You will want to get an estimate from several moving companies. You learned in our last post the questions they'll ask you; read on for several questions you should be sure and get answers to.
Are your crews insured? If it is a company you are not familiar with, inquire to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Get their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you are prepared for how the movers will handle the claim.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional men? Most companies will charge an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You may think three is excessive, but it is worth the money since that third or even fourth crewmember makes things go a whole lot faster when sharp turns or awkward and heavy things are in the mix. You can have a couple of people taking things apart and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the local moving crew are guys who work together every day and they're a team, and they get the job done much quicker. It's not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with a charge for an additional man, if needed. If your house has four or five bedrooms or you have a big garage, you could need two trucks anyway, so spring for the extra men to get it accomplished in one day.
Do you charge for drive time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies fluctuate with the travel charges. Usually, once they reach your house, the clock is running. Frequently they will stop at a fast food restaurant and eat lunch in route to the new residence, so there is not much down time.
What if I just want packing help? that is fine, most companies will give you an a la carte pricing list--you can get everything from boxes only to a six-man crew that will crate your lawn mower if you want them to. The rates for packing usually include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide array of box sizes. Expect an hourly rate quote for a packing team as a basic estimate. Just be sure and read through the verbiage on the estimate so that you know precisely what is and is not included.
What if I just want moving help? Some people like to pack at the same time as they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not useful. Moving companies are happy to load, drive, and unload on moving day, just be sure you understand their policies for what they can and can't load. For instance, anything hazardous or toxic cannot be put on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms might not be permitted on moving trucks, so you will have to open any safes so that the movers know what is inside of them.
Movers Cost More Than Your Extended Family, but They Are Insured
Professional movers are not inexpensive, but your poker buddies or family will not pay a claim if something is dented in the move. And, they are much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they do not know the correct way to lift heavy objects.
