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| | | | | Points to remember when hiring and utilizing the services of a moving company by Steve A. Hadar | | | The moving process is widely acknowledged as an utterly stressful time in our lives. Though moving may hopefully indicate a positive event, a job promotion, or a more spacious office, you still have that dreaded hurdle to overcome – the actual move! Let’s face it – no one likes it – but it has to be done… Here are a few tips to make the process a little more palatable – choosing the right moving company can be key:
• Make sure you hire a licensed company – Ask for the license number and checks its validity with the proper authorities – generally with the state DOT or PUC for a local move , or with the FMCSA for a state to state move.
• Research the company - Don’t just pick a company after a quick Internet search. Ask friends and family members for recommendations. Check with your friends, neighbors or co-workers, if they have ever used the mover you are considering. ‘Google’ the company name – you’ll be surprise at the type of information you may find – good or bad. Keep in mind that every company will have a few unfavorable reviews – you are looking for a proportionally good ratio of reviews.
• Ask the company for references - Ask the commercial moving company you’re considering hiring for references before making your selection. Contact at least 3 references and ask specific questions about their experience with that company.
• Get a written, in-house estimate whenever possible – Obtain at least 3 estimates. Most companies charge by the hour for a local move and by weight for a long distance moving and storage services. Compare the hourly rate and/or the rate per pound, not the figure on the bottom. If you choose a licensed and insured company, most will accomplish the move in pretty much the same amount of time – it’s the rate per hour that counts, not how many hours are estimated. Same goes for weight charges – compare the rate per pound, not estimated total charges. You will generally end up paying for ACTUAL weight, so it’s the rate per pound (or per hundred lbs. – ‘CWT’) that will determine the bulk of your moving cost. Some movers will ‘low-ball’ the amount of hours, or the weight of the shipment, to make the estimated cost seem more enticing. Again - you are comparing hourly rates and rates per pound – not the estimate. Of course if one estimates 4 hours to move a 3 bed-room home and another estimates 12 hours for that same move – you must wonder about the 4 hour estimate… or conversely if your get estimates of 5,000 Lbs. and 10,000 for the same shipment, well, use common sense. Compare the terms and services provided.
• Lowest price isn’t necessarily the best choice – It’s Simple – as with everything else in life – you get what you pay for. When it comes to moving your worldly possessions - cheaper isn't necessary better.
• Get extra insurance - Movers are only liable for a nominal rate per pound (30 or 60 cents per lb. per article moved - to be exact) for damaged or lost goods. It might be a good idea to purchase additional coverage. Needless to say, carefully read over any policy to make sure you know what’s covered. If your household belongings are going to be stored for a while, a quick visit to the mover’s warehouse may not be a bad idea either.
• Inquire about how the mover handles it’s complaints - Ask your long distance moving company how they handle any problems which may arise. How are complaints resolved? Do they have a claims department? Who would be your point of contact if you encounter a problem before, during or after your move is completed?
Compare how each mover you are considering has answered these important questions.
Before moving crew leaves your home on moving day - Make sure you have a copy of your contract (Bill of Lading) and an inventory of your belongings (on a long distance move or a move into storage). Make sure the mover has all of your contact information and/or knows about certain restrictions you may have at your point of destination.
• Confirm your schedule – Once your move is scheduled, always confirm your move with your moving company, two days prior to the scheduled date.
• Relax – If you’ve done your homework, your move will go just fine.
| | | | Article Source : Article-treasure.com | | Publication date : 07-03-2009 | | | | Article by Steve A. Hadar | | | Steve A. Hadar is the founder and CEO of Alpha Relocation Services in Jersey City, NJ. Alpha is an award winning, licensed and insured moving and storage company providing local, long distance and international relocation services. To learn more about Alpha Relocation Services please visit their web site at www.newjerseymovers.com
| | | | Keywords : moving company estimates, household mover, moving and storage company, moving company, International Moving and Storage. | | | | | |
