Moving & Hauling Full-Service Movers

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. In the world we live in we deal with all types of scams and people everyday having a job on how they can take money away from consumers. It is sad to say but the moving industry is not 100% protected from these types of people. Never ever give a DEPOSIT for your relocation regardless of where you are relocating from and to. Any reputable company will never ever ask for a deposit. Once you present a deposit and you decide that you prefer not to use that mover your deposit is gone. I cannot stress this enough to make sure you protect yourself on this matter. You should never have to pay for the relocation until the truck arrives at your destination. Dont choose your mover solely on price. The cheapest is not always the best. . If it sounds too good to be true, then the chances are... it is!

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. DONATE, DONATE, DONATE... we can't emphasize this enough... most of the time you can "spring clean and downsize" at the same time and be able to get a tax benefit! If your chairs/sofa do not match in color then don't move it. You may be able to replace your furniture cheaper than you can reupholster it or move it. If you plan on replacing it at destination anyway then this is more weight that you have to pay for and will be disposing of at the destination. If you have items not moving, make sure these items are listed on your quote as "not going" so the weight is not factored in on your cost. The cost for all relocations moving on an interstate basis is based on weight and miles. It's a good time to clean out your children's toy boxes. Have them help with this and let them know should you decide to donate them to some place such as a YMCA or homeless shelter they may be making another child who has nothing very happy. Again, this could be a tax benefit to you and will also decrease your weight and/or packing cost.

Q. What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?

A. 1. While thinking of your budget for your upcoming relocation Keep in mind (and this is sad to say but a reality) there are many movers who will give you the price you want to hear just to get your business. You find out later that more additional charges have to be paid that were never stated to you in the beginning. In our business these are called ROGUE movers and are not recognized by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or any legal entity in the moving industry. Verify your mover is licensed with the D.O.T and/or State. The mover should also be under the PROMOVER status and present this certification during your estimate process.

2. Get a minimum of (2) quotes and a maximum of (4) quotes. If you get anymore it becomes confusing and much harder to determine apples to apples for the dollars invested.

3. "Not all trucks are created equal." Is your residence tractor/trailer accessible? When asked this and make sure it is asked. The truck must be able to gain access close enough for loading and unloading. If this cannot happen then you will be charged for a shuttle, which is considerable charge. A shuttle is when the tractor trailer cannot gain access and a smaller truck will be loaded with your household goods and transferred to the tractor trailer. Keep in mind that unlike your origin residence where you will be advised at the time of the visual survey if this will be needed, your relocation coordinator cannot see your destination location and but he/she must divulge the price of a shuttle at destination on your quote so you are aware of all unknown charges before you sign.

4. Insist on a visual survey for your quote. You cannot get an accurate and reliable quote over the phone. However you can do an online inventory and fill out the online form to get a more accurate estimate. Using the online inventory you will see what you have inputted and know what your weight will be. Demand your quote to be a binding quote so your price is fixed. Verify no additional charges will be applied an receive that in writing.

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. The best way to save money during your relocation is to verify you are using a PRO MOVER. Even if you receive a binding estimate and remove items that were originally planned on being moved, ask for a revised estimate to be done eliminating those removed items. ONLY PAY FOR WHAT YOU ARE RELOCATING AND NOT WHAT YOU ORGINALLY PLANNED ON RELOCATING. Most food cannot be shipped. It's suggested that any food you have in your refrigerator or freezer be eaten or given to friends or family so it does not go to waste. And always remember NEVER GIVE A DEPOSIT. A proper moving company will never ask for a deposit, those are normally rouge movers that are just looking to get money from you.