Moving, Packing, Storage Information

Choosing The Right Moving Company

Decide what household goods will be shipped and what will be sold or given away.

Consider whether you want the mover to pack and what other types of additional services you may require.

Ask the advice of family, friends or neighbors who have recently moved.

Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information on various moving company complaint records and how these complaints were resolved.

Check the moving company Department of Transport (DOT) license number. All movers must be licensed and interstate movers must also publish their tariffs or price list and make it available to anybody who requests a copy. They must also participate in a dispute settlement program and offer neutral arbitration in the event a dispute over loss or damage to a shipment arises.

Choose two or three experienced moving companies with established reputations for good service and reliability.

Ask all moving companies for references.

Make an appointment with their consultants to survey your home and find out if they can offer the services you require.

Advise the consultant of any special situations that may be encountered at either end of the move such as:

parking problems
road access
street accessibility
delivery time restrictions
stairs or high-rise elevators that must be booked in advance for a scheduled delivery time
excessive carrying distance
neighborhood restrictions on truck weight

In order that you are fully informed, ask questions concerning:

extra charges for possible unforeseen events
acceptable packing boxes if packing yourself
items disassembled and reassembled by the movers
estimated time of delivery and notification by the driver
required time of payment
type of payment accepted (cash, check, credit card, etc.)
any additional weigh in after loading to determine actual cost
the process for making a liability claim

Get written estimates so you can make a fair comparison. Never employ a moving company that offers an estimate by phone.

Understand the amount of protection provided for loss or damage of your shipment and any additional charges that may apply. Even though all licensed movers must provide liability for the value of your goods, there are different levels of liability options available.

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