Sep
When planning your move, it is easy to become inundated with the numerous moving companies out there, all vying for your business. While you have plenty to choose from, not all movers are trustworthy and reliable. So, how do you ensure that you are hiring a professional mover that you can trust for moving a restaurant, home, art, or office?
Here is what to look for in a moving company to protect yourself and your belongings.
Moving Inventory
When getting an estimate for the price of your move, a reputable company will take inventory of all your belongings to determine a price. The estimator should be thorough in compiling an inventory list, checking all storage spaces such as cupboards, drawers, garage, attic, etc. It is important to make sure that the inventory list is as accurate as possible.
Financial Considerations
Don’t Pay a Large Deposit
Reputable movers won’t require you to pay cash or a large deposit before the move. You should only pay upon delivery to your new home (if moving locally) and no more than 60% of the bill (if moving long distance). The risk of paying in advance is that you have no control over when you’ll see your belongings again.
If the moving company you have hired does not accept credit cards, it is a sign of bad things to come. Many companies charge a little extra via credit card to cover their own processing costs, but make sure you schedule with a mover that will at least allow credit card payments.
Beware of Extra Fees
Are you moving into or out of a multi-story home? What about a high-rise apartment building? Some professional movers will add extra charges for dealing with stairs and elevators.
Do you have a narrow street that won’t accommodate a large moving truck? Expect to be charged extra for transferring your belongings to a smaller truck for delivery. Be sure to ask about any extra fees that might accumulate during your move.
Moving Contracts
Avoid a Blank Moving Contract
Never sign a blank contract—everything must be in writing. Your contract should include:
- The final estimate
- Extra fees
- Pick-up and delivery dates
It is extremely important to read the contract carefully to ensure that all of your belongings being moved are listed. If an item isn’t listed on the inventory form that you sign, don’t expect it to arrive at your new home. You cannot file a claim for a missing item that does not appear on the inventory form.
Don’t Accept the “Guaranteed” Quote
There are three different types of moving contracts that you can expect to receive from a professional mover:
- Non-binding: The company cannot require payment of more than 10% above the original estimate. Any overages must be paid within 30 days of delivery.
- Non-binding to exceed estimate: Your contract ensures that you do not have to pay for any overages beyond the original estimate. The estimate you received is the maximum you will be required to pay.
- Binding: The estimate you received is a guaranteed price for the move, including all extras and services as defined in your contract. If you request extra services, such as unpacking, additional fees must be paid within 30 days.
Reporting Problems
After your move, you have nine months to report any problems, damages, or missing items to the insurance company and file a claim.
How to Handle Damages
- On moving day, try to open every box and check for damage.
- If you discover damaged items, note the issues on the mover’s copy of the bill of lading before signing it.
- The mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim.
- Within 120 days, they must either deny your claim or make an offer to pay.
Moving Insurance and Valuation Protection
All professional movers are required to assume liability for the goods they transport. There are three different levels of liability:
Private Insurance
This is the most comprehensive policy available. Insurance companies will ask about:
- The size and weight of your shipment
- Who is performing the packing
- Whether you have high-value items or collections
- An approximate value of your shipment
If this option is purchased, all claims are handled directly through the insurance company.
Full Replacement Value Protection
While not a traditional insurance policy, this option covers more than the basic level. If items are lost, destroyed, or damaged while in the mover’s custody, they have two options:
- Repair the item to restore it to its original condition or pay for repairs.
- Replace the item with one of like kind and quality or pay for a replacement.
Movers may limit their liability for items of extraordinary value unless these items are specifically listed on the shipping documents. Be sure to ask for a full explanation of this limitation before your move.
Alternative Level of Liability
This is a no-cost option and the most economical protection available. Under this plan:
- Movers assume liability for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article lost or damaged during the move.
- In New York, the liability is 30 cents per pound, per article.
- There is no additional charge, but you must sign a specific statement on the bill of lading agreeing to it.
Why Choose White Glove Moving and Storage?
At White Glove Moving and Storage, we offer a binding quote on all moves entrusted to us. With this binding quote, we guarantee that the price you are quoted is how much you’ll be expected to pay, regardless of total weight or space consumed in the truck.
Unlike other moving companies, White Glove Moving treats your family the same way we’d treat our own! You can trust your valuable possessions to our professionals, who have over 30 years of experience in helping families move to their new homes.