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Finding the Best Deal on a Mover - Best Deal on a Moving Job in New York City Print E-mail
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People sometimes assume that choosing a moving company is the easiest part of relocation, so they spend more time researching other purchasing decisions, such as buying real estate, or picking the right mortgage or homeowners insurance.

 But the reality is, a moving company is going to do the packing, transporting, and unpacking of ALL your material possessions!

So picking a trustworthy moving company is a key decision -- but if made correctly, you'll find a quality, trustworthy mover at a good price.

 

 Moving companies that charge more than their peers do so often because they provide better amenities and services -- a higher level of service, a greater reputation, or a higher demand for their services. On the other hand, companies charging substantially less than the competition are probably pricing their services at this level for a reason; in the worst case scenario, you might find yourself the victim of a moving fraud for those rogue movers that give lowball estimates, only to raise the final price later.

 Before wading into the moving company selection, first understand how moving companies charge for their services. Pricing is largely dependent on whether you are moving you're making a local move, vs. a long-distance move.

 Intrastate moves, commonly called local moves at shorter distances, will be priced on either an intrastate tariff or an hourly rate. To determine the hourly rate, movers multiply the number of movers by the number of hours they are working, including the transit time. In most states, there is an intrastate tariff that covers weight and distance for movers in excess of 50 miles. For moves under 50 miles, the hourly rate applies.

 For interstate moves, you will be charged on the size of your move, defined either in terms of the gross weight of your items, or the cubic feet that these items consume on the moving truck.

 Choosing a Company
With that background, here's a checklist of items to help you determine the best moving company.

 Plan -- The moving business is cyclical, with most moves taking place in the summer, between April and September. The further ahead you plan your move and start your conversations with potential service providers, the better the you'll have your first choice of movers. If you wait until the last minute, you may find yourself with no choice at all. Planning ahead saves you and your moving company stress!

 Interview -- After finding at least three companies you are interested in, get written estimates from each company, and understand the services included in each quote. Once you narrow down the number of candidates to two or three, get on-site consultations. This is when a trained moving company professional does a walk-through of your current residence and crafts a binding estimate ? a binding estimate is a guaranteed price for a move; nonbinding is an estimate based on the movers' previous experience with similar-sized moves, and can change depending on how the actual move proceeds. An accurate move estimate is based on the quantity of things moved, as well as any physical constraints (stairs, etc.) movers will have to deal with.

 Research -- Inquire about your moving company's experience, references, the type of equipment that they will be using, and how they screen and train their employees. Ask if the moving company is a member of national associations like the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) or state associations; Participation in AMSA indicates an adherence to certain operating principles and training; this ensures that you are working with a quality, reputable company.

 Double Check -- Don't buy moving services unless you know exactly what you're paying for. Asking the right questions ? and the same questions ? of each mover allows you to assess the companies accurately.

 Negotiate -- In most moving situations, there will be room for negotiation. At worst, the company won't meet your requests. But most likely, your request will result in some discounts or additional services being provided to help the moving company finalize the deal. As stated before, moving companies have more business in the summer; you have more negotiating power in the off-season, when they don't have as many customers.

 Follow your gut -- If you find two or three companies that you are comfortable, go with your instincts.

Think about your interactions with the company.

 Were they responsive and professional? If they weren't during the sales process, how would they act during the actual move?

 Was the staff knowledgeable and helpful?

 If something happened and you needed to speak to them, how would the company respond? The actual move tends to have a lot of unknown circumstances and challenges-- you will want to know that the company you choose is going to be there to support you throughout it all.

 

Deciding To Move Is Relocation Right for Me?
How to Find Your Dream Town
12 Kinds of Neighborhoods
Choosing a Neighborhood
How to Make Moving a Positive Experience
Creative Ways to Announce Your Move
Adjusting To Your Move Tips for First-Time Movers
Moving Into a Smaller Home
Helping Your Family Adjust to a Move
Telling the Kids They're Moving
Preparing Your Children for Their New Home
Newlyweds: Combining Your Belongings
Moving With Pets
Planning Your Move Week-by-Week Moving Checklist
Moving Black Book: The People You Should Tell
Organize Before You Move
6 Steps to a Successful Garage Sale
The Cost Of Moving Creating a Moving Budget
10 Ways to Cut Moving Costs
6 Hidden Moving Fees
Moving Expenses: What's Tax Deductible?
Bridging the Gap Between Mortgages
Deciding How To Move Exploring Moving Options
What Is a Local Move?
Understanding the Moving Industry
Hiring A Mover Ways to Dodge a Moving Scam
Types of Movers
Moving Estimates
Finding the Best Deal on a Moving Company
Moving Protection: How It Works
Moving Insurance Options
Do-It-Yourself Moving And Storage How to Rent a Truck
Packing a Moving Truck
Choosing a Storage Facility
The Advantages of Mobile Storage
Choosing an Auto Shipper
Packing And Organizing Getting Started On the Packing Process
Packing Supplies Checklist
Finding Budget Packing Materials
5 Reasons Not to Pack It
Green Moving Tips
The Anatomy of a Well-Packed Box
Packing Like a Pro
10 Steps to 11th-Hour Organization
The Perils of Last-Minute Packing
Packing the "Last to Go" Box
Moving Day Tips Tips for a Smooth Moving Day
3 Essential Inspections on Moving Day
Out the Door: Things to Do Before You Go
How to Handle Loss or Damage During a Move
Getting Settled Exploring Your New Neighborhood
Set Your Home Improvement Plan
5 Ways to Make Friends in a New Neighborhood
5 Fast Ways to Make Your House a Home


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