Residential Moving: General Guides
General
- How to select a moving company
- Questions to ask
- Do it yourself estimate
- How to prepare for the move
- Tips on how to pack
- Materials for the move
- Storage
How to Select a Moving Company
Many people choose a mover based on price. However, there are a number of other factors to consider when you make your choice…
References
Do you know anyone who has used a given mover? In most cases, try to get at least two references to a particular mover to ensure consistency. Anyone can have a good or bad experience with a move so one reference is usually not reliable. Ask all movers that give you an estimate for recent, written references.
Better Business Bureau (BBB)
The BBB is a private organization that attempts to mediate disagreements between businesses and consumers. They can be a good resource to measure a moving company’s reputation. The BBB can be contacted to find out how many complaints have been filed regarding the company, and how those complaints have been responded to. Then, compare the number of complaints with the number of moves performed per year. For example, a mover that does 5,000 moves a year is bound to have more complaints than a mover that does 500. The mark of a good company is a low ratio of complaints filed verse the number of moves performed.
Licensing
A licensed mover is sanctioned by certain state or federal agencies, and has basic qualifications for operating a moving company. State agencies regulate local moves, while the Department of Transportation (D.O.T.) regulates interstate moves. A mover should be able to provide a number, either in its advertisement or over the phone, that certifies that it is licensed.
Insurance
A low price is no bargain if your treasured possessions are not insured. Licensed movers are required to provide limited liability coverage at no additional cost. You can usually purchase additional coverage for an extra premium.
Workman’s Compensation
Licensed movers are also required to have workman’s compensation insurance for their movers. Failure to hire a company with this insurance could mean liability on your part for injuries a mover suffers on the job.
When you inquire about local moving with moving companies, make sure you get all the appropriate information and compare at least a few different estimates. Ask about the following topics:
??? Rates
For local moves we charge per hour. The hourly rate is determined by the number of movers and trucks that the job requires. Your Isaac’s representative will determine the appropriate number of trucks (usually only one) and movers based on the circumstances of the move. He will then apply the correct rate and estimate the number of hours for your move.
??? Travel time
Every local move has travel time. Travel time has two components. First, it is the time it takes us to drive from our office to the pick-up location. Second, it is the time it takes us to drive back to our office when the job is complete. These two components add up to the total travel time charge (note that the time to drive from your old location to your new location is not travel time, but rather part of the move).
??? Minimum hours
For any local move we have a two hour minimum charge. This means that any move that is less than two hours (including travel time) will incur the minimum two hour fee.
??? Extra charges
Many companies have extra charges for unexpected scenarios and events. Often times it is not until move day that the customer is aware of these costs. At Isaac’s, our only charges in addition to the hourly rates are for boxes and packing materials (excluding costs for full-coverage insurance).
??? Estimate ceiling
Note that for a local move a mover will customarily charge the customer for the actual hours worked (no matter what the original estimate was). For this reason you should always be cautious of underestimated moving times and you should never choose a mover based solely on the number of hours estimated. Underestimating moves is a common ploy of movers to capitalize on the "wishful thinking" of consumers. It often leads to disappointment, frustration, and regret on the part of the customer when the move exceeds the estimated hours.
