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Distinctive Buyers : Relocation Services : Moving & Storage
Our sets of tips are a good place to start when you get ready to price, plan and pack your place
Choosing A Moving Company
- Start interviewing carriers six to eight weeks before you are ready to move.
- Select a carrier five to eight weeks before you move. Ask your friends, employers and co-workers for recommendations. Check with the Better Business Bureau about the company's standing.
- Tell the company whether you're moving locally (less than 100 miles within a state), intra-state (100+ miles within a state) or inter-state (between states). Local moves are billed at an hourly rate whereas intra- and inter-state moves are billed according to the size and weight of your shipment. The type of move also determines regulations and licenses.
- Get at least three written estimates. Typically a moving company sends an “estimator” to your home to assure accurate estimates. These estimates are usually free, but confirm and beware of over the phone estimates. Remember, unless you get a binding estimate, the final cost may be higher than the original quoted price.
- The best way to move, if possible, is with an NTE estimate or "Not to Exceed Price." The movers can beat the estimate but not exceed it. See if this is available.
- If one or more of your items requires special handling, such as antique furniture, inquire whether the mover has the experience and equipment to do the job.
- Find out what they will not move—movers may avoid high value items like coin collections, jewelry, or stocks and bonds. Most movers will not move dangerous substances like corrosives, explosives and other flammables.
- When comparing estimates, remember the cheapest company will not necessarily do the best job. If one firm's estimate is substantially lower than the others, find out why.
- Know who your movers will be: will an experienced foreman be present? Are the services and movers' experience equivalent? Are all the estimates binding?
- To keep cost down, dispose of unnecessary or hard-to-move items before the estimates. Reconsider moving old appliances and things like boats, campers, and motorcycles.
- Once you’ve made a decision, schedule the appointment to get packed and moved.
Moving Tips
When you know what date you will be moving, you will need to do the following:
- If you’re leasing your current home, give written notice to the landlord of your intent to move;
- Contact all utility companies (telephone, gas, electric, water/sewer, cable) and disconnect at your current address and schedule reconnect appointments at your new home as of the day of settlement.
- Contact your insurance company for your new homeowners’ insurance policy. They may ask several questions about the structure, etc. to estimate replacement value—your Realtor can assist with these questions.
- Contact current school(s) and register at new school(s) for transferring your children.
- Make an inventory of your personal property. This list could be invaluable in case of fire or theft.
- Fill out a change of address form with the Post Office.
Finding a Moving company
The following list is provided for your convenience to help you get started. There are many good movers. Casey Margenau is not recommending or endorsing any particular company.
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