The moving season is upon us. Approximately 65 percent of all annual moving occurs between June 15 and September 15. Ask any real estate agent and they too will tell you they have the most closings at this time of year. This is mostly dictated by the school year. The school year concludes and many families move.
Consequently, most moving companies become stretched thin at this time. How can you avoid a bad moving experience and have a good one given these conditions? First, start by following these suggestions. Make sure the company has a brick and mortar building - this is a place, an office or a warehouse you can visit. Go there if you can. See if you can meet the owner. Get a sense of the place and the staff. Find out how long they have been in business. Do you know anyone who has used them? Can they give you references?
Check the company out with the Better Business Bureau (900-555-4222) and the NYSDOT (800-786-5368). How many complaints, if any, have they received? See if they have professional affiliations like the New York State Mover’s & Warehouseman’s Association or the Long Island Moving & Storage Association. These are two industry groups that have requirements and standards that its members must meet and maintain. Long Island Moving & Storage Association has a code of ethics.
Next, get three written on-site estimates - that is, make the company come to your home! Compare them line by line, the number of men, the time, weight, etc. These are extremely important factors.
There are different ways of estimating moving for both local and long distance moves. Make sure you truly compare apples to apples. Make sure your decision is based on the record of the company and its presentation and, most of all, costs. Keep in mind, sometimes cheap can be expensive in the long run and many less-expensive companies don’t deliver on their promises. While most licensed companies are professional and ethical, make sure you get everything in writing as you would with any contractor you hire.
It is important to note that moving companies have limited liability for moving your household goods. It is 30 cents and 60 cents per pound per article respectively for local and long distance moving. Most companies will offer additional insurance at a cost to you, the shipper. I recommend you purchase this additional insurance, especially on long distance moves. Be sure to insure your goods for the full value of the entire shipment otherwise the insurance company will not pay in full if there is a claim.
Last but not least, be prepared, marking all boxes and carefully packing anything and everything before moving day! Also, avoid (if you can) moving at the end of the month. This is when the companies are the busiest and may actually get overbooked!
This is particularly true of long distance moves. Just follow some of the above guidelines and you are sure to have a less stressful move. Good luck in your new home!
John B. Beyer has been the president and chairman of LIMSA and board member of the NYSWA. He is the founder of Men on the Move Moving and Storage of Floral Park, New York.
