How to Hire the Right Moving Company

Moving can be a very stressful and draining experience. It doesn't help when the moving company you hired wasn't what you expected or turned out to be a lot more expensive than you had anticipated. Here are some tips from the experts on how to hire the right moving company for you. How to Hire JUNE S M T W I F JULY S M T W TFS THE RIGHT 4 9 10 11 12 13 14 7 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 2 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Moving Company 23 24 25 26 27 2 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 About 8 weeks before you move, you should start 3 researching moving companies and gathering online estimates. You should select a moving vendor about 4 weeks before your move.1 Understand the difference between a moving company and a broker ? Moving brokers are the middlemen between the client and the moving companies who negotiate multiple, competitive moving contracts. They do not own trucks or employ movers. If you elect to use a broker, make sure you understand its level of accountability if something goes wrong. Moving companies (van lines or independent moving companies) on the other hand, own their own truck fleets and employ highly trained professionals to handle household moves. They are insured, provide valuation protection for your household goods, and are liable for lost or damaged goods based on the valuation options you select. Moving companies are focused on retaining customers and providing excellent service. Did you know? Moving is the third most stressful event in a person's life, trumped only by death and divorce. (according to the Employee Relocation Council) 3 6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Moving Company Don't choose a moving company based on price alone. Discounted movers may increase costs on moving day or may not be insured or provide valuation protection for your household goods. X Don't rely solely on the Internet to find a moving company. Recommendations and referrals from friends provide more reliable suggestions. 3 Make sure you show the mover everything you're moving. Items added after the estimate could cost you more or delay the shipment. BEKINS Moving Checklist http://bit.ly/ChecklistforMoving Complete your packing before the movers show up to load your shipment. If you are packing your own items, make sure you're done by the time the movers arrive to load your shipment. If the move takes longer than planned because you've not kept up your end of the bargain, you might be charged for additional time. BEKINS Pa Packing Guide http://bit.ly/PackingGuide 5 Certain items, like aerosol cans, firearms, etc. can't be moved on the moving van - you'll need to find alternate means to get them to your destination. Don't waste time negotiating this issue with your movers or packing them and then have to pull them out later. Signs of a Rogue Moving Company X The company's website doesn't have a local address for an office or warehouse. X A deposit or cash is required before the move. X They do not provide or agree to a free, in-home estimate before the move. X Rental trucks show up on moving day instead of a marked fleet truck. Did you know? The single biggest factor (31%) in choosing a new neighborhood is convenience to work. 7 Get an In-home Moving Estimate Online moving estimator tools can be very helpful in the early stages of choosing and researching moving companies, but they are just estimates. In-home moving estimates are more beneficial in the long run: / You have a chance to meet the movers you might hire. The movers assess your items and provide you with an accurate estimate. BEKINS Get an In-Home Moving Estimate: http://bit.ly/Moving-Estimate 8 During the in-home moving estimate, it's a good idea to ask the moving company any questions you may have for them. 3 Questions to Ask a Moving Company Before You Hire Them 1 Does your moving company have an office and/or warehouse facility? Legitimate moving companies require these to run efficiently. Do you own your own vehicles? Companies who own their own vehicles ensure that they are properly maintained. 3 Are you licensed and insured? No doubt about it. Crucial and imperative. Be prepared and educate yourself about the different options when moving and what to ask and expect. Make your move as easy as possible by hiring the right moving company. Choosing a moving company is one of many decisions you'll make during the moving process. It's important to be as informed and educated as possible to avoid any problems down the road. " A.J. Schneider V.P. of Sales and Marketing Wheaton World Wide Moving | Bekins Van Lines About Bekins Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bekins offers private and corporate domestic and international household goods relocation services as well as special commodities and logistic services. BEKINS www.bekins.com Infographic by DK New Media Sources: 1 http://www.bekins.com/planning-guides/moving-checklist/ 2 http://www.commerce.senate.gov/public/?a=Files.Serve&File_id=e91ce6b0-6262-4cd3-b127-6d29baeOfa52 3 http://www.moving.com/blogs/2013/01/10/moving-fun-facts-and-statistics/ 4 http://bit.ly/ChecklistforMoving 5 http://bit.ly/PackingGuide 6 http://moving.about.com/od/hiringamovingcompany/a/research.htm 7 http://www.moving.com/blogs/2013/01/10/moving-fun-facts-and-statistics/ 8 http://bit.ly/Moving-Estimate