It is said that everyone will have to move in their adult lifetime, and most people dread moving day as much as their tax deadline. Choosing the right mover is the best way to ensure that your relocation is smooth and as stress-free as possible. After over 100 years in the business, we have found that there are several decisions every customer can make that will be helpful to them as the move dates approach. These are some tips that can hopefully help you choose the right moving company.
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Do NOT get your estimate on the internet!
The internet is a valuable tool in finding the different moving companies available and operating in your area. However, be warned – most internet estimates are not even from legitimate moving companies, but rather companies that broker the move to other carriers, and they are often not even in your own state! Be sure to contact a licensed mover in your state and insist that someone come to your home for a survey prior to accepting any estimates.
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Research any company who gives you an estimate.
Most reputable, licensed moving companies belong to one or more professional associations. Ask your estimator if there are any websites you can visit to find out a little more about their business and history.
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Don’t assume that cheaper means better!
While all moving companies try to remain as competitive as possible, sometimes the guy who charges the least does it for a reason! He may not put the time and investment into training crews and ensuring proper equipment, which can cause accidents and damage to your belongings. Most movers operate on a tariff, especially the major relocation companies. On intrastate and interstate moves, charges are assessed by weight and mileage. Local moves should be charged hourly. Make sure your mover charges fairly but does a good job, too!
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Don’t assume your good are covered against damage.
Given the amount of handling that your household will have to endure during the course of a move, there is a good chance that some minor damage could occur. Unless valuation is chosen by the customer, movers are only liable for 60 cents per pound against damage. Be sure that your estimator explains the valuation option and make the decision that is right for you.
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Start Packing NOW!
During the course of almost every move I give, I am asked for advice, and the first piece I always give is to start packing as soon as you decide on a move date! Most people don’t realize how time consuming the packing process is. Most movers will be happy to do some packing for you, but they will have to charge additionally for the service. The more ready you are when the van shows up, the less stressful the process will be.
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Make sure your estimator sees everything!
Be it local (hourly) or interstate (weight and mileage), move charges depend on how much the movers are actually going to be handling. What may seem like an insignificant crawlspace or attic to you could mean the difference between an accurate estimate or an unpleasant surprise at the end. Let your estimator see everything you want the movers to handle, large and small.
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The movers are here, will they know where everything goes?
Remember that this is YOUR home the movers are taking care of, be sure to ask as many questions as you like and be vocal about any requests. Need something moved to another wall? No problem, that is the mover’s job. You must be happy with the end result of the move, and the mover is eager to make that happen.
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Delivery spreads are a necessity.
As much as every mover would like to pick up and deliver interstate moves within a day or two, that is just not possible. Realize that it takes at minimum of 6 to 8 days to move a household from one coast to the other, and probably longer for smaller moves. Movers need to run their trucks full, so be sure to plan for the amount of time your estimator tells you the move will take. The spread should be clearly stated on the paperwork you and your mover sign prior to the beginning of the job.
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Avoid closing on a home and moving on the same day!
This is one of the most ignored pieces of advice I give. Every time a customer is 100% sure nothing will happen to delay the closing , something does, almost every time, especially given the current economic climate. What happens then is that the mover will charge you for the time they have to stand around, waiting for the closing to finish before they can get started. Arrange your moving date before or after the day of the closing, or it could add serious $ to your final bill.
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Relax, and let us handle the move!
You are hiring us to handle your relocation, and it is our job to make it happen smoothly. Make sure you are comfortable and confident with your choice of movers, be vocal about your wishes and concerns, and hopefully you will find that the day will be much more pleasant than you imagined!
Contact us today for a free estimate!
You can email us at info@stevensontransferinc.com or call 815.433.0970.
- Bill Stevenson, Jr.