According to the US Census Bureau roughly 14% of the American population or approximately 40 million people move each year. Given that significant number it is a wonder that the majority of those moves go smoothly. However, we all probably know someone, including ourselves, who have had a less than perfect moving experience. There are a number of strategies one can take when hiring a moving company to ensure that you connect with a reputable and reliable moving service.

Estimates

As with any potentially high end expense it is recommended you acquire no less than three estimates. A prudent strategy is to accept the middle range estimate. And be sure to seek out references. Realtors are an excellent source for this as are friends, relatives and co-workers. Of course with all of the online resources, one can do a fair share of research. And don’t be afraid to ask the moving company for contact info for recent customers. Even if you don’t feel comfortable bothering a stranger it is a valuable means of assessing the mover’s willingness to provide that information and to recognize that they should bother to maintain an active list of referral sources. Inability to provide said references is a big red flag.

One of the most significant parts of a moving company developing an accurate estimate of the cost to handle your move is the total weight of your household possessions and required truck space. When working with an estimator be sure to take notice that they thoroughly assess all you need to move. It is not enough to take into account obvious items like furniture, appliances, kitchen inventory, bedroom sets and garage stuff. Be sure they size up your storage items, bookcases, items tucked away in cupboards, closets, attics and basements. Quite often it is easy for a homeowner to overlook "out of sight, out of mind items" only to discover them during packing and the mover then shows up to heaps of things not considered in the estimate.

That brings up the notion that there will undoubtedly be items you intend to sell, donate or give away, as well as items that will not be leaving the house...quite often that includes appliances and laundry machines. Be certain you and the mover are on the same page.

Pack It Myself or Pay to Pack

One way people attempt to save money when moving is to pay a moving company to pack their belongings. If this is your intent be sure to discuss the moving companies experience, process and guarantees. Be prepared to pay dearly for this service as it involves significant time and labor, as well as materials, boxes and liability. And then you also might pay unpacking expenses if that is your preference.

Deposits & Extra Fees

Beware requests for large deposits or cash up front. A reputable mover typically asks for a reasonable earnest deposit just to confirm you intend to use their company. Balances should be paid only upon delivery and if possible with a credit card.

Talk to the moving company about possible added expenses. Often they come in the form of navigating multi-level homes, narrow streets or alleys, negotiating narrow hallways and snow covered pathways. It’s one thing for the mover to observe these issues from the departure property but it is up to you to apprise them of any of these potential issues at your new home.

Contracts

When it comes to contracts never accept or sign a blank contract. All details should be in writing including pick up and delivery dates. In long haul moves delivery dates are often the most common source of conflict. Nothing is more frustrating than sitting in an empty house for an extended period of time waiting on your belongings. Experienced movers should be able to offer you a delivery date that allows for some cushion on their end and the opportunity for you to properly manage your schedule.

The contract should include an inventory list. An item that doesn’t arrive at the final destination and is not on the list cannot have a claim filed it. There are three types of moving contracts:

A binding estimate is a guaranteed price for the move, service and all identified extras. Any additional service requests (setup of bed frames at new home) must be paid within 30 days. A non-binding estimate means you will not incur charges more than 10% over the accepted estimate. A non-binding to exceed estimate is the maximum you’ll be required for rendered services.

Damaged or Missing Item Claims

There is a nine month window following completion of your move for you to file any complaints and possible insurance claims. Be sure to unpack boxes and containers and inspect the contents of boxes and containers you plan to store. Give all free standing furniture a thorough inspection. The mover has thirty days to acknowledge your claim and 120 days to deny or settle your claim.

On moving day, try to open each box and sift through it to check for damage. Note any problems on the mover’s copy of the bill of lading before signing it.

Your mover has 30 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. Within 120 days of receiving it, he must deny your claim or make an offer to pay. Be sure to discuss with your mover the types of insurance, valuation and repair/replacement options they offer. All moving companies must assume liability for the value of the items they are handling and transporting.