Hiring a Moving Company: 5 Things to Do

Feb 4
07:14

2012

Abraham Avotina

Abraham Avotina

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

If you are on the verge of leaving your old home behind, you may want to consider hiring a moving company to take care of the labor portion of the move.

mediaimage
If you're on the verge of leaving your old home behind,Hiring a Moving Company: 5 Things to Do Articles you may want to consider hiring a moving company to take care of the labor portion of the move. No small number of homeowners (and renters!) have thrown their backs out or destroyed a big screen TV by trying to handle too much with inexperience and underdeveloped physical strength. There is certainly no shame in hiring professionals, and it's probably not as expensive as you might have thought. If you do choose to go this route, here are five things you should do before the big day.

Get an Estimate, But Don't Rely on It

Before you hire a moving company, you should call around and get a few quotes. If you're to the point where you're ready to hire someone, you should request a written estimate. By now, you'll have a decent idea what people in the area are charging for what you're asking. Therefore, you should be wary if you get a really low estimate. Some movers like to pull this trick on unsuspecting customers. They offer a rock bottom price on the estimate, only to tack on fee after fee by the time everything is said and done. You could wind up paying twice the price, so be on your guard when you get a ridiculously low estimate.

Have Them Come Out To Your House

A moving company can give you a much more accurate idea of what the move will cost if they come out to the house and survey what they're dealing with. Not every mover is going to be willing to take this step, of course. And that's not necessarily a red flag. But it is another thing to take into consideration while making your decision about who to hire.

Get Your Rights Pamphlet

Under federal law, an interstate moving company has to provide you with a pamphlet entitled, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." This helpful literature will let you in on all of the relevant laws and give you some tips you should adhere to. It prevents unscrupulous businesses from taking advantage of unsuspecting customers. The laws in your state may also demand something similar from local movers.

Decide On Packing

There are two ways to hire a moving company. You can hire them just to load your boxes and furniture on to a truck and haul it to the destination, or you can pay for them to pack your belongings as well. Many people choose to forego the full service deal, but it can be a good idea. They know how to pack things so they don't get damaged, after all.

File Damage Claims Early

If your furniture or belongings were damaged in the move, it's your responsibility to file a damage claim as soon as possible. Check with the laws in your state to see the process and how long you have to make the claim.