Things to Consider When Relocating

Aug. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- Relocating is a stressful, time consuming process that most of us try avidly to deflect dealing with.  The anxiety provoking thoughts of packing, cleaning, contacting movers, and ensuring our belongings get transferred safely, swirl through our minds like a smoothie in a blender. When we finally sort out these enigmas, in comes the headache of “where will the children be”, “how will I get off from work”, “can my mother take the dog”? No doubt there is much emotional distress that comes with moving, however to ensure the most positive and manageable move possible it is imperative to choose the best moving company.
When considering what moving company is best for you it is important that you first identify your specific needs and expectations. By answering a few standard questions, you can begin to prepare yourself for a successful moving company search.
-Are you moving locally or long-distance?
-What are your preferred moving dates?
-What types of things will the company be moving/packing?
-How much stuff do you have to move?
-How much insurance will you need?

       After identifying what you need from a moving company, you can start looking for one that fits you most. The best initial way to do this is by getting recommendations from people you know who have used specific companies. If you don’t personally know anyone who has relocated, asking a realtor or real estate agent is another good way to get a recommendation. Less personal but still reliable are online reviews of previous customer’s satisfaction levels. This public content can be helpful in determining a company’s reputation and avoiding scams.
   Once a few companies have come to the forefront there are a few more things to consider before requesting a quote. Firstly, inquire if the given company is an accredited member of a moving association or trade body such as The American Moving and Storage Association.  Holding membership in an accredited association demonstrates that the company takes themselves seriously as a professional service, as well as requires them to adhere to specific guidelines throughout the moving process.
   Pinpointing the reliability of moving companies on your own can be tricky, and therefore it is advisable to contact outside help. Your local Better Business Bureau has access to the complaint records of the company and can show you both these records and how these complaints were resolved.  Another good place to check the reliability of a company is movingscams.com. This is an online platform dedicated to revealing moving scandals. Viewers can search through their public records database, as well as an open-forum blog where people who were scammed share their stories.
   After you have established a few reliable sources, it is time to seek a quote. Expect to get a minimum of three quotes for comparison and reassurance. The most candid way to obtain a quote is by having a representative of the company come to your house and look at your things.  Different companies charge differently, most typically either by charging an hourly rate, estimating what types of furniture and goods you need moved, or estimating the weight of your load. To prepare yourself for the appraisal, first make your own list of how many rooms you have, type of furniture you want moved, and the approximate amount of boxes you expect to have moved. This way you will be fully prepared to answer any questions the company has for you, and will have a baseline of what to expect as an estimate.  
   For long-distance moves it is critical that the estimate includes a description of the type and quantity of goods you are shipping, the distance of the move, delivery dates, and any other services you had specifically requested. Regardless of long-distance or local, having at least three different estimates allows you to accurately compare prices and services to guarantee the best value.  If one quote is drastically lower than the others, investigate why, and be weary that there is likely something defective with the company or services they are offering.
   Despite being a stress filled nuisance, relocating your home is something to be treated with outmost care. Before packing up all of your precious belongings consider the above steps in planning the perfect move, they could save you from losing your possessions, over-paying, or even a scam. The FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) has compiled a list of warning signs that a moving company is dishonest. Below are their tips:
-   The mover doesn't offer or agree to an on-site inspection of your household goods and gives an estimate over the phone or Internet—sight-unseen. These estimates often sound too good-to-be-true. They usually are.
-   The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move.
-   The mover doesn't provide you with a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move, a booklet movers are required by Federal regulations to supply to their customers in the planning stages of interstate moves.