You need to get an estimate from several moving companies. You learned in our last post the questions they'll ask you; here are a few questions you should be sure and get answers to.
Are your crews insured? If it is a company you are not familiar with, inquire to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Get their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you are prepared for how the movers will handle the claim.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional men? Most companies will provide an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You might believe three is excessive, but it is worth the money since that third or even fourth person can make things go a whole lot faster when narrow hallways or bulky and heavy things are in the mix. You can have a couple of people disassembling things and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the movers are guys who work together every day and they're used to each having a specific job on the move, and they get the job done more expeditiously. It's not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with a charge for an additional man, if requested. If your house has four or five bedrooms or you have a big garage, you could need two trucks anyway, so seriously consider the extra men to get it accomplished in one day.
Do you charge for travel time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies vary with the drive charges. Usually, once they reach your house, the clock is going. Most times they will stop at a fast food place and eat lunch on the way to the new home, so there isn't much down time.
What if I only want packing help? That's fine, most companies will provide you an a la carte pricing list--you can buy everything from shrink wrap only to a six-man crew that will box your golf clubs if you tell them to. The rates for packing generally include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide range of box sizes. Anticipate an hourly rate quote for a packing crew as a basic estimate. Just be sure and glance through the verbiage on the quote so that you understand precisely what is and isn’t included.
What if I just want moving help? Some people like to pack while they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not useful. Moving companies are willing to load, drive, and unload on moving day, but be sure you understand their policies for what they can and can't move. For example, anything flammable or toxic can't go on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms may not be permitted on moving trucks, so you will have to open any safes so that the movers can see what is inside of them.
Movers Are More Costly Than Your Garden Club Group, but They Are Insured
Professional movers are not cheap, but your poker buddies or family won't pay a claim if something is damaged in the move. And, they are much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they do not know the correct way to lift heavy furniture.
