Top 7 Questions When Moving Or Relocating

1. What is a full service moving company?

Sometimes, a full service local move is an awesome choice if you have the money to pay for it. In this case, you would hire a local moving company in your area to not only do all the moving and heavy lifting, but also to pack and prepare all of the boxes. For a larger local move, the movers will often pack all of the boxes one day, then return and do all of the moving the next day.

2. How do movers charge the customer? How are these prices charged?

The number one consideration for any moving estimate is how much is going to be moved. For smaller moves this is usually conveyed over the phone or by email. For larger moves, a walk through estimate by a moving company representative is recommended. The next basis for moving charges is how far the move will be. When moving locally, within the same state and less than 100 miles, the charge is by the hour. Long distance moves, normally over 100 miles or from state to state are usually charged based upon the weight of the goods being moved. The moving company will drive their truck onto a certified scale before and after loading items to determine the weight of the goods. Other factors that can cost extra for long distance moves include difficult access (elevators, stairs, long carries, or the inability of the truck to get close to the residence or other furniture locations). In addition, if you have the movers pack the boxes for you, that will become an additional cost. Some movers will survey your goods and offer you a “binding” or “firm” price to do your move. Be certain that the contract clearly outlines what goods and services will be included with the price.

3. Does someone have to be present when having their items moved or relocated?

More often than not, the person moving or representative of the person moving must be present at the start of the services. This is so someone can provide signatures authorizing the movers to provide the services as outlined within certain shipping documents. Also, the moving company must get clear instructions with regard to what services they need to provide. In addition, normally someone needs to be available to receive the items, and sign for a receipt of the goods.

4. Can someone have their belongings relocated to two different locations?

Yes, it is possible to have your belongings relocated to multiple locations. Most local moving companies charge by the hour so it will be at the expense of the consumer if you need to have things relocated to two different locations. Long distance movers normally charge a set fee for additional delivery locations, in addition to the weight and mileage charge for the actual move.

5. Can someone have their items or furniture moved into a storage unit?

Most movers or relocation services WILL move your belongings to a storage unit. Storage units do in fact count as actual locations. Some moving companies also offer storage services as well as relocation services. If you are willing to pay a little extra to store your goods in a moving company storage, then they will store your items and furniture wrapped in pads and protected. If you decide to use self service storage, you have to provide your own protection and usually move the goods in and out yourself. Be sure to ask your moving company all your questions and I’m sure they will be happy to provide information.

6. Do moving companies offer insurance to their consumers?

Moving companies are moving companies not insurance companies, and there for do not sell or offer insurance directly to the consumers. Instead, the mover is usually the insured party, and tariff rules allow them to sell “valuation” to consumers. Valuation is a declaration on the shipping document by the consumer of the maximum value that the moving company can be held liable for damage to the consumers goods, while in custody of the mover. Just like insurance, there are varying levels of valuation coverage, with varying deductibles. The higher levels of valuation coverage cost more than lesser levels of valuation. Similarly, lower deductible coverages cost more than higher deductible coverages. Regardless of whatever level of valuation the consumer selects prior to services, there are many exclusions and limitations to moving company liability.

7. When are the moving / relocation fees supposed to be paid?

Most moving company charges and fees are COD – collect on delivery. That is, upon arrival of the goods for delivery, most moving company contracts provide that the movers be paid prior to release of the goods. There can be differences between payment requirements for local moving and long distance moving. With certainty, for long distance or state to state moving, the moving company will require payment prior to unloading. Sometimes for local moving which is normally charged by the hour, some moving companies will wait until unloading to require payment, but still many may require payment prior to unloading (they will estimate the unloading time). In addition, sometimes for large office moves, which require reservation of significant amounts of trucks and personnel, some moving companies may require an up front reservation deposit.

These are just seven of several frequently asked questions that consumers have been asking. Thomas Patrick, an internet guru and former moving company owner brings you useful tips and helpful information on how to move stress free. In addition, for those looking to find a reputable moving company, just visit our movers site and begin to locate expert movers.