How to Hire a Moving Company
I have moved 13 times in twenty years. A lot of these tips come from firsthand experience. You can call it biblical truths. First off, try to get a reference from a friend who has moved recently. Ask if the moving experience went smoothly, if there was any breakage or missing items. If you can’t get a personal reference, ask your real estate agent, and then be willing to interview companies.
Here are some areas to research: Licensing and bonding. The Interstate Commerce Commission offers a pamphlet called “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” Call your local ICC office for a copy if you’re moving out of state. Local moving costs. These are usually calculated by adding the hours the truck is used multiplied by an hourly rate. Long distance moves are calculated on the total weight of your shipment and the distance traveled.
Do they charge extra not to hold your belongings? Yes, you read that right. Many do. Ask how to avoid this potential fiasco. Many will add up to three weeks after your requested delivery date, forcing you to pay extra to get your belongings back.
Packing. These costs are not included in a basic moving bid. Ask for the price up front to avoid any confusion. If you opt to have the company do the packing, they will inventory your stuff and describe any existing damage. Ask for a copy of the inventory form. If you have an inventory for insurance purposes, this will help you. Specialty boxes, like tv boxes are expensive from movers. They're much cheaper from local companies that sell boxes.
Get their preferred form of payment. Some will give a discount if you prepay. Some movers only accept money orders or certified checks. Find out in advance because movers will not unload until you pay them. Tipping the driver is optional. Providing cold water on a hot day or lunch can help move things along as well.
We all know a reputation can make you or break you. Call or go online with the Better Business Bureau and your local department of consumer affairs to find out if any complaints have been registered against the company. Ask for and contact references. Ask for an ICC performance report, which movers are required to file annually. Since moving companies prepare their own reports, however, be aware that unless there are gross misstatements, the reports go unchallenged. Find out if the company is a member of the American Movers Conference (www.amconf.org), which requires members to meet certain standards.
Storage is expensive. These costs are also separate from the moving costs, and loading and unloading from storage is also extra. Have the price and delivery date spelled out in advance, do not accept a clause of a delayed delivery.
Get your bids in writing. Remember that the bid is a ballpark estimate and plan accordingly. When talking to references, ask how close their bid was to the final cost. Be sure to get estimates from at least three companies. Once a qualified estimator has gone over all your belongings, get the estimate in writing. You can ask for a binding estimate for an extra charge.
I hope my experiences help someone else. I have other tips for those that are very frugal. My first move was from Des Moines to Dallas when I was fresh out of college. So, I did it as least expensive as possible. Call me and I can help on many facets, not just being your Realtor.