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Tips for hiring a professional moving service

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1. Ensure you are hiring a reputable company. Friends, neighbors and employers may be able to offer helpful recommendations. Consult with your local Better Business Bureau for further information. Inquire with the company about who will actually be performing the work, as some larger national companies outsource their work to smaller agents that are generally not associated with the larger companies.
2. Have at least two, and preferably three, companies come to your home or apartment and give you a written estimate. Be sure to clarify with the representative of the moving company what the estimate means. There are various types of estimates. A standard estimate states that the moving company will only charge for the services rendered that day. If they do more than discussed on estimate day, then you pay more. If they do less, then you pay less. A binding price estimate states that this is the amount you will pay for your move, regardless of whether the service provided is less. But be aware that with a binding estimate, the mover might try to prove that they did more than was included in the estimate, and therefore you are required to pay more as it was not included in the estimate. Other companies may offer a not-to-exceed amount, but keep in mind, again, that this is based on the amount of work discussed on the day of the estimate. So, the best way to ensure an accurate estimate is to be very clear with the mover about exactly what you want them to do. To accomplish this, the estimate should include a detailed room by room inventory. When comparing estimates from various companies, be sure you are comparing like items. Tell each estimator the same thing and be sure they include hidden costs such as insurance, taxes, surcharges for bulky items, boxes, etc.
3. Consider purchasing insurance offered by the mover to cover your belongings should something be lost or damaged. This is particularly important for family keepsakes, artwork, etc. In considering this, be sure to carefully read the liability coverage provided by the company.
4. Plan ahead, especially if you are moving during busy times. Typically, movers are busiest in the summer (May to August) and at the end of the month. Contact your moving company 4 to 6 weeks in advance to reserve your moving day and call to confirm the details of your reservation two weeks in advance.

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