How To Deal With Moving Quotes?

Posted by Nick Niesen on November 8th, 2010

The more details you give, the more accurate your quote. Moving companies need information about the amount you would like to move, so that they can determine how many people and which vehicles are needed. The cheapest mover is not always the best. Some less qualified movers might overlook belongings while estimating, which might make your move more expensive then initially estimated. Be sure to provide them with all the details they need. There are many criteria for choosing a moving company. Whilst some companies provide reduced rates; others provide additional security for your belongings, or extra services that can help you more effectively. Please be sure to sum up all the pros and cons carefully, before deciding which company you opt for.

Check that they are members of a professional trade organisation! National trade associations maintain professional high standards and can give you detailed information about member companies. Members of these associations are usually vetted annually. Also, if you are unsatisfied with the services provided, you have a higher authority that you can contact. Two of the most renown trade associations include:

AMSA
American Moving and Storage Association
www.moving.org

HHGFAA
Household Goods Forwarders Association of America Inc
www.hhgfaa.org

FMWA
F lorida Movers and Warehousemen's Assiciation
www.fmwa.org

FMCSA
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
www.fmcsa.dot.gov

FIDI
The International Federation of International Movers
www.fidi.com

FAIM
Fidi Accredited International Mover
www.fidi.com

LACMA
Latin American & Caribbean International Movers Association
www.lacmassoc.org

PAIMA
Pan American International Movers Association
www.paima.com

IATA
www.iata.com

FIATA
Fédération Internationale des Associations de Transitaires et Assimilés
International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations fiata.com

OMNI
www.omnimoving.com

FITA
Federation of International Trade Associations
www.fita.org

ISO
International Organization for Standardization
www.iso.ch

What extra services do you need? If you are looking for extra services, please be sure that these options are covered by the removal companies that approach you. If these services are not provided, you should decide whether you would like to arrange this separately, or consider another removal company as your choice. Extra services include:

Packing services
Boxing
Supply of Boxes
Fragile packing
Storage of goods
Insurance for your goods
Speciality Removals such as Piano or Antiques
Extra charges or additional transportation charges can also be made for long carries, stairs, lifts, moving large items (e.g. cars), disconnecting electrical goods or gas stoves.
How much should these extra services cost? Each removal company is different, however you can compare the amounts given to you from several moving companies.

Documentation.
Make sure that you read all the fine print before signing any contracts, to prevent any extra charges.

Storage.
Storage can be arranged by your removal company, or you can also arrange this separately by contacting the storage company directly.

Then, some money saving moving tips!

Book on time.
Your move can be so much cheaper if you book on time. This way, the mover is notified in time and can plan your move better and more efficiently.

Packing
Ask your mover early for packing material, moving boxes, stickers and how they handle packing. This because most moving companies will not insure fragile / valuable goods if you pack them yourself. For normal items such as clothing and books, this will not be the case.

Stairs cost extra
If there are stairs in your new or old home, keep in mind that you will probably need to pay extra!
Some possible solutions in avoiding extra costs are, to rent a lifting crane or elevator, or instruct the mover not to use the stairs and bring all your goods up or down yourself. .

Disassemble yourself!
Disassembling your goods yourself will save you a lot of money. Movers can disassemble them for you but this will cost you extra. What items need disassembling? Think about beds, closets, wall units. Disconnect your washers, dryers, stoves, fridge etc., yourself. Movers can charge you extra for it.

Get help from friends.
Ask your mover if it is possible that you and your friends/family help during the move.

Possible extra charges & services
Movers can charge you additional services for packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or stair/long carries that are needed. You can also be charged for shuttling (needing multiple small trucks instead of 1 for narrow streets).
moving a car or pianos, disconnecting washers, dryers, gas stoves dishwashers, any items that need to be disconnected for the move.

They can also charge you advanced charges for services performed by a third party at your request.
The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.