1. Watch out for a low price quote.
A disreputable moving firm will give you a lowball price. On the day of the move, he'll wander around your home and state, "Oh, a number of these things ought to be packed." Then he'll charge you an outrageous amount to do it. Or perhaps he may state, "Gee, we are going to have to take your bed apart." Then he'll add yet another preposterous charge.
To prevent this from taking place, make sure you're as comprehensive and straight up about every single box and furniture item. If you have time, ask the movers to come to your home for a quote. They might wish to do the walk-through on the phone, however, you may get screwed should you go down that path. If you've got furniture which needs to be disassembled and reassembled, they ought to be part of your written quotation - and the crew is responsible for bringing the right wrenches and tools. And once you receive your end invoice, evaluate it carefully for any strange costs.
2. Make sensible selections.
Your greatest headache is getting hooked up with an unlicensed moving company. He not only is lacking in insurance, but also workers' compensation. If one of these people trips and falls down your steps with a heavy piece, get out your chequebook, my friend.
3. Structure your move with care - if possible.
Late May through August is jammed with folks attempting to move, therefore it's not a great time. The ideal time is around Xmas.
4. Look into specialized moving services.
Anybody can move a piano or a snowmobile. However for those who have museum-quality art, get in touch with the guys with the white gloves.
5. Deal quickly with "untrustworthy" moving services.
When your movers show up and you've got a poor perception about them - perhaps they said a thing that wasn't appropriate or they simply look a bit rough - keep a couple of things in mind. It is a tough business of hard physical work, therefore do not judge a book by its cover, so to speak. Should it be an issue of hostile behavior, get on the phone in 2 secs with a manager. And get it done before anything's on the van.
6. Guard your items.
If you don't like the way the movers are working with your things, be strong. Say, "Hey, you're making me anxious." If they are throwing stuff around or are reckless, you stop the job. Alert your estimator that you do not know what's happening, but he'll have a claim for damage if things do not improve. He'll send a superior out there, immediately. No reputable mover wants a problem.
Do not forget that the items in boxes you pack by yourself are not covered for damage or loss, therefore make sure you pack them as well as you can. When it comes to valuable items such as jewelry or small electronics, it is best to move those by yourself. Let's just say, some items could get "misplaced."
7. Keep an eye on the time.
Try not to get worried too much about it if it appears like they're "wasting time." Many individuals have an unrealistic expectation of the time it will take. Folks have reported that they paid for three movers, but they only see 2 guys moving stuff. Where's the 3rd? He is on the back of the van wrapping and packing. No crew would like to dog the job. They would like to go back home, sit back, and have a beer.
8. Watch your own behavior.
A few movers may possibly "punish" clients for rubbing them in the wrong way. If they really feel they have been mistreated and disrespected, they will want to get away from the bad customer and get the task done as fast as possible. They will end up placing a lot more boxes in the garage than there ought to be and quietly mumble, "Let them carry 'em in the house on their own." As an additional tweak, they'll flip over the boxes so that you are not able to look at the labels to find out what is in them or where each goes. The worst thing you can do during the move is be dismissive, treat the crew like dirt, and not permitting them to use your toilet.
Once the crew gets there in the morning, inform them right off that you're going to buy them lunch. Occasionally guys on the crew do not have the money or the time. This small action can lift the entire spirit of the move. Also, be ready when the movers arrive. Be fully packed. Then, remember to stay out of the way.
9. Be wary of hidden overpriced expenses.
The shady moving company may start incorporating stuff that is not on your quote. He'll impose a fee for each and every moving pad - pads cost nothing, anyway - and then $4 to tape the pads to the furniture. Or they'll state several items out of the blue need particular boxes. And you know what? They're $12 each.
10. Be cautious about cash-only transactions.
That isn't a red flag, that's a "run away!" Bear in mind: You can't halt cash. You can put a stop to a credit card.
11. Follow up with a complaint.
If you are unlucky to have something go awry throughout the move and the mover neglects to deal with the complaint, register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. It is going to lower his rating and harm his business. Then, take him to small-claims court. No moving firm in his right mind wishes to stand before a judge who quite possibly has experienced two poor moves in his lifetime.
