Be honest – moving is a pain in the neck. Packing, unpacking, collecting boxes, losing things, cleaning out closets, etc. Some say it’s more stressful than going through a divorce – even if you want to move! To lessen the stress and reduce problems, don’t rely on friends to make the move go smoothly. You need to find experienced moving companies to help you through.
Moving companies differ greatly. Large companies can help with long convoluted moves from country to country or cross-country, and smaller mom and pop companies can better handle things of a local nature, within a hundred miles or so.
It’s important to meet the moving companies first. Have them come out to give you an estimate. If you want them to pack your things, ask how they will do that. Some companies have specialized cartons for clothes and china, others put everything in the same quality boxes.
Also ask how many workers will be showing up. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that two men can’t move an entire house in one day. Add things like an elevator or steep staircases, and it could take an entire day just to load the truck! Get as many men there as you can arrange – it will be cheaper in the long run, especially if you are being charged by the hour.
Ask to see their contract first, then read it thoroughly before signing. Pay close attention to small print. Look for insurance coverage and guarantees. Also look for things like how they charge for overtime if they are basing your estimate on an hourly rate per person. All too often any overtime is the fault of the moving companies, not yours. Don’t allow yourself to end up in a position where you are paying hundreds of dollars extra because these guys took off for lunch, delaying the process.
While the moving companies are there doing the walk through and formulating the estimate, make sure you ask them questions about how would handle specific issues. Don’t take anything for granted! Anyone with a few muscles can call themselves “moving companies”, but if they don’t have common sense, it’s a problem waiting to happen. Ask how they handle rain storms as they are bringing your expensive furniture in and out. What do they do with large expensive pieces of art? Are they experienced with high end electronics and plasma TVs? If they can’t explain in detail how they handle each of the above, find another company.
Be careful of a company that demands cash only as payment. They probably aren’t licensed, and you won’t have any recourse if problems arise. Stick with companies that take credit cards, and only use credit cards. At least your card company will help you if a dispute arises.
Want to find out more about cross country movers, then visit Harold Jacobs’s site on how to choose the best piano movers for your needs.