Posted by Elaine Smith, Branch Manager on May 24, 2004
When it comes to picking a moving company, one call does not do it all. To make all the right moves in your move to a new home, you'll want to do plenty of checking before trusting your worldly possessions to a particular company. Almost 50% of all moves take place between June 1st and Labor Day. If you are among the millions of families that will be relocating this summer, the month of May is not too early to start planning for a successful move. STEP 1: focus your attention on your belongings; Before you contact a moving company take inventory of your household belongings. Make a check list of the furniture, wall hangings, lamps and decorative items in each separate room in your home. You'll be very glad you have this inventory master list when your belongings are unloaded. This is also a good time to check each item for damage, noting the condition on your inventory list. This one step will also help you determine what will be moved and what will be sold or donated. Get rid of the junk so you don't have to pay to move it. Going over your inventory list will also help in deciding if you will pack your own items or leave the packing to the movers. STEP 2; Select a moving company Finding the right moving company can begin with asking friends and coworkers for recommendations. If you refer to the yellow pages remember the size of the ad means absolutely nothing; its the company's track record that counts. Always check the companies out with the Better Business Bureau www.gobbb.org. When you call the companies let them know that you are shopping for moving estimates and have already checked with the Better Business Bureau reliability report. This simple act of doing your homework and letting the company know that how they do business is important to you and tells the company that you are n informed consumer. Shop around and get estimates from a few companies, but make sure the estimates are based on a visit to your home. No reputable mover can give an estimate over the phone. Don't automatically go with the lowest estimate unless you are sure you are comparing apples to apples. Make sure the estimate is based on all inventory to be moved, the loading crew, packing materials and the number of trucks required. Special items, electronics, art or antiques should be noted and clearly covered in the estimate. Accept written estimates only and know if the estimate is binding or non-binding. STEP 3; The costs Moving companies tally prices in two ways. If the move is long distance, the cost is based on pounds hauled, miles traveled and services rendered. Guaranteed prices are often available in long-distance moves because the pounds and miles can be accurately estimated. Prices of local moves, on the other hand, are generally based on an hourly rate, the number of crew on the truck and the truck charge. Special considerations such as moving into an 3rd floor walkup can mean additional charges in a local move. That's why its important to discuss all special services with the moving company before the move. STEP 4: Insurance coverage and liability is the most misunderstood part of the moving contact By law every interstate move comes with limited valuation protection. But that amounts to ONLY 60 CENTS PER POUND PER ARTICLE. So if a 70-pound item gets broken in route, the moving company will pay you $42.00 for your trouble. Replacement value option is widely regarded as the best way to go. If you have antiques or other irreplacement items, consider having them appraised and insured separately. You should also check with our homeowners insurance company to see what is covered in your policy. Another important insurance issue to consider is whether the moving company has insured its employees. ASk for proof of workers compensation coverage and call the insurance company to verify coverage. The most common complaints from consumers about moving companies fall into 3 categories; 1. Failure of the company to show up as scheduled or to notify consumer. 2. Failure to compensate for damaged or lost belongings. 3. Complaints about moving companies that come in with low estimates, then at delivery demand much higher fees in cash before unloading. Most consumers use moving cmpanies only a few times during their life time, as a result many are unprepared to protect themselves. BBB can't emphasis enough how important it is to do business with a moving company that has a longstanding reputation of professionalism and of always taking care of their customers. Elaine Smith, Branch Manager Upper Cumberland Area Better Business Bureau 18 N Jefferson Cookeville, Tn. 38501 931-520-0008
