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. If you are 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-
you're certain to get the best value. Additionally,
a professional moving company will take
the time to provide you advice on 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 tell you wish I
would of 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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