A disreputable moving firm will give you a lowball price. On the day of the move, he'll wander around your home and state, "Oh, a number of these things ought to be packed." Then he'll charge you an outrageous amount to do it. Or perhaps he may state, "Gee, we are going to have to take your bed apart." Then he'll add yet another preposterous charge.
To prevent this from taking place, make sure you're as comprehensive and straight up about every single box and furniture item. If you have time, ask the movers to come to your home for a quote. They might wish to do the walk-through on the phone, however, you may get screwed should you go down that path. If you've got furniture which needs to be disassembled and reassembled, they ought to be part of your written quotation - and the crew is responsible for bringing the right wrenches and tools. And once you receive your end invoice, evaluate it carefully for any strange costs.
2. Make sensible selections.
Your greatest headache is getting hooked up with an unlicensed moving company. He not only is lacking in insurance, but also workers' compensation. If one of these people trips and falls down your steps with a heavy piece, get out your chequebook, my friend.
3. Structure your move with care - if possible.
Late May through August is jammed with folks attempting to move, therefore it's not a great time. The ideal time is around Xmas.
4. Look into specialized moving services.
Anybody can move a piano or a snowmobile. However for those who have museum-quality art, get in touch with the guys with the white gloves.
5. Deal quickly with "untrustworthy" moving services.
When your movers show up and you've got a poor perception about them - perhaps they said a thing that wasn't appropriate or they simply look a bit rough - keep a couple of things in mind. It is a tough business of hard physical work, therefore do not judge a book by its cover, so to speak. Should it be an issue of hostile behavior, get on the phone in 2 secs with a manager. And get it done before anything's on the van.
6. Guard your items.
If you don't like the way the movers are working with your things, be strong. Say, "Hey, you're making me anxious." If they are throwing stuff around or are reckless, you stop the job. Alert your estimator that you do not know what's happening, but he'll have a claim for damage if things do not improve. He'll send a superior out there, immediately. No reputable mover wants a problem.
Do not forget that the items in boxes you pack by yourself are not covered for damage or loss, therefore make sure you pack them as well as you can. When it comes to valuable items such as jewelry or small electronics, it is best to move those by yourself. Let's just say, some items could get "misplaced."
7. Keep an eye on the time.
Try not to get worried too much about it if it appears like they're "wasting time." Many individuals have an unrealistic expectation of the time it will take. Folks have reported that they paid for three movers, but they only see 2 guys moving stuff. Where's the 3rd? He is on the back of the van wrapping and packing. No crew would like to dog the job. They would like to go back home, sit back, and have a beer.
8. Watch your own behavior.
A few movers may possibly "punish" clients for rubbing them in the wrong way. If they really feel they have been mistreated and disrespected, they will want to get away from the bad customer and get the task done as fast as possible. They will end up placing a lot more boxes in the garage than there ought to be and quietly mumble, "Let them carry 'em in the house on their own." As an additional tweak, they'll flip over the boxes so that you are not able to look at the labels to find out what is in them or where each goes. The worst thing you can do during the move is be dismissive, treat the crew like dirt, and not permitting them to use your toilet.
Once the crew gets there in the morning, inform them right off that you're going to buy them lunch. Occasionally guys on the crew do not have the money or the time. This small action can lift the entire spirit of the move. Also, be ready when the movers arrive. Be fully packed. Then, remember to stay out of the way.
9. Be wary of hidden overpriced expenses.
The shady moving company may start incorporating stuff that is not on your quote. He'll impose a fee for each and every moving pad - pads cost nothing, anyway - and then $4 to tape the pads to the furniture. Or they'll state several items out of the blue need particular boxes. And you know what? They're $12 each.
10. Be cautious about cash-only transactions.
That isn't a red flag, that's a "run away!" Bear in mind: You can't halt cash. You can put a stop to a credit card.
11. Follow up with a complaint.
If you are unlucky to have something go awry throughout the move and the mover neglects to deal with the complaint, register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. It is going to lower his rating and harm his business. Then, take him to small-claims court. No moving firm in his right mind wishes to stand before a judge who quite possibly has experienced two poor moves in his lifetime.