Choosing the right relocation movers
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
With multiple recent reports pointing to an uptick in corporate relocation volumes, it is clear that more people today are on the move, drawing focus to the various factors involved in relocation. One of the most substantial factors involved in relocating is choosing the right movers in order to minimize stress and be assured that personal belongings are safe. Bankrate.com reported six important steps to take to make sure the right movers are chosen.
First, it is important to always ask to see the moving company’s license. If moving across state lines, the movers chosen will have to have a U.S. Department of Transportation number and be licensed with the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration can verify if a moving company meets all necessary licensing requirements.
If moving within the same state, it is best to use a local moving company in the case that a problem results from the move. With local moving companies, it is less likely that concerns will go unanswered, as that can sometimes be the case with the larger, national corporations.
When doing research on the mover, don’t restrict searches to the company’s website, as it will mainly have positive information. It may be necessary to dig a little deeper, checking government and independent sources, or browsing through the mover’s social media pages. These resources will provide testimonials from first-hand experiences. Remember that there will be at least a couple negative reviews for any company, and it would be wise to base decisions on the average experience and not the outliers.
When estimating the cost of the move, always get it in writing, and obtain estimates from more than one company to compare rates. Make sure to account for all belongings, including those often forgotten items in your attics, crawlspaces and sheds. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recommends never accepting a verbal estimate.
The Bankrate article stated, “Under federal law, interstate movers must offer their customers two different insurance options: ‘full value protection’ and ‘released value’.” Full value insurance will cost extra, but will hold the mover liable for replacing the value of any lost or damaged items. Released value will not cost any extra, but the mover's liability will be limited, paying only 60 cents per pound of any lost or damaged items. It could be worthwhile to explore options available to purchase separate insurance for the move and to investigate the coverage that homeowners insurance may already supply. When moving locally or within state, be aware of specific state insurance requirements that may apply, as they may differ from state to state. And if a mover asks you to sign something about not holding the mover liable for lost or damaged items, do not pick up the pen. Pick up the phone and call mover option B.
Finally, once research has been completed and paperwork verified, it is essential to ask a final round of important questions. Bankrate advises asking how long the company has been in the business, if it does background checks on all employees hired, and if it hires day workers or temps. Check whether there will be any transfer of property to another company or crew during the move, and if it guarantees delivery on the specified date. Finally, ask if the moving company has a dispute settlement program.
Following these steps should allow for an optimal moving experience, whether moving into relocation housing or into a larger house down the street. Moving is a stressful time for everyone, but by taking all the steps to make sure the right movers are found, the stress can be minimized.