How to Pick a Mover

Before you even talk to a mover, decide which of your possessions to pack and which to dispense with. Decide whether you’d rather pack yourself or have the mover do this; you should also think about what other services you may like the mover to provide. Get in touch with the movers you’re thinking of hiring for the job and get an estimate. If possible, try to set up a meeting with their relocation consultants to get a written estimate. Ask how long each estimate is good for and whether it is binding. Never take an estimate over the phone and don’t use a company which provides their estimates in this way. Let the mover know about anything which may complicate the move - road conditions, parking, stairs and so on. The price of your move may change depending on these factors. Try to reserve parking for the moving van or truck if possible. You’ll likely be charged for excessive distance if the movers have to carry items more than 75 feet from the van to your door. Trucks over a certain weight may not be allowed on some streets; in these cases, you’ll have to offload into a smaller vehicle, which can add a lot to the cost of your move. Let the moving company know in advance if this is the case at your destination. You should also advise them in advance if an elevator reservation will be required (if, for instance you are moving out of or into a high rise building). Look into the mover’s reputation by asking friends and neighbors as well as inquiring with the Better Business Bureau about any complaints. Check for the moving company’s DOT license number. All movers are required to be licensed; interstate movers are required to meet two additional criteria as well: 1. Publish their tariffs or price list and make it available to anybody who requests a copy. 2. Participate in a dispute settlement program and to offer neutral arbitration in the event of disputes. Ask all movers for references. Make sure that you understand the coverage for loss or damage to your shipment offered by the mover. Any licensed mover is required to provide liability coverage for the value of the items they transport. Be aware of the liability coverage carried by your mover and of any extra charges which may arise pursuant to this. Ask questions - the following are some particularly good ones to ask. 1. Will extra charges be assessed if there is an extra flight of stairs, even if I was unaware of this when booking the move? You may not always have all of the information you need to get a 100% accurate estimate ahead of time. 2. What is the estimated delivery time and will the driver notify me? 3. If I pack myself, what packing materials (boxes, etc.) are acceptable? 4. How do I pay? Cash, credit card, personal or certified check? 5. When do I pay? 6. Will the movers disassemble items and will they reassemble these items at the destination? 7. Following the initial weigh in, will there be an additional weigh in to determine actual cost? 8. If I have purchased liability insurance and I need to make a claim what is the process?

frankie b

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