As you may know, summertime is when many folks choose to move. And with Memorial Day upon us, today we’ll provide you with some of our best advice.
Moving is one of the most stressful things that people do, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are steps you can take to choose the right mover, ensuring that your experience will be positive.
You should also do your homework: check out your potential mover through their website, through various social media sites, through the Better Business Bureau, through impartial sites that rate movers or, even better, through referrals from friends, neighbors, and real estate agents.
8 tips to avoid moving scams
- Get at least three written estimates from reputable companies. Helpful hint: a certified ProMover abides by an established set of professional standards, set by AMSA, the moving industry’s professional association.
- Avoid movers who are only internet-based (i.e., they don’t have a physical operation or place of business) or those who are unwilling to come to your home to conduct an in-person estimate or survey.
- Do your “due diligence,” and check your movers’ references out before you select one.
- Avoid interstate estimates based on cubic footage, rather than by weight. By weight is best because it can be verified, and also, by federal law, prices for interstate moves must be based on weight.
- Don’t choose the mover simply because they quote the lowest price.
- Compare your estimates line-by-line to make sure each one is based on similar weights, crew size, and hours, and includes the same services.
- Avoid movers who demand a large deposit or cash to hold your moving date. A nominal deposit of 10% or less is customary.
- Read all the literature given to you at the time of your estimate, especially the brochure entitled, “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which is published by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
7 hints to ensure a smooth move this summer
Almost everyone wants to move in the late spring and summer, because kids are out of school. Consequently, movers are extremely busy during the months of June, July, and August.- Avoid moving during peak periods (the last 10 days of any summer month), if possible.
- There’s no such thing as a silly question. If the moving company is unwilling or unable to answer your questions, this should raise a red flag.
- Confirm that your moving company employs full-time, trained crews. After all, these are your most precious possessions they will be handling.
- Choose to take the valuation coverage, which provides full value replacement of your possessions.
- Visit the mover’s facilities. The way a warehouse is kept says a lot about a moving company.
- It’s hot out there, so water or sports drinks will be appreciated by your moving crew, and be on-hand to answer the crew’s questions on your move day.
If you’re ready to get your move planning started, contact JK today for an in-home estimate.