Moving involves a lot of planning and organizing. And it can be very stressful and expensive. It's important to carefully consider the movers that you will hire to transfer your beloved possessions from your old house to your new home. Here are some tips in choosing a moving company.
Get an In-Home Quote
The movers won't be able to tell you how much time they'll need to break down your bed until they've actually seen it. And the same goes for all your funitures. Any quote you get from a mover on costs and time must be based on an on-site inspection. "It's best to get an in-home estimate so they can make an accurate estimation of moving costs," says Sheila Adkins, spokesperson for the Better Business Bureau. Some movers will provide an estimate over the phone or over the internet, however, the actual charges may be higher than the given quote because of unexpected extra hours put in by the movers.
The Department of Transportation's Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires an interstate mover to give you an in-home estimate if your current home is 50 miles from the mover's place of business. And don't forget to get the full quote in writing which should contain all the itemized charges associated with the move so that you'll have a reference.
Shop Around for Movers
"Get at least three written estimates, but don't just select the lowest price," says Adkins. It's important to get quality service at the lowest possible price. Collect written, itemized estimates from multiple moving companies in your area, then choose which one you think can provide you the best service. You can also solicit advise from your family, friends and neighbors.
Check Their Credentials
Only consider movers that are licensed, bonded and insured. Once you've chosen your movers, investigate them through the US Department of Transportation, MovingScam.com and Better Business Bureau.
Your chosen mover should be registered with FMCSA. To check, please go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Take a Photo of All Your Properties for Insurance Purposes
A legitimate mover will make an inventory of all properties before the move to make sure that nothing is lost. But take a snapshot of all your properties before the move as a precaution. It's easier to claim damages when you have a picture of before and after the move.
Protect Your Walls, Doorways and Carpets
Furnitures aren't the only things that can be damaged during a move. Walls, doorways and carpets in both your old and new houses can be damaged as well. Make sure that the moving company include rug runners and door pads to protect your carpets and door frames. The use of these pads should be included in your contract, also known as the bill of lading. The protective pads should be itemized in the bill of lading to prevent any unforseen charges.
If you want to have a list of reputable moving companies, please contact me.
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