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The ageless debate remains: Should I move myself or call a mover?
To most consumers this questions is answered pretty simply: “If I could afford a mover I would absolutely hire one. If I’m looking to save money I’ll just rent a U-haul.” However, there are other factors at bay that must be weighed in. Sometimes renting a truck and moving yourself IS NOT cheaper than hiring movers. This article was written to help you (the consumer and decider) to make the best decision to meet your needs. First let's look at the pros of renting a truck:
1.) It’s easy (There are usually truck-rental outlets everywhere)
2.) It’s cheaper than a mover, or is it, please read on
3.) You are in charge of your entire move and all of your belongings
Let's examine the second item on the list, “It’s cheaper than a mover.” Many truck rentals will advertise a low rental rate like $29 or $39 for the day. However, many outlets leave out the extra expenses you will occur. For example, most truck-rentals will charge $.60-$.80 per mile. This may not be a big deal if your moving down the block, but this is rarely the case. Also, truck-rentals make you fill the tank up with diesel upon completion. Last time we checked, diesel was exceeding $3 per gallon.
The question still remains: Should I move myself or hire movers? If you are on a tight budget or your move is considerably small then renting a truck might be the best option. Just don’t forget the other expenses and potential for damage that can sky-rocket your costs. If you have a couple extra hundred dollars lying around and want your move done properly by professionals with an unbelievably quality track-record, then call.
1.) It’s easy (There are usually truck-rental outlets everywhere)
2.) It’s cheaper than a mover, or is it, please read on
3.) You are in charge of your entire move and all of your belongings
Let's examine the second item on the list, “It’s cheaper than a mover.” Many truck rentals will advertise a low rental rate like $29 or $39 for the day. However, many outlets leave out the extra expenses you will occur. For example, most truck-rentals will charge $.60-$.80 per mile. This may not be a big deal if your moving down the block, but this is rarely the case. Also, truck-rentals make you fill the tank up with diesel upon completion. Last time we checked, diesel was exceeding $3 per gallon.
The question still remains: Should I move myself or hire movers? If you are on a tight budget or your move is considerably small then renting a truck might be the best option. Just don’t forget the other expenses and potential for damage that can sky-rocket your costs. If you have a couple extra hundred dollars lying around and want your move done properly by professionals with an unbelievably quality track-record, then call.
Remember to ask the important questions!
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they use full-time employees or temps and day labor. (Be cautious of those who use temps and day labor because they may not have proper insurance.)
- When interviewing moving companies, make sure to ask if they are insured and bonded and how they charge.
- When interviewing a possible moving company, remember to ask what kind of training and background checks their movers and drivers go through before servicing customers.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if there is a cancellation policy.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they will have a contact person on site or provide a contact number for the day of the move.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask what type of payment options they offer.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they offer free estimates.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they charge for travel time from their office to your location.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they offer packing and unpacking services.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if your items will be insured during the move.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they have a minimum charge.
- When interviewing possible moving companies, remember to ask if they charge by the piece or by the hour.
Protect your Move.
US Department of Transportation:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
http://www.protectyourmove.gov/
US Department of Transportation:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
http://www.protectyourmove.gov/
Moving? Protect Yourself From Moving Fraud
http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/protect/moving-fraud.htm
http://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/protect/moving-fraud.htm
State Movers Associations-Montana
http://www.consumeraction.gov/montana.shtml
Montana PSC: Transportation
http://www.psc.mt.gov/Transportation/
Picking the right moving company.
Moving companies take a lot of responsibility on with your move. Here’s how to make sure you’re picking the right one.
If you’ve started your search for movers you already know how competitive the moving industry is. Nearly every company tries to stand out with some unique feature or special but the bottom line remains; the moving industry has remained virtually unchanged for over a 100 years. So what separates quality moving companies from poor moving companies? It’s actually pretty simple. Quality moving companies put a heavy emphasis on quality employees and affordable prices. Poor moving companies put little emphasis on the movers regardless of price and are willing to send anyone out to handle your priciest belongings.
Here is a quick guide to finding a good mover and eliminating a potential nightmare-mover through 5 warning signs.
Warning Sign #1: Bad BBB rating/3rd-party reviews
Checking a moving company’s BBB rating and reviews online can be the quickest and most efficient way to screen a mover. If a company has many active complaints on the BBB or a trail of bad reviews online (which many do) this can be foreshadowing to a poor moving experience. When in doubt, read what other consumers have written about the company.
Warning sign #2: Very cheap pricing
Just remember, if it seems too good to be true, it often is. Competitive rates for licensed movers often fall between $75-$120 per hour. If you are getting quoted significantly lower than that there is more than a good chance that the mover is unlicensed and uninsured. Lower pricing also indicates poorly-paid movers which will seriously inhibit a quality move. Many poor reviews and moving scams found online are related with moving companies charging less than $65 per hour, so beware of very cheap pricing.
