Asking your best friends or relatives to help move can be an uncomfortable task. What if your besties say “NO?” Will that paint a different picture of the individuals you had expected a YES?
It’s unfortunate that the cost of moving isn’t often included in the purchase offers ( they can and sometimes do ) because moving expenses can add up to thousands. First-time homeowners typically have less personal items to move and more frequently than not doesn’t include items from the apartment. Many new homeowners are anxious to begin a new-found beginning as homeowner that includes new furnishing, appliances, and matching window protectors. However move-up buyers regularly find themselves seeking professional help.
If you are the type who doesn’t want to burden friends with your moving politic the following questions are worth exploring prior to signing or making a deposit to retain a professional moving company.
Moving companies typically will quote by the hour and number of movers to complete a job. Due to insurance and other liability reasons it isn’t customary to hire only one mover thinking that you’ll need only an extra set of hands. Most moving jobs will require two or more workers and many companies are quick to recommend 2-4 workers at $120-$300 per hour, with a two hour minimum. The value added is that more workers can get the job done faster and thus you will be billed for fewer hours. The downside is that you might not need as much help as initially thought.
Some common questions to ask prior to signing or paying a retainer deposit might include:
1: What is the deposit amount?
2: What is the cancellation or change policy?
3: What is the guarantee if the moving company or workers failed to show up?
4: When does billing start? Does billing start when the workers arrive at your apartment or home? Does it start when the truck departs their place of business? Are you billed for travel time to and from pickup?
5: Are you charged by the hour or # of items moved, packed, installed, uninstalled, assembled/disassembled, unpacked? If hour, will you be charged in 15 minute increments, whole hour, per minute?
6: What if you go over the estimated billing time? What is the surcharge?
7: Will you receive a refund if actual hours worked will be less than the hours quoted?
8: What other fees are included with the quote? Consumable fee? Recycling fee? Gas fees? Transportation fee?
9: Who is responsible and how much is billed for the moving truck?
10. Are all the miles included in the rental truck?
11. Is the moving company insured and licensed? What does it cover?
It is worth noting that existing homeowner policies and rental insurance might already include accidental damage to personal properties. In the event your smartphones, computer, electronic devices, and other personal items become damaged while moving a simple call to the insurance agent could save you thousands.
Armed with the above information you should be able to determine which moving company can provide the best value for your money.