If you have decided to hire a moving company, you should allow six to eight weeks to find just the right company for your valuable possessions.  You are looking for a company that is reliable, affordable, and “kind” to your possessions.

Ask Around

Start by asking friends, relatives, or neighbors who handled their move.  If you see someone moving into your neighborhood, stop to ask about their moving company.  If you would like, as your real estate agent, I would be happy to assist you in finding such companies to help make your move less stressful.

Questions to Ask

• Does the company subcontract its moving services?
• Which subcontractor would be used to move my home?
• Will the contents of my home be on one truck the entire time?
• What services are not listed on this bid and what do you charge for them?
• What training do your movers and packers receive (especially for moving and packing fragile items).
• Can you provide references from previous moving customers?
• Are you listed with the Better Business Bureau?
• Are you insured and licensed?

Moving Estimates

Moving companies usually offer a free estimate, it would be to your advantage to solicit from several companies for comparisons.  Be sure to tell the mover about any special circumstances which may add to the difficulty of the move, such as parking problems, road access, street accessibility, delivery time restrictions, gated communities, stairs and elevators.

There are generally three types of moving estimates:

Binding Estimate: In a binding bid, the mover will offer a guaranteed price within a small percentage of deviation that is based on a complete list of items to be moved and the type of service performed.

Non-Binding or Hourly Rate: This is really just a price list.  The rates are based upon the movers’ previous experience of jobs similar to yours.

Not to Exceed: This quote states that the final price for the move cannot exceed the estimated figure.  If the move comes in under the estimated amount, you the pay the lesser price.

Bids are created by using a method that is unique to the moving industry.  Each move is assigned a certain number of “cubes.” A cube equals seven pounds.  Estimators will multiply the final number of cubes by seven to determine the price.  Estimates should include all moving charges, such as carrying up stairs or elevators, additional transportation, moving bulky articles, carrying an excessive distance, overtime, and more.  Packing bids should state the labor charge as well as the cost of boxes and other moving materials.