next home. So make sure you're prepared to tell the estimator what items you don't want on the truck: items you plan to give away, donate to a charity, sell at a garage sale, or leave for new owners.
Don't pay a large deposit
Residential Moving Companies do not require cash or a large deposit before you move. You only have to pay at the time of delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over when you will see your belongings again. When paying, use a credit card to protect yourself from possible fraudulent activity.
Avoid relocating companies with a name change
Some companies avoid being evaluated by the Better Business Bureau by doing business under a variety of names. Make sure the company has a local address and information on licenses and insurance. Your employees should answer the phone with the full name of the company. Find out if there are other names that the company "operates" under, as well as its state and federal license numbers. Look online to see if there are complaints about the company.
Get Moving Company Referrals
If your friends and family don't have recommendations, get a list of trusted moving companies from associations like the American Moving and Storage Association and state moving company associations. Ask for references from any moving company you talk to. Tell them you want a list of three clients in your area who have moved in the last three months. Call those customers and ask direct questions about their experiences.
Avoid packing costs
If you pack your belongings yourself, the moving company is generally not responsible for any damage. However, if the moving company does the packing, you may pay inflated prices for the boxes and packing materials, not to mention the time and labor. If you decide to have the moving package, ask about the experience of the packers. Most packers are careful, but you want to avoid the possibility of someone throwing everything they can into a box and then sealing it regardless of breakage.
Beware of Additional Fees
Do you live in a two-story home or are you moving into one? Moving to or from a 10th-floor apartment? If so, you will probably be charged more for having to navigate stairs and elevators. Have a narrow street where a moving van won't fit? Expect a surcharge for transferring your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Be sure to ask the moving company about any additional charges that may apply to your situation.
Avoid a blank moving contract.
Never sign a blank contract. Get absolutely everything in writing. The moving company's budget and any additional charges should be listed, as well as pickup and delivery dates. Read your contract and make sure all your belongings are on the list. If your laptop isn't labeled on the inventory form you sign before the driver leaves, you can't expect it to be in the box when you arrive. You cannot file a claim for something that is not on the inventory list.
Don’t accept the “guaranteed” quote
There are three kinds of moving contracts:
- A non-binding estimate in your contract means that the business cannot demand a payment higher than 10% above the original estimate. Any surplus must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
- A non-binding estimate of exceeding in your contract ensures that you will not have to pay for exceeding the original estimate. The estimate is the maximum amount you will have to pay for services rendered.
- A binding quote in your contract is supposed to be a guaranteed price for the move and all extras and services. If you request additional services (such as unpacking), the additional fees must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
Report any problems
You have nine months to report any problems to the mover and file an insurance claim. So if you open boxes a year later and find shards of glass, you're out of luck. On move-in day, try to open each box and examine it for damage. Write down any problems with the moving company's copy of the bill of lading before you sign it. The moving company has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receipt, you must deny your claim or make an offer to pay.
Moving Insurance and Appraisal Protection
All moving companies must assume responsibility for the value of the goods they transport. However, there are two different levels of responsibility. You should know the charges that apply and the amount of protection that each level provides.
Total Value Protection (Replacement) - This is the most comprehensive plan available for protecting your assets. Unless you select the Alternative Level of Liability described below, your shipment will be transported under the mover's Full Value Protection (Replacement) Level of Liability.
Alternate Level of Liability -
This no-cost option is the most economical protection available but provides only minimal protection. Under this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per item. Claims for loss or damage are resolved based on the item's weight in pounds multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if a 10-pound stereo component valued at $ 1,000 were lost or destroyed, the mover would be liable for no more than $ 6 (10 pounds x 60 cents). There is no additional charge for this minimal protection, but you must sign a specific declaration on the bill of lading to accept it. If you do not select this alternate level of responsibility, your shipment will be transported at the full (replacement) value level of responsibility and you will be charged the appropriate valuation charge.
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