Packing and unpacking is a big job, but you are to be congratulated. After all, you are moving into a new home! You may be planning to use a professional moving company to help make things easier. If so, you’ll want to consider your needs and your options. These tips will help you find a reasonably priced, reputable company that can help you get the task done right.
Your friends, business associates and family are a great place to start. Ask them to recommend (or warn you away from) a company they have previously used. After you’ve gathered a few names, you’ll want to research the companies further. Take a look at any consumer review websites, such as Yelp.com. The Better Business Bureau is also a great resource. The reviews you read can help you decide which companies are best.
Before you call the moving companies for a quote, there are some questions you need to think about. Are you going to have the company move all of your belongings? Sometimes people hire moving companies just to move large, heavy items, such as a piano. Do you intend to do all your own packing, or do you prefer the movers do some of the packing for you?
Your valuables are generally at least partially protected by the moving company’s liability insurance (typically .60 per pound). This is usually regardless of whether you do the packing, the moving company does the packing or a combination of the two. If you want everything fully insured against damage or breakage, be sure to talk with the movers about any additional costs that will apply. Also, ask about restrictions or limitations on the coverage. Insurance upgrades are often offered by the moving company, but may apply only to items the movers pack for you, or you may have the option to specify which items you want covered with the extra insurance. Some people opt for third-party insurance coverage through their own agent.
Get estimates from three companies. Why three? You can more easily compare price differences. If you are getting three estimates, it is important that they are all done the same way. For instance, if two estimates are from movers who come to inspect your belongings, while the third quotes you over the phone, these are NOT like estimates and should not be compared to each other. IF one estimate is very much lower than the other two, some questions that might arise should be about the bonds and insurance protection these movers are carrying for themselves. It is important that the company takes responsibility for potential injury of their employees, not you. In addition, be sure that the estimates all include driving time, gas, mileage, lunch breaks, container size, extra costs for wrapping furniture, renting furniture pads, boxes for your wardrobe, etc. These extra costs should not be a surprise when it’s time to pay the bill.
Ask if scheduling your move on a weekday is any less expensive than scheduling on the weekend. Sometimes it is. Be wary of companies that have no physical address, or that require cash for the move. Almost all businesses should accept credit cards in this day and age.
You’ll want to hire a local company for moves in the same area or state. Cross country moves have additional regulations and charges that apply. Interstate or international moves should be managed by experts in that field.
The moving business is a competitive one, and this means that most companies will be fairly priced and offer reasonably good service. However, it pays to check into companies further and make sure that the company you are entrusting with your household will give it the care and respect it deserves.
Moving within the Chicago or surrounding metro area? Contact Checkmate Movers, a full service, professional, local moving company with a low minimum charge, simple hourly rates and no hidden “mystery” fees. Their experienced, capable people work hard to safely and efficiently move your belongings because it’s what they love to do. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services
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