Last week, I reviewed a few tips about how to minimize potential problems that come along with moving. I recommended ways to carefully manage the packing process; I provided information on choosing a reputable moving company, and I shared advice from Rob McAsey at Mark Davis Insurance about reviewing your homeowner’s policy to be sure you’re adequately covered. I also mentioned the importance of contacting utility companies before you move to prevent the unfortunate scenario of completing your move, only to be left sitting in a cold, dark house surrounded by boxes ready to unpack.
Because most people don’t move very often, they have no way of knowing what’s normal and what’s not, as well as what’s included in the base price and what’s extra. I’m happy to say that I’ve heard of no reports of fraud or negligence with professional moving companies in Ukiah, but for those moving out of town, here are some additional tips on how to protect your belongings and minimize the move’s impact on your pocketbook.
The number one way to have a bad moving experience is to work with a bad moving company, so be sure to ask your Realtor for a list of licensed and insured movers. Be aware that hiring a company solely because they offer the lowest price can end up being very expensive.
Not all moving companies are created equal. In addition to their experience and professionalism, consider their specialties. Some companies are accustomed to the challenges of rural moves with dirt roads and homes that aren’t accessible with big moving trucks. Other companies are used to working in big, metropolitan areas with constant traffic zipping around their movers and the challenges of getting your belongings into your third-floor condominium.
Once you’ve found a good company, avoid misunderstandings by clearly expressing your needs and expectations. Carefully review the moving company’s scope of work and fee structure so everyone is clear on who does what. Are you packing your belongings, or are they? Where will they unload your belongings—to the curb, to the first floor, upstairs? Is there an extra fee for furniture that weighs more than a specified amount (like your solid oak desk or piano)? Here’s a list of common services for which you may have to pay extra.
- Disposal Fee. If you want the movers to take the extra packing material with them after they move the furniture, you may have to let them know ahead of time.
- Furniture Disassembly and Reassembly. Some furniture won’t fit through a regular door jamb and must be disassembled and reassembled when moved. Are you doing this, or are they?
- Appliance Hook Ups. Some moving companies may not even offer to hook up your appliances because of liability issues, but if they do offer this service, they’ll likely charge for it.
- Long Carry. If the movers cannot park directly in front of your house, or if there is no parking close to your house, they may charge extra for a “long carry.” If possible, reserve the space in front of your home to avoid this charge.
- Shuttle Moves. If the movers cannot drive their big truck up to your new house, they may need to transfer your belongings to a smaller “shuttle” truck. This will cost extra.
- Storage and Warehousing. If there is any delay in moving your belongings directly into your new house when the truck arrives, the moving company will charge you for the use of their truck (or the cost of the warehouse), and any extra labor costs.
Although moving is stressful, if you plan well, you shouldn’t have any problems.
If you have questions about real estate or property management, please contact me at rselzer@selzerrealty.com or visit www.realtyworldselzer.com. If I use your suggestion in a column, I’ll send you a $5.00 gift card to Schat’s Bakery. If you’d like to read previous articles, visit my blog at www.richardselzer.com. Dick Selzer is a real estate broker who has been in the business for more than 40 years.