How to Interview Professional Movers
When deciding to hire a moving company, the options can be a bit overwhelming. Which company will be right for your move, at an affordable cost, with satisfaction guaranteed? Here are some tips that will help you to interview professional movers:
- •Ask about the company history. Questions about where the company started, how long they have been in business, and how long employees have been with the company, can all be very helpful when choosing a moving company. The longer a company has been in existence, usually means the more families they have helped move. Good companies tend to keep their employees for long periods of time.
- •Have any complaints been filed against the moving company? If so, the company should provide you with a list of complaints, and a description of how they handled each complaint. It is near impossible to have a squeaky clean complaint record, but what is important are the steps taken in order to rectify each customer.
- •Does the company move all items with people who are employed by them? This is a good question to ask a company if you have any heavy specialty items. Pianos, pool tables, and hot tubs are some examples of items that companies sometimes refuse to move themselves. Be sure to check with the company to see if they are going to be responsible for moving these sort of items, or if they plan to hire a 3rd party company.
- •It is always good to read company reviews. If a company has a lot of good reviews with few bad ones, it is probably safe to say that the company is reliable. People are more likely to give bad reviews on companies than they are to give good reviews. It is also a good idea to always check with the Better Business Bureau for each company you interview
- First impressions can give you a good idea of what kind of company you are dealing with. Are the employees professional? Are they dressed nicely, in uniform? Is the office clean and organized? All of these things can also contribute to making a decision when it comes to hiring profession movers.
Proper moving equipment,
Whether you are moving yourself or you have hired the
Inventory of Property
An Inventory Report is a list of the household items and their condition.
It is crucial to have a detailed inventory of your household goods when your moving company will take possession of your shipment overnight or longer.
Movers are required by law to provide inventory of your items at no additional cost when they take your shipment to storage or transporting it long distance. If you want your movers to inventory your shipment moving locally, your mover may agree to provide that service, however local moves are charged hourly, and therefore inventorying your items will add time to the regular moving activities and will in effect cost you extra.
Please do not confuse regular inventorying of the shipment with providing special inventory of "Articles of Extraordinary Value". Articles of Extraordinary Value must be inventoried by the shipper (customer), and provide values next to each item listed in that report. Articles of extraordinary value are any household items with a value over $100.00 per pound.
Most movers use inventory reports that are recommended by California PUC, or US Department of Transportation. An inventory form will have the following information:
- Moving Company Name, Address, Phone Number;
- Contract Number;
- Truck Unit Number;
- Customer Name;
- Pickup and Delivery Addresses of the shipment;
- Inventory Sheet Number and Total Number of Inventory Sheets (as each inventory sheet contains 30 articles, there are usually more than one inventory sheet per shipment);
- Descriptions of multiple symbols, that help describe the article and its condition;
- Number of Article (each article is assigned a number and a numbered sticker is attached to it);
- Description of the article;
- Article's condition at the time of pickup;
- Article's condition after delivery;
- Description of the packer (PBO - packed by owner, or CP - company packed);
- Inventory is signed and dated on the day of pickup, and again after the delivery has been made;
- There is plenty of room next to each article for comments - prior to loading and after the load has been delivered, mover and shipper must describe any damages or losses next to the space in the inventory form assigned to that article.
Inventory Forms, once filled out, become an integral part of the moving contract (bill of lading), your mover must attach it to the contract and have it with the shipment at all times.
Before signing forms, both at pickup and delivery, make sure that inventory lists all items in your shipment. Also it is very important to read the condition-descriptions section of your goods indicated on inventory forms. If you disagree with them, make your own remarks (you may even take some pictures of the items in question), otherwise you may have difficulty receiving compensation should the damage occur.
Before the movers leave, personally open and unwrap all fragile and valuable articles and boxes as they are delivered to you. If you discover any damages or missing items let your mover know and mark both mover's and your own copy of the inventory form. Have the mover sign and initial the damaged or missing articles (taking pictures is always helpful). If you have a large shipment, you should ask your family and/or friends help you with unwrapping and opening boxes while movers are still at your residence. You have up to 6 months to file a claim, however having notations on the forms signed on the delivery date will be extremely helpful.
Make sure to keep original forms from the pickup and the delivery. Keep in mind, that marking losses or damages on the inventory forms is not an official claim for the loss/damage, however having both copies of inventories (pickup & delivery), which are signed by both you and your mover will help you expedite the claim process and may help you with getting a fair settlement.
