Packing Tips
- A good way to reduce your moving expenses is to pack many items on your own. Then you don’t need to pay extra fees to the moving company for the packing of valuables and associated moving supplies. While this may void some of the mover's responsibility with relation to damages encountered during your move it will also save you a great deal of expenses.
- Pack large items into the smallest box that can handle the size of that item. This will save weight and make moving items a less arduous process.
- Property entranceways should be measured to ensure that items being moved can be easily transported through them.
- Ensure that no flammable or corrosive items are packed into boxes, this is illegal in many provinces/states and can be hazard for your movers.
- Always label your boxes clearly and note where each item is to go during your move, this will save costs on your end. Also, clearly label items that are fragile to ensure that they are handled with care.
The Moving Company & Employees
- Try to be courteous with your movers, this will bring you additional goodwill with regard to the handling of your valuables. Also, try to keep some refreshments on hand for them during the move; it will be appreciated by your movers.
- A large part of the estimate for a move relates to the weight, distance to be traveled and the amount of space needed within a moving truck. Always make sure your mover provides a concise estimate of the expenses involved with your move. Also, make sure that an in person consultation has been set up prior to your move, a planning session. During this meeting your moving company representative should be asking you a great deal of questions relating to your move. As well, you should also ask questions when there are items that need clarification. In addition a precise list of all the items that you are moving should be provided to your moving company and discussed with them.
- Be sure to ask about any hidden costs that might be included with your move. During your in person planning session make sure that the mover is aware of any stairs or elevators that they may encounter or other possible obstacles. Also make sure that your mover provides you with a precise rundown of all the expenses that are involved with your move.
- A large deposit is never required before commencing a move. High quality moving companies won’t ask you for one. The majority of the moving fee should be paid at its completion.
Contract Types & Insurance
- There are three types of contracts that movers deal with.
- A non-binding estimate; these types of contracts ensure that the fee for your move cannot exceed beyond the final estimate by 10%.
- A non-binding to exceed estimate; this type of contract ensures that you only have to pay the estimate fee related to your move, no additional fees can be incurred.
- A binding estimate; the fee for your move is posted within your contract; it is the overall fee including any possible extra charges that may be incurred.
Make sure you know how much time is provided for within your moving contract to declare damaged goods encountered during your move. Check all of your moving boxes as they reach their final destination while the movers are still completing your move. Before signing off on the contract that is provided at the end of your move make sure that you bring up any damaged items to the attention of the moving company and have them make note of it within the contract before you sign off on it.
- Insurance: have a firm grasp of what type of insurance your moving company is providing for your belongings during your move. There are two types of coverage available.
Full replacement value protection; this type of insurance protection will cost you an additional amount. However it covers the value of your items if they are lost, destroyed or damaged while the moving company is completing your move. The moving company will provide you with one of two options to replace lost or damaged goods.
- They can repair an item back to its original condition or pay you a fee to repair it yourself.
- They can also replace an item with something that is similar or provide you with the funds to replace an item.
With this type of liability coverage a mover can limit their liability for items with an extraordinary value of over $100 unless those items are clearly noted on the shipping list within your contract. Goods of extraordinary value relate to jewelry, silverware, china, antiques and high end electronics.
Alternative Level of Liability; is a more economically minded insurance for your valuables with a more limited insurance coverage for your belongings. The moving company assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound of weight per article multiplied by 60 cents. You won’t be charged extra for alternative liability insurance but you will be required to sign off on it within your moving company contract.
