Moving Companies
Are you going to be moving in the near future? If so, have you considered a professional moving company, especially if you're moving out of state? It takes a little time to find the right moving company but it's time well spent. Your possessions are priceless to you and they deserve the same TLC you would give them if you were packing and moving them.
The internet is a great place to look for companies on the move. You just need to fill out a query and get a quote and a description of what they offer. Another good method is to ask friends and co-workers. Word of mouth is always the best testimonial.
What should you expect from professional movers? Usually on the day of pick-up, the moving crew wraps and crates everything. Then each item is numbered and color coded before loading. The foreman takes the inventory and notes the condition of each item. The truck has line markers on its side walls which are used to determine the size of your shipment. Any questions or concerns you may have during this process, now is the time to ask the moving company.
The next question you probably have is how long is the delivery time for the moving company? The average time is usually seven to fourteen days depending on how far you are moving. You will usually be notified of the status of your belongings on the day of the departure. Then you will be contacted again twenty-four to forty-eight hours before delivery so that you can arrange for the delivery date and time at your new home. Your belongings will be carried into the home. The movers will unwrap the padding and put the furniture where you want it. Anything disassembled by the crew will be reassembled. This is the way most moving companies work, and this is why it pays to shop around and ask questions.
Should you have insurance on the items being moved? All insurance companies are different and the best way to know is to ask your own agent who he or she would recommend. Most of them will probably tell you that it is best to have insurance on the items being moved so that if something happened in transit, the loss would at least be partially reimbursed.
Most moving companies charge at least 50% of the total cost at pickup. The balance is due on delivery. Costs vary depending on size of the load and distance travelled. Some companies will not accept personal checks. They will accept credit card, cashiers' check, money order or cash. Some companies will only accept cash at the time of delivery.