Having your inventory forms marked and signed will simplify processing of your possible claim. However, failure to do so in no way effects your right to make a claim and to have your claim processed on its merits.
Symbols used in the inventory forms
Example (Notations at pickup):
Item #1 - 3 Cushion Couch - W, F-10, SW. (Means: (W)Badly Warn, (F)(10)Faded-Top, (SW)Stretch Wrapped)
Item #2 - Large Box - PBO, CU. (Means: (PBO)Packed by Owner, (CU)Contents Unknown)
Item #3 - Medium Box - Stereo Player, CP, SCR, MCU. (Means: (CP)Carrier Packed, (SCR)Scratched, (MCU)Mechanical Condition Unknown)
Item #4 - Dining Table - SW (Means: Good Condition, (SW)Stretch Wrapped)
If there are no notations next ot the article in the inventory - this means that the article is in good condition.
Mover's Liability
Already included in the mover's rates is protection against possible loss or damage of your household goods at 60 cents per pound. However, you may purchase additional protection and set the value of your belongings for an amount that makes you comfortable. Be sure to speak with your insurance agent, who will help you check your existing insurance policies for relocation protection.
BASIC COVERAGE: at 60 cents per pound per article, this protection ensures recovery of articles determined by the article's weight multiplied by 60 cents. Therefore, if a stereo system was damaged during your move, it's weight was 25 pounds. 25 x $0.60 = $15.00 is what can be recovered. This is a minimal protection that comes included in mover's rates.
ACTUAL CASH VALUE: this protection ensures recovery at the actual cash value of your items, it covers the depreciated value of your goods and is determined by such factors as the cost of the item new, its age, its condition when received by mover, and the value you declared. Most movers charge for this protection, the costs will be stated on mover's freight bill.
FULL VALUE: this protection cost the most as it will recover the replacement value of any lost or damaged item. With this coverage your mover may choose to replace, reimburse or repair the damaged item. Remember to declare items of extraordinary value (items with value of over $100 per pound). The mover may offer this level of protection with deductibles. In this case you would be responsible for deductibles, unless the item was lost by the mover.
LIABILITY FOR VALUABLES
Items of extraordinary value (with cost of over $100 per pound), such as antiques, jewelry, valuable papers, currency, etc., should be separately described on the inventory with a value of each item indicated on the list. It is best not to ship valuable, such as jewelry or currency with your regular household goods, keep those items on you at all times.
Estimate
When planning to move using services of a full service moving company you should interview and get estimates from at least three reputable moving companies.
Licensed moving companies are required to provide shippers with written estimates for every move. In case that your mover is located with in 50 mile radius of your original residence, the estimate that your mover provides to you must be based on the physical survey of your goods. If your mover is located over 50 miles from your residence then the estimate must be written on the morning of the move, prior to loading the truck. This allows customer time to review estimate of costs, understand all charges and fees associated with relocation. If there is no price agreement between the shipper and the mover, mover can refuse to perform the job. This may inconvenience the customers as they need to find a new moving company. That is why we strongly recommend to get at least 3 written estimates days before the move day. You can waive the right to receive a written estimate, buy your waiver will have to be in writing.
Keep in mind that getting a verbal quote of mover's tariff prices is not considered to be an official binding estimate.
The estimate must be written on movers official form, it must have moving company's name, address, phone numbers and the date of the estimate.
The estimate must describe pick up and delivery addresses, services required to be performed by mover, any special services, (such as, storage in transit, shuttle, long carry, hoisting, etc.), and it must provide mover's tariff and final cost for moving services.
The estimate must specify the form of payment the mover will honor upon delivery. Payment methods may include, but not limited to:
- COD - Cash on Delivery;
- Major Credit Cards - Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express;
- Money Orders, Certified Checks, Traveler's checks.
- Most moving companies do not accept personal checks.
Before loading and upon mutual agreement between you and the mover, your mover can amend the estimate of charges. Your mover may not amend estimate after the loading has began, unless there are special circumstances. Such as, due to the road conditions the mover's truck can not be park near your delivery location and the mover must perform shuttle service. As this is an unforeseen situation the amendment may be made in this case.
There are three type of estimates provided by moving companies.
- Binding Estimate,
- Non-binding Estimate,
- Not to Exceed Estimate.
- Binding Estimate is a written agreement made in advance with your mover, indicating that you and the mover are bound by the charges. It guarantees the total cost of the move based upon the quantities and services shown on your mover's estimate.
Your mover may charge for providing you with a binding estimate. A binding estimate must be in writing and you must receive a copy of it.
