So, which is it -- hire a mover or rent a Ryder truck? Although the
decision may seem obvious ("Go with the cheaper alternative!" or "Whichever
means I have to do less work!"), you have an awful lot of issues to
consider -- cost, responsibility for damage, the physical labor involved,
and your moving time-frame. Whichever option you choose, make sure
you are fully INFORMED before making a decision that could cost you
a lot of time, money, and mental anguish.
DO-IT-YOURSELF MOVES
Many people are choosing to rent a truck and move themselves because
it is less expensive than hiring a moving company to transport their
household belongings. However, the costs of renting a U-Haul can add
up over the long run. Get quotes from several different companies
for the cost of the rental.
And remember that you must figure in the cost of the gas for the truck,
tolls, food, and other travel expenses during the trip. Will you need
to rent any additional equipment -- a dolly, a hitch for your car,
or packing supplies? Do you have friends who can help load and unload
the truck? If not, you will have to hire helpers -- or risk even more
costly medical bills when you throw your back out trying to lift that
refrigerator on your own! And don't think that "do-it-yourself" means
you don't need insurance. What if your truck is in an accident? Be
sure to figure in the cost of coverage for your cargo and any potential
damage to the truck. You will also want to ask about additional drop-off
fees -- if you are returning the truck to a different location or
dropping your truck off in a low-demand area.
But so often, we make too many important decisions based solely on
price. Let me suggest that this is the perfect time to overcome that
bad habit! There is so much more at stake when you are moving than
the up front cost. You are transporting all of your most valued possessions
from one location to another. It may cost less up front to have your
brother-in-law load your mother's piano onto the truck. But what happens
when he overestimates how much weight he can carry and drops it?
With professional movers, you not only benefit from their years of
experience, but also their insurance coverage. Can you handle loading
and unloading large, heavy, bulky items? Are you comfortable driving
a large vehicle through heavy traffic? Remember, that U-Haul is a
tad bigger than your pickup truck! And think about the time and energy
you will have to put forth to move yourself. Sometimes, it's just
easier (and well worth the money) to have someone else do it for you.
Renting a truck is certainly the best option for some people -- just
be sure you know exactly what you are getting into before you write
out the check.
HIRING A MOVER
If you do decide to hire a moving company, start by compiling a list
of at least 5 potential movers. You can let your fingers do the walking,
but it's better to ask for referrals from friends who have moved recently,
your company relocation department, or your realtor. Then ask for
a bid -- an estimate of how much the move will cost -- from at least
3 movers on your list.
Be sure that you are comparing apples to apples, and ask each mover
up front about any additional costs. Will the movers have to traverse
more than one flight of stairs or take furniture up an elevator? Are
you moving bulky items or asking movers to carry your things an excessive
distance from house to truck? Are you expecting the movers to provide
packing supplies or to assemble items once you have reached your destination?
You can also usually expect to pay more for side trips (to pick up
items at an off-site location), unusual transportation obstacles (construction,
detours), exclusive use of a truck by your household, delivery on
holidays or weekends, or the use of the moving company's off-site
storage facilities. Whatever you agree to, be sure to get a BINDING
ESTIMATE -- that way, if your load weighs more than expected, the
mover must honor the quoted price.
But remember, price is only one of the criteria by which to judge
a mover. You should also find out if your belongings will remain on
one truck for the entire length of the move. Transferring items from
one truck to another increases the chances of damage. Also ask if
the company will guarantee your delivery date. If you aren't careful,
your belongings can end up in a storage unit on the other side of
the country for months at a time! And most importantly, be sure to
check your mover's credentials thoroughly before you sign any agreements.
CHECKING YOUR MOVER'S CREDENTIALS
When moving from state to state, contact the ICC (Interstate Commerce
Commision) to find out if the moving company:
- Has ICC authority to perform interstate moves
- Has an active motor carrier number (and be sure to get the number)
- Has bodily injury, cargo, and property damage insurance
- Has filed its tarriff (rules and rates) with the ICC
- Has a good performance record of making their deliveries on-time
and damage-free
International and intrastate (within the same state) moves are not
governed by the ICC. Contact the state department that regulates moves
(transportation, public utilities, public services) for more information
about your local movers. Look for extensive international experience
and strong references when moving overseas. You may also contact the
Better Business Bureau or Department of Consumer Affairs -- in the
cities of origin, destination, and the mover's headquarters -- for
complaints about a company. And whether you are moving locally, nationally,
or overseas -- make an unannounced visit to the company to get a good
look at their operations. Ask lots of questions!
PROTECTING YOUR RIGHTS
The first rule of protecting yourself with movers is to be educated
about your rights. Start by participating in the INVENTORY of your
belongings by the mover. Follow the mover around your house and double
check their work. Make note of any prior damage to your belongings
and be certain that the mover lists every item that will be loaded
on the truck. You should plan to carry extraordinarily valuable (furs,
jewelry, art) or irreplaceable (memorabilia) items yourself if you
are concerned about their well-being. Ask for a copy of the inventory
before the mover leaves and store it with your important papers. You
may need to produce that inventory record at the time of unloading,
should any of your belongings be missing or damaged.
Also take the time to understand your insurance coverage. Household
moves may be covered by your homeowner's insurance, but it is wise
to purchase extra coverage. VALUATION pays for a loss based on the
value of your belongings - however, you must prove the mover is liable
for the damage in order to collect. INSURANCE pays for loss on covered
items without proof of liability. Always request "full-value" valuation,
which pays you for the actual cost of repairing or replacing any damaged
items. Other options may short-change you in the end. And get everything
in writing! Your written agreements (price, delivery date, care of
your belongings) are your only proof of what the mover promised you.
Ramona
Creel is the founder of OnlineOrganizing.com
--
offering "a world of organizing solutions!"
Visit OnlineOrganizing.com
for organizing products, free tips, a speakers bureau -- and even
get a referral for a Professional Organizer near you. And if you
are interested in becoming a Professional Organizer, we have all
the tools you need to succeed. (Copyright 2000, Ramona Creel)
(This
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