How to Choose a Mover,
How to Get a Moving Estimate ,How to Plan Your
Move
How to Choose a Mover
Moving companies provide a variety of services
for a range of fees. It is a good idea to talk
with different movers to compare their services.
To find out who the best movers are in your
area, begin by asking friends about their
experiences with the movers they have used. You
can also check with the Better Business Bureau
or other consumer organizations in your local
area. Relocation Portal Group does not recommend
moving companies nor does it recommend one
moving company over another.
Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform
them of the destination and timing of your move.
Ask them about the types of services they offer.
Also ask them to explain their estimates in
detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully
compare to see which mover best suits your needs
and budget.
If
you are moving interstate, you should read and
understand all of the information you will
receive. In addition to brochures explaining
their various services, moving companies should
give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You
Move and information regarding the
mover's participation in a Dispute Settlement
Program. Distribution of the consumer booklet
and the requirement that movers offer shippers
neutral arbitration as a means of settling
disputes that may arise concerning loss or
damage on household goods shipments are
requirements of the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), and formerly, the
Interstate Commerce Commission.
It
is important to try to make arrangements for
your move well in advance, at least four to six
weeks before the moving date.
When you
choose your mover, be sure you understand:
The rates and charges that will apply. The
mover's liability for your belongings. How
pickup and delivery will work. What claims
protection you have.
How to Get a Moving Estimate
The cost of an interstate move is usually based
on the weight of your belongings and on the
distance they are shipped, plus the amount of
packing and other services that you require.
To
help you anticipate the cost of your move,
movers will give you an estimate of the price.
Help the movers calculate the cost of your move
by showing them every single item to be moved.
Don't forget to go into the attic, basement,
garage, closets and under beds. Reach a clear
understanding about the amount of packing and
other services needed. Anything omitted from the
estimate but later included in the shipment will
add to the cost.
Most movers offer two types of estimates:
binding and non-binding. Binding estimates are
written agreements that guarantee the cost of
the move based on the items to be moved and the
services listed on the mover's estimate sheet.
Therefore, it's important to make certain the
binding estimate sheet contains all of the items
to be moved, along with any additional services
to be provided by the mover. anything that is
added later might result in increased charges
and may delay the move.
Non-binding estimates, on the other hand, are
not guaranteed. Instead, a non-binding estimate
is an approximation of the cost based on the
mover's survey of the items to be moved, with
the final cost determined after the shipment is
weighed. A non-binding estimate does not bind
the mover. When you receive a non-binding
estimate, there is no guarantee that the final
cost will not be more than the estimate.
When you are
discussing your estimate with your mover, be
sure to ask about the arrangements for paying
for the move. It is customary for movers to
require that charges be paid in cash, by
certified check, or by money order. Most movers
will not accept personal checks. Some movers
will accept payment by credit card. However, do
not assume that because you have a nationally
recognized charge or credit card that it will be
accepted for payment. Ask your mover.
How to Plan Your Move
Plan Ahead
Summer time is the busiest time of the year for
movers. In addition, the beginning and end of
each month are traditionally busier than
mid-month, regardless of the season. If you are
planning to move during one of the times, plan
well in advance so your mover's schedule will
fit yours.
Now it is time to contact the movers on your
list. Inform them of your destination and the
timing of your move. Ask movers to provide you
with a written estimate, and have them explain
the services listed in the estimate in detail.
Carefully compare each estimate to see which
company best suits your needs and budget.
Check out our moving planner, Countdown to
Moving Day, to be sure you don't forget
anything.
Packing
Proper packing by a trained packer using
specially designed cartons and materials is
crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with
the mover a day or two before the moving van is
loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never
too soon to start. While packing yourself can
save money, movers will not usually accept
liability for damage to items packed by owners.
Be
present when your goods are packed. An inventory
of your goods will be made and it is important
to resolve any disagreements prior to signing
the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible
and all items are numbered. Have valuable items
listed separately. Some appliances may require
servicing prior to the move. Your mover can
schedule these services for you.
There are several options for insuring your
goods. All household goods shipments move under
limited liability. However, you may purchase
additional liability coverage from your mover.
Planning Your Moving Day
Your mover may ask you to select several
consecutive days during which your goods can be
loaded and a second series of dates during which
your goods can be delivered to your new home. A
spread of days gives you and your mover the
flexibility needed to keep your move on
schedule. Remember that summer months are the
busiest, and some movers offer lower prices
between the months of October and April.
Moving Day
Be
on hand when the movers arrive. Discuss the
delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
Have beds stripped and ready to be packed. Save
your energy - let the moving crew disassemble
goods. Read the Bill of Lading before you sign
it. Tell your mover how to reach you at your
destination. Keep in contact with the mover's
agent at your destination while you are in
transit.
Delivery
Generally, your belongings will be transported
in a van along with those of other families in
the same general direction. This helps to keep
your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the
several consecutive days agreed upon before the
move began. Make sure the mover knows how to
contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you
cannot be reached at destination, the mover may
place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying
other shipments. This can mean additional
charges for storage and handling.
Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do
not sign the inventory until you have inspected
your furniture and the exterior of the cartons.
Claims
If
any of your household goods are damaged or lost,
report the facts promptly and in detail on the
van driver's copy (original) of the inventory
sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage
after unpacking, a claim must be filed within
nine months after delivery. However, it is to
your advantage to report damage as soon as
possible. The mover must acknowledge receipt of
your claim within 30 days and must deny or make
an offer within 120 days of receipt of your
claim. When making a claim or considering a
settlement offer, keep in mind the amount of
liability that you declared on your shipment.
For example, if the value declared on your
shipment was $5,000, the mover's maximum
liability for loss or damage to the articles in
your shipment is $5,000. Claims for more than
this amount will be declined because they are in
excess of the mover's liability that you
declared on your shipment.
