Moving Expenses Explained

Find the Best Moving Companies

Moving an entire household is stressful enough without having to deal with a disreputable moving company. When hiring professional movers, time spent investigating a company can save you a lot of money and heartache. You should know that the movers you hire are credentialed, insured, and among the best moving companies.

Before considering a moving company, ensure they are legally registered as a mover. The Department of Transportation requires all household moving companies to have USDOT or MC numbers. All legal movers should provide you with these numbers, which you can verify on http://www.safersys.org. At this site you can search by company name or USDOT number to make sure that your mover is credentialed to provide household moving services.

In addition to being registered with the Department of Transportation, all household moving companies are required to carry a minimum amount of liability and cargo insurance. Coverage varies from mover to mover, so be sure to ask for each company's specific policy.

A moving company should be able to provide you with written proof of their insurance coverage, called a Certificate of Insurance. Confirming a mover's insurance is easy: just look them up on http://www.safersys.org or call the insurance company listed on the certificate. You should also be able to purchase additional insurance from the moving company, which is highly recommended.

Before signing a contract, be sure that you are clear on the moving company's terms of payment. Be wary of companies that take only cash. Most companies will require a deposit up front, with the rest of the payment due at the time of the move. Ask if you can pay with a credit card; that way, any fraudulent charges can be disputed. The final price of your move should be very close to the estimate provided, unless the nature of your move has changed.

The best way to determine the professionalism of a moving company is to investigate previous customers' experiences. If someone recommends a particular moving company, ask if they remember the names of the movers that were assigned to their move. Your experience moving will be based on the service provided to you by individual movers, not the moving company.

Moving Quotes Explained

Once you've decided on the best moving companies to compare, contact each for quotes. Most moving companies, like Critical Transport Services, will send a representative to your home to provide a free, accurate estimate. Although laws regarding moving estimates vary state-to-state, only quotes in writing have any legal standing, so demand one.

Make sure you understand the kind of quote you receive from a moving company. There are two kinds of estimates: binding and non-binding. Ask for both and require that the company put them in writing.

All moving companies are required to provide a non-binding estimate. This is an estimate of the cost of moving your goods based on weight and services but is not a moving contract binding your mover to this price. In fact, the actual price of your move will very likely exceed a non-binding estimate.

To receive the most accurate quote possible, be sure that all items you want moved are included in the estimate's description. If the mover decides that your move requires additional moving services or costs not included in the original estimate, they must inform you before acting on the additions.

To secure the best price for your move, request a binding estimate. A binding estimate is made before a company weighs your belongings on their moving truck. You will only be required to pay the quoted amount, even if the weight exceeds what is included in the binding estimate. If your belongings weigh in below the estimated weight, you will receive a refund.

Movers are like any other service--tipping is recommended for a job well done. Guidelines vary on how much you should tip your mover. While some say five percent of the total is recommended, others say $10 per mover for each half day of work is a good rule of thumb. In the end, how much you tip depends on how well you feel the move went.

Professional Moving Contracts

A moving contract can be your best friend if you take the time to understand it. Read your contract thoroughly and contact a manager at your moving company with questions.

• Name, address and phone number of company
• Origin and destination addresses
• Time and date of pick-up and delivery
• Payment plan
• Insurance policy

Ask that your contract include the cost of inventorying your belongings. Check the inventory for accuracy. In the event that items are damaged or lost during the move, they must be on the inventory for insurance purposes. Request the contract include the name of the moving company and any employees assigned to the job. Also, ask that the company include gratuities in the contract.

A moving contract is your first line of defense in case something goes wrong with your move. It should include every relevant detail, and your mover should adhere to the terms of the contract.

Moving Insurance & Liability Issues

One of the primary benefits of hiring a professional mover is moving insurance. Licensed household movers are required to carry a minimum amount of insurance to cover your items; this same sort of insurance is not available if you move yourself. Moving insurance coverage varies from mover to mover, so learn about the different insurance options you have when moving before committing to an insurance or liability contract.

Full replacement value - The most comprehensive coverage for your belongings is also the most expensive. It is available for intrastate, interstate and international moves. Under this protection, the mover is liable for the full value of your itemized goods (with the exception of items exceeding a value of $100 per pound). The mover will determine the value of lost or damaged goods and whether to replace, repair or offer a cash settlement for them. Ask about the deductible and inform the movers of any valuable items they may not know about.

Released value - This is the most basic coverage that a moving company can provide and is included in the cost of any move. You must request released value coverage and sign for it. Under this coverage, the mover is liable for no more than $0.60 per pound of your belongings. If any of your items are damaged or lost, you will be responsible for most of the replacement or repair costs.

Declared value - Under this protection, the replacement value of your belongings is based on their depreciated value, rather than the current cost of replacement. The mover will be liable for no more than $1.25 per pound of your possessions.

Lump sum value - To be covered under this option, you need to declare the lump sum value of all your belongings. Any items valued under $500 do not need to be itemized individually. Do itemize any items worth over $500. This protection is only available for interstate and international moves.

One important thing to remember about household moving insurance is that movers are not liable for damage to items inside boxes you packed, unless there is physical damage to the box itself. The easiest way to protect against this sort of damage is to hire the moving company to professionally pack your fragile and valuable items. If there is damage to items that were professionally packed, the moving company is liable for the loss.

You may already be covered for a move under your home insurance policy or have the opportunity to pay a premium for short-term coverage. Otherwise, you can purchase extra insurance from the moving company who may offer a deal from third party insurance provider.

Intrastate, Interstate, and International Moving Tips

• Ask the company to provide an estimate on how long your move will take since these moves are generally priced on an hourly rate.
• Make sure that your quote includes any extra fees such as fuel surcharges, or a larger truck.
• Visit the facilities of any moving company you choose to help make a decision about the company. If they refuse to show you, think twice about hiring them.

• Verify your household mover is licensed by the FMCSA for interstate transportation of household goods.
• Check that they have proper cargo insurance to carry your possessions.
• Request information on their dispute settlement program, which they are legally required to supply.

• Have your goods professionally packed.
• Sell, store, or donate appliances that will not work in your new country.
• For insurance purposes, create a detailed inventory of the value of your goods.