- Non-Binding Estimate is what your mover believes the total cost of the move will be, based on the estimated weight of your shipment (long distance moves), hours of service (local moves) and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on your mover. The estimate will indicate that the final charges will depend on the actual weight of the shipment or hours of service and the mover's tariff provisions in effect. You should be prepared (if necessary) to pay 10% over the estimate at delivery.
You should also be prepared to pay for any additional services that were performed and requested after the contract was executed that were not on the original estimate.
- Not-to-Exceed Estimate is provided after physical inspection of your goods. It is provided in writing. Just like the binding estimate it guarantees the cost of the move, and like the non-binding estimate it may be based on the actual weight of the shipment or the actual service hours, which ever is lesser. Not-to-exceed estimate is beneficial to the customer as if the estimator made an error of over stating the weight of the shipment, the actual weight will be applied, however if estimator understated the weight of shipment or time of service, the customer will not be responsible for it, and will pay the guaranteed amount of the estimate.
When scheduling a time for the mover to provide you with an on-site estimate, depending on the size of your residence allot anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. The estimator will take a very detailed inventory of your goods and additional services you may require. This information will then be used to determine the size of your shipment and the total cost of the move.
Moving Safes and Vaults
Fist thing is to make sure that your safe is properly prepared for the move.
There are a few things you must do to ensure your safe's move goes smoothly and safely and most importantly that your valuables are not damaged.
- Everything must be removed from your safe, prior to movers getting to your residence.
- Most safes are bolted down to the floor. Therefore, a safe specialist will have to get access to the lower part of the safe to get it detached from the floor.
- Heavy articles inside the safe will add unnecessary weight to an already heavy item. It will help movers to handle the safe with more ease and safely transport it to destination. A lighter safe will add less stress to the stairs, floors, it is easier to maneuver and may require a help of less movers in less time.
- During the move your safe will be lifted, leaned and in some cases may even be laid on its back.
- The safe will also go through normal stresses of the move. Such as unpredictable road conditions, vibrations. This will cause shifting of items inside the safe. Items that are not tightly secured inside may easily get damaged.
- Let your movers know if they have to deal with stairs at either location, as they will need additional equipment for it. Most staircases can handle a safe relocation as long as there is enough room to operate our equipment. The circular and narrow staircases can not be used to move a safe. Movers may ask you to measure your stairs and share this information with them ahead of time.
- Make sure that there is nothing abstracting the access to the safe and that movers have a clear path to get it out of its old location. If there are permanent fixture in the way and you couldn't disassemble them, not to worry, the movers have the tools to break them down. This will take more time and there will be an extra fee associated with it. Movers may ask you to pick an alternative location in case the fist choice is not accessible.
- If the safe is going to your new residence make certain that chosen spot for the safe is abstract-less as well. Measure all doorways and hallways ahead of time. This will prevent you from making a decision of looking for a spot for a safe in hurry, while the movers are at your new place ready for installation.
Injury and Illness Prevention Program
All licensed household movers must have a program in place to make sure that the employees and public are kept safe during relocation process. Movers must make every reasonable effort to provide a safe and healthful place of employment and to control the recognized hazards of any project. Accident prevention program is a basic part of mover's primary responsibility.
All moving companies are required to follow safe work procedures and take an active role in protecting fellow workers and general public.
Same procedures should be followed when you are moving your household yourself with the help of your family and friends. In a self move situation the person relocating becomes the responsible party for the safety of your helpers as well as safety of the goods, residences and moving equipment, such as a truck or a van.
If anyone gets hurt while helping you move on your property, it becomes your legal responsibility. Even-though, they are not your employees and are helping you on their own free will.
Here is the list of procedures that are used by moving companies to protect their workers. Use same precautions when moving by yourself.
SAFE WORK/MOVE RULES
- Report to work in good physical and alert mental condition.
- Ware proper clothing (shoes, gloves, etc.).
- Understand the work assignment and make certain that you are qualified for it physically, mentally and are experienced to perform it.
- Obey all special rules, instructions, and traffic laws. Speeding and/or reckless driving of large moving trucks (which you may not have much experience with) presents extreme danger to you and the others.
- The use or possession of intoxicating beverages or narcotics on the job is prohibited, and warrants immediate dismissal. Same goes for friends that are helping you move and decide to have a few beers; this may become a cause of an accident that would have been avoided while working in sober condition.
- Use the safety equipment and devices that are available to you for your protection, i.e. seat belts, cones, reflectors, etc.
