ALL MY SONS LOCAL MOVING GUIDE
Local Moving, also called Intrastate, means
that your new residence will be with-in the same
state, regardless of the number of miles that
you are moving.
How is the cost estimate determined on
a local move?
Most moving companies base their estimates for
local moves on an hourly rate. The rate depends
on the number of movers and the number of trucks
that are required for the job. The time billed
should begin when they arrive at your home and
end when they are finished unloading and assembling
everything in your new home. Moving companies
will add travel time to your move which should
be approximately 1 hour based on 30 minutes drive
time from the moving company to your original
home and 30 minutes from your final destination
back again to the moving company's home base.
How to Choose the Right Moving Company
for Your Local Move:
Are you a little nervous about who to trust with
moving your earthly possessions? Follow these
steps to finding a reliable moving company and
a little peace of mind.
- Talk to friends, neighbors and co-workers
for personal recommendations and warnings.
- If you are looking for choices on the Internet
make sure you DO NOT USE A BROKER. Current consumer
protection laws related to the movement of household
goods do not apply to Household Goods Brokers.
Once a broker sells you, he sells the job to
the highest bidder, and he is no longer responsible
to you. Brokers are not licensed to do the actual
moves. With a broker you’ll never know
who is going to show up on moving day and they
will usually charge you a lot more then you
where told by the broker. Always ask are you
a broker?
- Spend some time talking with each moving company
it’s a good sign if they take the time
to understand your moving needs. Ask questions.
If the company representative isn't friendly
and helpful on the phone, call someone else.
- Don’t let a moving company bait you
with low hourly rates. A professional moving
company is sure to perform your move more efficiently
and protect your belongings and that’s
what ultimately saves you money.
- Occasionally, no matter how careful a moving
company is, an item may be damaged. That’s
why it’s important to ask the moving company
about their claims policy.
- Verify that the moving company is insured.
- Verify they are a member in Good Standing
of your Local Better Business Bureau.
- Verify that the moving company is licensed
and regulated. You can inquire from state agencies
that regulate transportation services, or look
in the phone book under a Public Utility Commission
(PUC) or Department of Transportation (DOT).
Warnings:
- The lowest hourly rate in a local move is
not necessarily the lowest final price. Some
moving companies bait you with low hourly rates
and then in the sneakiest of ways prolong the
time required to finish the move to raise the
cost of your move. Always choose the moving
company best suited based on the above criteria
not the hourly price.
- Watch out for hidden costs always ask are
there any other potential cots I may be required
to pay?
- DO NOT USE A BROKER. Always ask are you a
broker?
- Before you choose a National Van Line, keep
in mind most Van Lines don't have the authority
to do local moves. The moving contract will
be with you and their local agent and the Van
Line will not be responsible in the case of
any damages or other potential problems. Rarely
will the agent tell you this and if he does
not choose another mover.
What can I do to keep costs down during
my move?
If you're engaging professional movers, you
should mention your cost concerns during your
initial call with a sales person. Similar to airlines
or hotels, most moving companies have a sliding
scale of prices that reflect supply and demand
on a particular day. Generally, the summer months
are the busiest. Saturdays and the beginning and
end of each month are busy year-round. The less
busy times tend to be Monday through Thursday
in the middle weeks of the month. Being flexible
with your move date - an overlap between when
you need to be out of your old home and are able
to get into your new home – helps to ensure
you get the best value. Additionally, a professional
moving company will take the time to provide you
with advice about other cost-saving measures,
including efficient preparation in advance of
moving day.
Can I keep costs down by having a family
member or friend help with the move?
Having your friends move you in a rented truck
may seem to be the lowest cost option, but it
may turn out to be a costly nightmare. Back injuries,
friends who back out at the last minute, damages,
nicks and scratches and other uncertainties can
make it a very stressful moving day. Ask anyone
who moved themselves and most will say they wish
they had hired a moving company. Choose the right
moving company and you’ll be happy you did.
You Rights and Responsibilities:
All local moves are regulated by your state's
Department of Transportation (DOT) or the Public
Utilities Conference (PUC). (Click
here to visit your States DOT Department)
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