Warning sign #3: Low hourly estimates
A common practice in the moving industry is to verbally underbid the time estimated to appear cheaper. Most moving companies charge by the hour which means a three hour estimate will always seem cheaper than a six hour estimate regardless of the hourly price. Keep in mind that some movers goal is to land the job with a super low time estimate and promptly disappoint later. For example: “Your fully-furnished 4 bedroom home should only take 3-4 hours.” Find moving companies that will give honest estimates based on the information you give them.
Warning sign #4: Moving companies who take a down deposit
Some moving companies take a down deposit once the job is booked often in the form of $50-$100 dollars. If a company is taking a deposit after an in-home estimate, this is perfectly normal. Many large jobs require multiple trucks in which case a deposit is reasonable. However, a deposit over the phone is often a warning sign of a scam. Try and find a mover that accepts payment after the move is completed and you’re totally satisfied with the relocation.
Warning sign #5: Sub-contracted movers
This warning sign actually has two meanings: Some moving companies will subcontract their movers. Other moving companies will hire sales companies to book the job and then sub it out to any mover. Both of these methods will create a situation where the actual movers who will be completing the move are totally unknown to you, the consumer. Make sure the company you’re booking with is the same company that will be moving your home. Also, make sure the movers that are being sent are actually employed by the company and not subbed-out.
If you manage to avoid these 5 pitfalls of poor moving companies you’re going to have a much better relocation. Be very diligent in your screening and questioning of each moving company to make sure your money is well spent.
Get at Least Three In-Home Estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm estimate on-line or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.
Know Your Rights. Research your rights as a consumer with both the state you currently reside in and where you are moving to. Also enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or decides to hold your belongings hostage.
Use only Registered Movers
https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/tips/ReadyToMove-2006-april.htm
Remember
If you’ve started your search for movers you already know how competitive the moving industry is. Nearly every company tries to stand out with some unique feature or special but the bottom line remains; the moving industry has remained virtually unchanged for over a 100 years. So what separates quality moving companies from poor moving companies? It’s actually pretty simple. Quality moving companies put a heavy emphasis on quality employees and affordable prices. Poor moving companies put little emphasis on the movers regardless of price and are willing to send anyone out to handle your priciest belongings.
Here is a quick guide to finding a good mover and eliminating a potential nightmare-mover through 5 warning signs.
Warning Sign #1: Bad BBB rating/3rd-party reviews
Checking a moving company’s BBB rating and reviews online can be the quickest and most efficient way to screen a mover. If a company has many active complaints on the BBB or a trail of bad reviews online (which many do) this can be foreshadowing to a poor moving experience. When in doubt, read what other consumers have written about the company.
Warning sign #2: Very cheap pricing
Just remember, if it seems too good to be true, it often is. Competitive rates for licensed movers often fall between $75-$120 per hour. If you are getting quoted significantly lower than that there is more than a good chance that the mover is unlicensed and uninsured. Lower pricing also indicates poorly-paid movers which will seriously inhibit a quality move. Many poor reviews and moving scams found online are related with moving companies charging less than $65 per hour, so beware of very cheap pricing.
Warning sign #3: Low hourly estimates
A common practice in the moving industry is to verbally underbid the time estimated to appear cheaper. Most moving companies charge by the hour which means a three hour estimate will always seem cheaper than a six hour estimate regardless of the hourly price. Keep in mind that some movers goal is to land the job with a super low time estimate and promptly disappoint later. For example: “Your fully-furnished 4 bedroom home should only take 3-4 hours.” Find moving companies that will give honest estimates based on the information you give them.
Warning sign #4: Moving companies who take a down deposit
Some moving companies take a down deposit once the job is booked often in the form of $50-$100 dollars. If a company is taking a deposit after an in-home estimate, this is perfectly normal. Many large jobs require multiple trucks in which case a deposit is reasonable. However, a deposit over the phone is often a warning sign of a scam. Try and find a mover that accepts payment after the move is completed and you’re totally satisfied with the relocation.
Warning sign #5: Sub-contracted movers
This warning sign actually has two meanings: Some moving companies will subcontract their movers. Other moving companies will hire sales companies to book the job and then sub it out to any mover. Both of these methods will create a situation where the actual movers who will be completing the move are totally unknown to you, the consumer. Make sure the company you’re booking with is the same company that will be moving your home. Also, make sure the movers that are being sent are actually employed by the company and not subbed-out.
If you manage to avoid these 5 pitfalls of poor moving companies you’re going to have a much better relocation. Be very diligent in your screening and questioning of each moving company to make sure your money is well spent.
Get at Least Three In-Home Estimates. No legitimate mover will offer to give you a firm estimate on-line or over the phone. Also keep in mind that the lowest estimate can sometimes be an unrealistic low-ball offer which can cost you more in the end.
Know Your Rights. Research your rights as a consumer with both the state you currently reside in and where you are moving to. Also enlist the help of BBB or local law enforcement if the moving company fails to live up to its promises or decides to hold your belongings hostage.
Use only Registered Movers
https://www.protectyourmove.gov/consumer/awareness/tips/ReadyToMove-2006-april.htm
Remember
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