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Consumer Focus: Moving |
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Hiring A Mover
Research tells us that moving is
usually one of the most stressful events in a person's life.
But with planning and care, you can make your move a lot less
stressful. Here are some great tips for hiring a moving company.
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 When
You Can Get The Best Deal
- From May to September, movers
are extremely busy. Everyone wants to move when school is
out. If you can arrange for your move at any other time of
year, you have a much better chance of securing a high quality
move from the company of your choice. If you have school age
children, moving during the school year may also be better
for them. School gives them the quick opportunity to be "special"
and make friends as compared to summer when neighbors may
be away. Also, most movers offer lower prices between the
months of October and April.
- Similarly, most
people want to move at the very beginning or the very end
of the month, because most rent and mortgage payments are
due on the first of each month. However, if you can arrange
for your move in the middle of the month, you will not only
increase the likelihood of getting a top-notch crew and the
mover you want, but the exact pickup and delivery dates you
require.
- You should have
your moving company “booked” at least 6 weeks
before you plan to move. Waiting until the last minute may
force you to settle for a higher price and/or shoddy service.
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 How
Do I Find A Good Mover
- Ask friends and family about their experiences with movers they have used.
- You may
want to select a mover who is a member of the American Moving
and Storage Association. These certified
movers have agreed to arbitrate disputes of up
to $5,000 arising from loss or damage to the articles in your
shipment. This could save you the hassle and cost of taking
a mover to court.
- Once
you have a list of at least three movers, have them come to
your home for an estimate. Inform them of the destination
and timing of your move. Ask them to explain their estimates
in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully compare to
see which mover best suits your needs and budget.
- Avoid
getting moving estimates via telephone or the Internet, unless
you have to because of time constraints. Only a very
general estimate of costs can be obtained by
phone or the Internet.
- Another
way to compare movers is to contact your local Better
Business Bureau. They can tell you how many complaints
they have received about a company, if any. Keep in mind that
a mover with no complaints on record isn't necessarily perfect.
Also, Better Business Bureaus only record complaints about
their members.
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 Interstate
Moves
- If you are moving from one state
to another, the moving company is required by law to give
you a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move."
This consumer booklet covers the mover's required participation
in a Dispute
Settlement Program and provides information regarding
the
mover's liability.
- The cost of an interstate move
is usually based on the weight of your belongings and on the
distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and
other services that you require. Help the movers calculate
the cost of your move by showing them every single item to
be moved. Don't forget to go into the attic, basement, garage,
closets and under beds. Anything omitted from the estimate
but later included in the shipment will add to the final cost
of the move.
- Movers may weigh your shipment
on a certified scale (subtracting out the weight of the truck)
to determine the actual weight of your belongings. Keep in
mind that this could raise or lower the original estimate.
- If you are given a non-binding
estimate, your mover cannot require you pay more than the
amount of the estimate plus ten (10%) percent. You will then
have at least 30 days after delivery to pay any remaining
charges. The mover may, however, demand full payment at the
time of delivery for any added services that were not included
on the estimate.
For example, if you received a non-binding estimate of $5,000
for your move, and you did not request any additional services,
the mover cannot require you pay more than $5,500 to have
your shipment delivered. The mover is required to invoice
you for any remaining charges.
- If you want absolute price certainty
and you can define what articles you are going to move, then
a binding estimate may be a desired option. However, binding
estimates may be more costly since the mover may build added
revenue into the price to protect them from variances in the
estimate. Most movers provide non-binding estimates, because
the actual charges are based on the actual certified weight
of all the household goods in the shipment. This protects
both the customer and the mover.
- When you are discussing your
estimate with your professional mover, be sure to ask about
the arrangements for paying for the move. It is customary
for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified
check, or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal
checks. Some movers will accept payment by credit card.
- Generally, your belongings will
be transported in a van along with those of other families
moving in the same general direction. This helps to keep your
costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive
days you and the mover agreed upon before the move began.
- Make sure the mover knows how
to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot
be reached at destination, the mover may place your shipment
in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean
additional charges to you for storage and handling.
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 Additional
Services
- Schedule packing with the mover
a day or two before the moving van is loaded. If you are packing
yourself, it is never too soon to start. Packing your possessions
yourself can save money, but movers will not usually accept
liability for damage to items packed by owners.
- Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will be made and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately.
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 Signing
Your Life Away
- Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do not sign the inventory until you have inspected your furniture.
- If any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report the facts promptly and in detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage after unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months after delivery. However, it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible.
- The mover must acknowledge receipt
of your claim within 30 days and must deny the claim offer
or make a settlement within 120 days of receipt of your claim.
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Other
Resources
This is just a brief overview.
For more information, check out these resources:
Websites*:
* Names of resources and organizations
included in this online article are provided as examples only,
and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by
the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government
agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not
mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory.
*If you click
on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark
us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible
for the content of these websites.
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