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How To Deal With Moving Quotes?
So, you are moving. The advice you get is: compare movers by
requesting free moving quotes. But what are the things you
really should keep a close eye on?
The more details you give, the more accurate your quote. Moving
companies need information about the amount you would like to
move, so that they can determine how many people and which
vehicles are needed. The cheapest mover is not always the best.
Some less qualified movers might overlook belongings while
estimating, which might make your move more expensive then
initially estimated. Be sure to provide them with all the
details they need. There are many criteria for choosing a moving
company. Whilst some companies provide reduced rates; others
provide additional security for your belongings, or extra
services that can help you more effectively. Please be sure to
sum up all the pros and cons carefully, before deciding which
company you opt for.
Check that they are members of a professional trade
organisation! National trade associations maintain professional
high standards and can give you detailed information about
member companies. Members of these associations are usually
vetted annually. Also, if you are unsatisfied with the services
provided, you have a higher authority that you can contact. Two
of the most renown trade associations include:
AMSA American Moving and Storage Association www.moving.org
HHGFAA Household Goods Forwarders Association of America Inc
www.hhgfaa.org
FMWA F lorida Movers and Warehousemen's Assiciation www.fmwa.org
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
www.fmcsa.dot.gov
FIDI The International Federation of International Movers
www.fidi.com
FAIM Fidi Accredited International Mover www.fidi.com
LACMA Latin American & Caribbean International Movers
Association www.lacmassoc.org
PAIMA Pan American International Movers Association
www.paima.com
IATA www.iata.com
FIATA Fédération Internationale des Associations de Transitaires
et Assimilés International Federation of Freight Forwarders
Associations fiata.com
OMNI www.omnimoving.com
FITA Federation of International Trade Associations www.fita.org
ISO International Organization for Standardization www.iso.ch
What extra services do you need? If you are looking for extra
services, please be sure that these options are covered by the
removal companies that approach you. If these services are not
provided, you should decide whether you would like to arrange
this separately, or consider another removal company as your
choice. Extra services include:
Packing services Boxing Supply of Boxes Fragile packing Storage
of goods Insurance for your goods Speciality Removals such as
Piano or Antiques Extra charges or additional transportation
charges can also be made for long carries, stairs, lifts, moving
large items (e.g. cars), disconnecting electrical goods or gas
stoves. How much should these extra services cost? Each removal
company is different, however you can compare the amounts given
to you from several moving companies.
Documentation. Make sure that you read all the fine print before
signing any contracts, to prevent any extra charges.
Storage. Storage can be arranged by your removal company, or you
can also arrange this separately by contacting the storage
company directly.
Then, some money saving moving tips!
Book on time. Your move can be so much cheaper if you book on
time. This way, the mover is notified in time and can plan your
move better and more efficiently.
Packing Ask your mover early for packing material, moving boxes,
stickers and how they handle packing. This because most moving
companies will not insure fragile / valuable goods if you pack
them yourself. For normal items such as clothing and books, this
will not be the case.
Stairs cost extra If there are stairs in your new or old home,
keep in mind that you will probably need to pay extra! Some
possible solutions in avoiding extra costs are, to rent a
lifting crane or elevator, or instruct the mover not to use the
stairs and bring all your goods up or down yourself. .
Disassemble yourself! Disassembling your goods yourself will
save you a lot of money. Movers can disassemble them for you but
this will cost you extra. What items need disassembling? Think
about beds, closets, wall units. Disconnect your washers,
dryers, stoves, fridge etc., yourself. Movers can charge you
extra for it.
Get help from friends. Ask your mover if it is possible that you
and your friends/family help during the move.
Possible extra charges & services Movers can charge you
additional services for packing, appliance servicing, unpacking,
or stair/long carries that are needed. You can also be charged
for shuttling (needing multiple small trucks instead of 1 for
narrow streets). moving a car or pianos, disconnecting washers,
dryers, gas stoves dishwashers, any items that need to be
disconnected for the move.
They can also charge you advanced charges for services performed
by a third party at your request. The charges for these services
are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill
of Lading.
About the author:
Intlmovers.com is an intermediair between moving companies and
consumers looking for a moving company.
http://www.intlmovers.com
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