Moving Tips
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If you are moving within a
state, make sure the mover you are considering is licensed by that
state's Department of Transportation, Public Utilities Commission, or
Bureau of Consumer Affairs. A call to your local state association can
help determine if a mover is licensed. A list of state associations is
available on the
IMAWA website. If you are moving to a
different state, check to make sure the mover is licensed by the
Federal Department of Transportation.
Don't take the company's word for it, call the regulatory agency or
state association and check for yourself.
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Check with the
Better Business Bureau regarding
constant numerous complaints. Note that a responsible moving services
company may have a few complaints lodged against them -- the more moves
they handle the more likely it is that they will have at least a few
complaints -- but their record with the Better Business Bureau should
show that they have a satisfactory rating and that they respond to and
resolve complaints.
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Make sure the mover's
place of business actually exists. Beware of companies who provide no
business address on their website, business documents, or a company that
is hesitant to provide you with their physical business address. It is
important that you know where to track the company down if you have a
problem.
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Don't listen to sales
people who tell stories. A high-quality firm with a good reputation
doesn't need to knock the competition, or criticize other firms to make
themselves look better.
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Ask if the company is a
member of the state moving and storage association in the state in which
they are based. Check the
IMAWA website for a list of
associations. Ask if they are a member of the
American Moving & Storage Association. A reputable company
should be a member of one or the other.
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If you are moving to a
different state, read
Your Moving Rights, provided by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration.
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If you are moving to a
different state, insist that you receive the following federally
mandated documents from your mover. If the mover is hesitant to provide
you with any of these items you should reconsider using that company
(note that many state agencies also mandate documents of this type):
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An "Order For Service"
signed by your mover. The Order for service protects you by spelling out
the agreement between you and your mover regarding the dates the
shipment will be loaded and delivered, the estimated cost, and (if you
are moving to a different state) the fact that the mover can only
collect 110% of the estimate at the time of delivery.
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A written estimate
itemizing all of the component charges that makes up the estimate for
your moving cost. Prior to the move date, insist on an in-home visual
inspection of the goods you are moving. Accurate estimates can seldom be
provided over the telephone. Never believe that a phone estimate given
by a mover, will be the actual cost of your move.
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A "Table of Measurements"
(also known as a "Cube Sheet") The mover creates the Table of
Measurements in order to calculate the size and weight of your move.
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