It’s July – do you know where your mover is?
Okay, that’s probably not your first thought as summer moves into high gear. But according to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 39 million Americans, or about 14 percent of the population, changed addresses last year. And most of them moved during the warmer months, especially June and July.
That means a lot of people are wondering where to find a mover right now. If you’re one of them, here are five quick tips to help you find a mover even during the busy season:
Be flexible. Everyone and his brother want to move on the weekend, including the guy who can’t get his brother to help him. It is much, much easier to book a mover for a mid-week move.
Reserve your mover. Don’t be reluctant to put down a credit-card deposit with a reputable mover. If you’re not willing to commit, why should they? Make sure the deposit is refundable if you cancel before the day of the move. And get your estimate – with scheduled move date – in writing.
Stick with professionals. If you’re squeezed for time, you may be tempted to take whatever mover you can get. Don’t! Make sure you’re mover is licensed. You can check out your mover’s license status at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.
Contact a broker. A reputable broker will contact multiple preferred movers in your area. That increases your pool of available movers. For example Transit Systems, Inc., a nationwide moving services broker, will contact as many as eight local movers in some metropolitan areas. And since the broker provides jobs to these movers during slow season too, the mover will make your job a higher priority.
Did we mention reputable? Again, make sure your mover or broker is licensed by checking their FMCSA listing. You can also visit the Better Business Bureau site at www.bbb.org. Remember, every mover or broker receives an occasional complaint. The key is whether they work to resolve complaints or not, something that the BBB web site lists. And don’t be afraid to bring the issue up with your mover or broker.
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TSI is a nationwide provider of small moves, less-than-truckload shipping services and now local moves to consumers and small businesses. In business for over 18 years, TSI is licensed by the Department of Transportation and is an Approved Vendor for The UPS Store® and Mail Boxes Etc.® centers. Editors can contact Heather Hukow at 610-535-4921.
