Using professional moving companies
When I moved from California to Oregon I was fortunate that my move was paid for by my employer. Most of my furniture and other possessions were hand me downs from friends so I wasn’t too fussed whether I ever saw then again. A representative from a well known interstate company came out to do the estimate. He was clean and polite just like the photos in the shiny brochure.
However, when the actual movers came a few days later they bore minimal resemblance to the shiny brochure. There was a distinct smell of alcohol off one, the 2nd was badly hungover, the 3rd one asked if it was OK to pick up some beer for the afternoon packing session while the fourth did most of the work. Needless to say, a lot of stuff arrived damaged. However, I did buy nicer stuff with the insurance.
There are plenty of horror stories in the moving industry. As with anything in real estate, you have to do your homework up front. Unless your employer will be paying, moving companies are not cheap, particularly when they give you cheap quotes.
The following advice is from The American Moving and Storage Association:
Get three written in-home estimates. Be wary of phone or internet estimates.
Show the mover everything that will be moved, including items in attics, basements,
garages, storage areas, sheds, etc. Typically two of the estimates will be very close together in price, weight, and service. Select one of those two estimates. The other bid will be very high or low. Avoid that carrier.
1. Obtain and read the three “pre-move” required documents from your carrier.
These documents include: Your Rights and Responsibilities and Ready to Move
brochures, and information on the arbitration program that the carrier participates in. These documents are required for every interstate shipment.
2. Avoid large down payments. Be wary of carriers seeking large down payments to
hold dates or to reserve service.
3. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving business is
complex and has its own language. If you aren’t satisfied with the answers to your
questions or if the carrier hesitates when you ask for clarification, talk to another
carrier.
4. Plan an off-peak season Move (when possible). June to September is the high
season. If you can avoid moving during those months, you will likely receive better
service. If you must move during the high season, move mid-month, mid-week, and
avoid the end of the month.
5. Be Reachable by Phone. Make sure the carrier is able to reach you by phone
during your move. This can save time and storage costs if the driver is ready to
deliver and you are ready to receive the shipment. Be sure to have the driver’s full
name, ID and truck number to allow for fast and easy communication.
6. Take Valuables with You. Valuables, such as cash, coins, jewelry, photographs,
and important papers should be taken with you or sent ahead. Be sure to use a
traceable service, such as FedEx and United Parcel Service.
7. Segregate Personal Travel Items. The items traveling with you, such as clothes
and papers, should be put in one place or in the vehicle you are taking with you.
Avoid having those items loaded on the truck and having to find them later.
8. Try to Relax. No matter how prepared you are, things occasionally go wrong.
Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life. Take a deep breath, be
patient, and get a good night’s sleep before moving day.
