How To Select A Moving Company

All You Need To Know On How To Select A Moving Company.

Whether you are planning on moving locally in your state or planning to relocate to a different state or country, moving can be very stressful. It is very important to have dependable movers that you can trust and rely on while you entire household goods will be in transit. Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is always good to contact different movers, compare their services and find out who are the best movers in your area.

Referrals From Friends And Relatives

Began by asking information from people that you trust. Talk to your friends or neighbors that happened to relocate recently. Always remember the best recommendations come only from satisfied customers, so if you see anybody moving in/ out of the house do not hesitate to stop and ask him some questions that might be helpful for your upcoming relocation. Unfortunately, that's not enough. Ask each of your prospective movers for references and take advantage of free estimates.

Moving Estimates and Extra Charges

Get involved in the estimating process and try to meet with the relocation consultant to survey your home and prepare a written estimate. Keep in mind that certain movers offer estimates that are outrageously low compared to others, and then hand you a large bill when the move is complete. In order to avoid this predicament make sure you ask the movers how long his or her estimate is valid for and question whether the estimate is a binding or a non-binding. For the difference between binding and non-binding see glossary of moving terms.

Inform the Moving Companies of any possible unusual situations on either end so your estimate can be more accurate. Make the mover aware of any problems that he may encounter at the delivery such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions or if there are any stairs or elevators involved. The cost of your move can increase for such occurrences. Try to reserve a "parking space" for the moving van if your new home is on a congested street. If the moving crew has to carry your load more than 75 feet from the moving van to your door you may be charged for a long distance movers carry. Some neighborhoods may prohibit trucks over a certain weight. The driver will offload your possessions into a smaller vehicle and the charge for that can be quite high. Advise the relocation consultant if you anticipate this situation arising. In addition, advise the consultant if you are moving to a high-rise building where an elevator reservation is required. This can cause problems for the delivery schedule if the mover does not know about this in advance and additional charges will likely apply. Decide in advance which goods will be shipped and which will be sold or given away. Then consider whether or not you would like the mover to pack and what other type of additional services you may want. Remember that packing is always a separate bid from moving. For packing services and supplies see Packing Supplies.

Moving Certified Organizations (BBB, DOT, AMSA)

The BBB or Better Business Bureau is a consumer agency available with information about business in their area. Contact your local BBB and check the record of complaints received concerning the mover's you are considering. They are unable to make any recommendations however they will be able to make their files available to you so you may research and read any available data on any company operating within their jurisdiction. The DOT, Department of Transportation, is the government agency responsible for the licensing of all interstate movers. With them you are able to check if the mover you are considering has authority to moving operations within the United States. They keep records on each moving companies liability and cargo insurance and make sure it is sufficient to operate safely and current. This status will ensure you have chosen a safe, bonded mover to ship your goods across country. Another agency, which is located separately in each state, is the Public Utilities Commission. This agency regulates operations only within each individual state and if you are planning a local move, this agency maintains active records on all movers in their jurisdiction. When selecting a mover, we encourage consumers to choose a moving company that is a member of AMSA. The members of the American Moving and Storage Association have all agreed to abide by the terms of our published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by AMSA.