- Watch for hazards, unsafe conditions and practices report them to your superiors immediately (or inform your friends of the existing hazard) and correct it if you can.
- Machinery and equipment must be operated by licensed personal only, don't try to repair it. If equipment breaks down report it to your supervisor or the rental agency.
- Lift with your leg muscles, not the smaller muscles of your back. Get help for lifting or moving heavy objects.
- Keep your work area clean and free of debris and other tripping hazards.
- Know where the emergency equipment is located, such as fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and report its use for replenishment.
- If injured in any way, must report to your employer immediately and obtain first aid or medical treatment.
- Disregarding any of these safe practices is a cause for termination of employment, or putting your friends in jeopardy.
- Riding on the outside, or inside the box of cargo truck is prohibited.
- Before starting the truck and putting it in motion make sure that there will be no danger to other persons or property.
- All equipment must be safely parked even if for a short time, before leaving it.
PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (MOVE RELATED)
- Wear proper footwear preferably boots or steal toed shoes, and back supports.
- Use proper respiratory equipment whether there is exposure to harmful dust, gases, fumes, or vapors.
- Whenever, loading the truck and have to carry items across the street ware bright vest or shirt. Stay alert of the oncoming traffic.
- Wear protective gloves when lifting furniture, large appliances, or working with hazardous products.
HAND AND PORTABLE ELECTRIC EQUIPMENT
- Use the right tools for the job.
- Do not use defective or dull tools.
- Make certain that all hand electric tools and control equipment is properly grounded.
ALWAYS THINK SAFETY FIRST, IF YOU ARE NOT SURE OF THE TASK, ASK YOUR SUPERVISORS OR LEAVE IT FOR PROFESSIONALS.
Articles of Extraordinary Value
We strongly recommend shippers, not to include articles of high value with their shipment of regular household goods. Keep those articles out of reach of others and take them with you. Such items as:
- Jewelry,
- Currency,
- Bonds, valuable papers,
- other valuable personal items.
However, if shipper may not use any other means of transferring those items, make sure to follow instructions described below.
Shipper must create a separate inventory for "Articles of Extraordinary Value".
This inventory must describe each article and its value and condition, and mover has to incpect their condition and provide adequate protection of those articles at shippers expanse.
On mover's bill of lading there is a paragraph specifically designated to log those articles in.
The mover will not be held liable, on the following articles unless they are listed by description and value on the mover's bill of lading (contract):
- bills of exchange,
- bonds,
- bullion,
- precious metals,
- currency,
- deeds,
- documents,
- evidence of debt,
- credit cards,
- fire arms (Note 1.),
- money,
- gems,
- jewelry,
- watches,
- precious stones,
- pearls, gold, silver articles (Note 2.),
- stock certificates,
- securities,
- stamp collection,
- musical instruments of rare quality or historical significance,
- original manuscripts,
- first editions or autograph copies of books,
- antique furniture,
- heirlooms,
- paintings,
- sculptures,
- and other work of arts and hobby collections and exhibits,
- letters, or packets of letters.
Note 1 - Liability should be provided to firearms legally acceptable under the Federal Gun Control Act 1968, provided that the shipper furnishes to the mover the caliber, make and serial number of such firearms and that those firearms are packed by mover at shippers expanse at regular charges provided by mover.
Note 2 - Includes gold, silver and platinum household articles such as silverware, coffee or tea sets, trays, candlesticks, and dishes.
No liability shall be provided for loss or damage to articles of extraordinary value except under circumstances where each article is specifically listed on the mover's shipping document (contract), and the value of each article is listed on the same document, and the mover is afforded the opportunity prior to pickup of the shipment to pack and otherwise provide adequate protection for such articles (at shippers expanse), if the packing provided by shipper is deemed inadequate.
Packing Instructions
If you wish to pack boxes by yourself make sure to take your time at protecting fragile items and not to overload boxes, but here are a few more suggestions:
- Do Not pack hazardous materials
- Pack one room at a time, label boxes discribing contents and room at destination (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and so on)
- Be as specific as you can
- Keep weight of boxes reasonable to prevent carton from folding of its own weight and being too heavy to carry.
- Place heavier non fragile boxes on the bottom, stack fragile and lighter items closer to the top of the stack
- Pack fragile boxes in dish packs, madedouble strong with double carton protection
- Wrap items with plenty of bubble and use packing paper for cushioning.
Preparing for moving
Two Months Prior to Moving Day
- If you use a mover, get 2-3 estimates from moving companies. If you move yourself, get costs from a truck rental company.
- Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
- Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
- Prepare to have a moving sale for your less valuable items, and have a net-auction for the more valuable ones – see QuikDrop.com
- Prepare current house for sale – upgrade lighting, lawn and paint
- Arrange to transfer school records.
- Choose a mover from the quotes and reserve your moving and delivery dates.
- Get your new home ready – Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is ready when you arrive.
Six weeks prior to Moving Day
- Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
- Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
- Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
- Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.
- Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one.
- Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive.
- If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the telephone company.
- Change the locks on all the doors in your new home, if the new home is ready.
- If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck for your selected moving day.
- If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials from uBoxes.com and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at your new house.
- Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting
- Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
- Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
- Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
- Collect your important records-Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.
- Hold your moving sale.
- Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids
- Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
- Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
- Make child-care arrangements for moving day.
- Arrange for donation or disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale
- Service your car in preparation for the move. If you’re moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check your antifreeze.
- Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
- Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
- Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
- Change your address. One week before you move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
- Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.
- Close and empty your safe-deposit box.
- Settle any bills with local businesses.
- Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
- Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.
- Confirm any travel reservations.
- Defrost refrigerator & freezer, propping doors open.
- Let movers pack your belongings (unless it’s a do-it-yourself move).
- Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
- Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
- Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box “load last.
- Obtain certified check or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
- Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
- If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.
- If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions and sign papers.
- Note all utility meter readings.
- Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing.
- Keep this paperwork in a safe place.
- Be present at your new house to answer any questions.
- Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
- On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
- Be prepared to pay your mover with certified check or traveler’s checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
- With this last box checked, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fruits of your organization and your new home.
Four weeks prior to Moving Day
Three weeks prior to Moving Day
Two weeks prior to Moving Day
One day prior to Moving Day
Move Day
Delivery Day
Moving Terminology
- Accessorial (Additional) Services - These are services Packing, Unpacking, Appliance servicing (connecting/reconnecting), etc.
- Advanced Charges - These are services performed by someone other than the mover. (Craftsman for wooden crates), other professional. Mover pays for these services and adds fees in your contract.
-Bill of Lading the contract for transportation and receipt for your goods.
- Carrier - Mover transporting your goods.
- Cash on Delivery (COD) - This means payment is required at the time of delivery, at home or warehouse.
- Expedited Service - This is an arrangement made with mover (long distance) by a set date in exchange for charges based on higher minimum weight.
- Flight Charge - A charge for carrying items up and/or down stairs (long distance only).
- Guaranteed Pick up and Delivery Service - Guaranteed dates of pick up and delivery (long distance moves), mover will provide reimbursement for delays. This premium service has higher tariff or higher minimum wight requirements.
- High value article (Article of extraordinary value) - Items valued at more than $100 per pound, or $220 per kg.
- Household Goods - in connection with moving means personal property used, or to be used, in a dwelling. You must request these items to be transported and pay mover for the transportation charges.
- Inventory - a detailed descriptive list of customer's household goods showing the number and the condition of the item.
- Long Carry - A charge for carrying article excessive distance between the truck and the residence. (Long distance moves only).
- Mover - A motor carrier engaged in the transportation of household goods.
- Order for Service - A document authorizing your mover to transport your goods.
- Pick up and delivery charges - Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between short term storage and your residence.
- Reasonable Dispatch - The performance of transportation and delivery on the dates agreed upon by you and your mover and shown on your contract "order for service".
- Shuttle Service - A use of smaller truck to provide service to residence not accessible by mover's regular truck.
- Storage In Transit (SIT) - A temporary storage of your shipment, pending further transportation, with or with out notification to customer. If customer can not accept shipment on the agreed date, mover can place goods into warehouse (with out notification). In this case customer is responsible for SIT charges, as well as warehouse handling, and final delivery charges.
- Tariff - An issuance containing rates, rules, regulations, classifications or other provisions. California issued a Max 4 tariff for moves with in the state (contains of maximum rate, which movers can not exceed). Federal Department of Transportation, for moves across state lines, requires movers to post tariff. The tariff must contain 3 (three) specific items. First, description of services offered to public. Second, the specific applicable rates, (or basis for calculating rates), and service terms for services offered to public. Third, has to be arranged to that customer can determine the rates for services applicable to their shipment.
- Valuation - the degree of worth of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates a mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than is provided in base transportation charges.
- Warehouse handling - A charge may be applicable every time SIT service is provided. This charge compensates the mover for physical labor of placing shipment into storage and than taking it out.
