CHOOSING A MOVING COMPANY
Consider the following tips to make sure your move goes
smoothly and that you are satisfied with the mover you choose, if you choose to
use a moving company:
-
Buying
boxes yourself and packing yourself can save hundreds or thousands of
dollars. Consider this as an option.
- If you choose to have a
mover pack you, make a written inventory of your belongings before you pack.
- Get several estimates from
at least three different moving companies. Have them give you separate
quotes with packing and without packing.
- Get a binding estimate
from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
- Make sure that all charges
are listed separately on the contract.
- Movers are limited by law
regarding what they can pay for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential
damage, check your existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
- Coverage will differ if
you pack yourself.
- Ask about expected
gratuities and write those into the contract.
- Have the contract include
a guarantee of how many hours the job will take. Allow no more than 10% over
that amount.
- Make sure the moving
company knows the length of the driveway and the number of stairs in your
new home.
- Find out if there will be
a smaller truck needed upon arrival because of a long driveway or weight
restrictions of the roads. If so, make sure this is included in your binding
estimate.
- Inquire about the on-time
record and other complaints of the moving company with the local Better
Business Bureau (www.bbb.com)
or the American Moving and Storage Association (www.moving.org).
- Watch loading and
unloading and examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
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Moving Tips