By: Mary Follett
Submitted: 2010-02-01 15:09:30 | Word Count: 476
When you’re moving to another location, one of the biggest tasks is how to move your belongings. If you’re planning to hire a moving company, then what criteria should be kept in mind while selecting one? Here is a list of things that you should keep in mind while selecting the best moving company for your belongings.
Finding a mover
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Before choosing one, obtain estimates from three licensed moving companies. Have an estimator from each company visit your house to examine the items you're moving before issuing a quote. Get written estimate from each mover. You may require "not to exceed" or "best price" estimate. This will limit your moving expense to the amount quoted. If the move ultimately costs less than the estimated amount, you will pay the lower price. Ask about discounts.
Packing materials may add to the cost of moving. Whether you’re doing the packing or moving company is doing, try to get used boxes from moving company, it may cost you about half as much as new. You can also get free boxes from grocery, department or liquor store.
Though cost is important, reputation of the mover should also be considered. Check with local consumer protection groups if you’re making a short move. These agencies have list of complaints that are filed against businesses. The interstate commerce commission (ICC) regulates moves from one state to another.
If you’re moving to another state, then moving company has to provide document on "Summary of Information for shippers of Household goods". In such documents, you can get details about your rights and how to protect them.
You can reduce costs, if you follow certain things. Avoid peak summer season. Do as much of the packing as you can and don’t take nonessential items.
Trusting a Mover
Try to hire a mover who has certain years of experience. A low bid indicates that someone is trying to buy your business or it can be a sign of inexperience. You have to trust a stranger with your personal belongings, so make sure you feel confident that you’ll get the level of service you require.
Your belongings should move smoothly
Here are a few ways to make your move an easy one:
- Move less and save money
- Throw, donates or sell away invaluable possessions you think are waste to move.
- Request good credit letters from your utility companies
- Work on change of address notices
- Send notices to creditors, magazines, insurance companies and your friends and relatives.
- Include numbers on all moving boxes so you can find these items quickly.
