Archive for May, 2010

Moving trucks—does size matter?

Moving trucks

Moving trucks provided by various moving companies come in different sizes and models. Here are tips on how to get the right size truck for your move.

If you are moving and you think about a moving truck, the first thing that comes to your mind is the size of the truck. You don’t care whether the truck is red or white! The size of the moving truck means a lot for your move. Whether you are getting moving services from a long distance moving company or from local movers, the size of the moving truck that you ask will in the end contribute to the overall cost of your move.

Various moving companies have come up with various standard sizes of the moving trucks. When you describe your move, the moving companies will suggest a truck that you should hire and they will charge you accordingly. A large moving truck is more expensive than a small moving van. Here are some tips that will shed more light on what to consider before determining what moving truck to go for.

• First, many moving companies have three main sized of moving trucks, which include: 15 foot, 20 foot and 24 foot moving truck. Other common sizes of the moving trucks include 26 foot, 17 foot and 14 foot.
• If you have a four bedroom house, then a 26 foot moving truck will be sufficient for you. If you have a three bedroom house, then a 24 foot will do. If you have 2 to 3 bedroom house, then a 17 foot moving truck will and if you a 1 to 2 bedroom house a 14 foot moving truck will be enough for your move.
• There are smaller moving trucks or moving vans which are 10 foot and they are ideal for a studio of a small 1 bedroom apartment.
• Always rent a moving truck that is slightly more than what may be ideal for your move. It’s better to have some space left in the moving truck than to have your stuff left for lack of space!
• You should also consider the maneuverability of the truck in your area and also in the new area. If a big truck can’t maneuver the areas, you should go for smaller moving vans.

Moving truck rental—tips on renting moving truck

Moving truck rental

Moving truck rental could be a great way to save your money while moving. Here are tips on how to go about renting a truck for your move.

One way you can save your money while moving is by renting a truck and driving it yourself. But all said and done, moving truck rental need to be done carefully to avoid unplanned expenses and misfortunes. Here are tips on all that is involved in moving truck rental.

1. When choosing a moving truck or a moving van, it’s recommended that you avoid peak seasons like summers and weekends. Asking for free moving quotes from the moving truck rental company may help you to compare the timings and the corresponding charges so you can plan accordingly.

2. Never rent a truck unless you understand the terms and conditions stipulated in the contract. Some terminologies used may be hard to understand but may negatively bind you if you don’t adhere to them. It’s not foolishness to ask over and over until you understand. Take time to understand their moving insurance policy as well.

3. Always test drive your moving truck before taking it for the trip especially if you are embarking on a long distance move.

4. Understand the pricing. Local movers often charge per day. State to state movers often charge on one-way basis whereby you pick the moving truck from one location and drop it to another. You will be required to pay deposit before taking the moving truck or moving van.

5. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and that you check with the age requirement from the moving company you are renting the moving truck from. Some moving companies allow an age limit of 18 while others may allow those with 25 years and over to rent their trucks.

6. Other tips that may help you include cleaning the truck after use to avoid penalties, taking time to understand how driving the truck may be different from driving your car and getting the right insurance cover.

Moving services—tips for first time movers

tips for first time movers

Moving services should be selected meticulously. Here are some moving tips on how to choose moving services especially for first time movers.

  • Moving services includes getting a moving truck or a moving van; getting the right moving insurance cover, getting the required moving accessories among other services.
  • As a first time mover, you need to have a cool mind. First of all you should make a moving checklist and create a folder for the move. The moving checklist might be so populated that you start to panic. DON’T. Be calm and be willing to be helped in getting the right moving services.
  • Get help! Surely you need help. It’s not a shame to ask your mother or your girlfriend to led hand for your move. Moving companies may be willing to offer their professional moving services including lifting your heavy stuff, loading and unloading your moving truck etc, but this may come at a cost. Cut that cost by asking your friends and relatives to help you.
  • Eat. Yes, I mean it. Many first time movers are so engrossed in their move that they lose appetite as they lose their mind. Even if you are not embarking on a long distance move, you should take time to eat well. This will keep your energy levels high. Get snacks and water ready for you and your movers to grab while on the move.
  • Ask questions! No one will think you are a fool if you ask the moving company you are getting moving services from about moving insurance or details about moving truck rental. It’s better to be called a fool than to find yourself in a financial mess that may land you to jail!
  • Lastly, don’t forget to ask for free moving quotes. After all they are free and they will help you to know approximately how much money you need for your move. Did I say lastly? Well this is the last thing—good luck!

Moving quotes — tips on avoiding moving scams by cheacking the moving companies quotes

tips on avoiding moving scams

Moving quotes can be deluding at times, especially if issued by untrustworthy moving companies. Here are tips to how you can avoid being duped by ‘free moving quote’.

Moving quotes, without doubts, is a necessity for any type of a move these days. Many years ago, there was nothing like moving quotes until the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980 was passed. This act allowed companies to bid for prices or compete on prices. Initially, Transport matters were handled by Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), until the congress abolished it in 1985.

With amendments in transport laws the changes brought by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is part of the Federal Department of Transportation (DOT), moving companies must cut their margin of profits for the sake of their clients. This means, moving companies must bid for your move and this is done by issuing no-obligation moving quotes and giving you a change to choose the mover of your preference.

This is a good arrangement especially if you are planning a long distance move and need moving services of state to state movers. But do you remember our famous American proverb, that there is no such thing as free lunch? Well, I don’t say there is nothing like free moving quotes but you should research more on these moving quotes to avoid finding yourself in a moving scams are there.

Moving companies involved in scams know very well it takes time to resolve matters arising from moving and the greatest punishment they get is a fine that often is less than what they have taken from you. For this reason, you should ask the movers as many questions as possible when you get these free moving quotes. You should also go by reputation. Don’t fall for a mover just because he is the cheapest in town.

Lastly, never entertain movers who send you ready made moving quotes. Trusted companies will send their experts and representatives to inspect your stuff and get the nature of the move before sending you the moving quotes.

Moving company—Danger signs to look for

Signs to look with a moving company

Moving company—tips on how you can have a stress free move by finding various danger signs for detecting untrustworthy movers so that you settle for trusted moving companies.

1. Show me the money

When you start your search for the moving companies, you may need to call and ask what each moving company is offering. A trusted moving company will be true to their words and policies though they lose you. But a bad moving company will be eager to demand a down payment ‘to block’ the place for you. If they ask for payments to cover packing materials, you should be cautious. A good moving company will include that, if it really exists, in their total charges.

2. BBB status

A quick place to find if you are dealing with a trusted mover is by checking with the Better Business Bureau. Companies who have a bad record here may surely get you in the same hook unless they have been cleared. Find also if the company is a known member of associations such as American Moving and Storage Association as well as The Household Good Forwarders Association of America.

3. Too eager to help?

Most trusted moving companies will be fully booked many weeks in advance. If you call a moving company and find out that they can move you any day you want, then you should research more on them. Genuine companies will be booked for a long time especially on weekends, end months and holidays.

4. No survey, just quick estimates

Untrustworthy movers will not bother to come to your house to do a survey before giving moving quotes and estimates. They will insist on sending you the quotes saying it will cost you more if they send someone there.

5. Let’s talk weights

Be careful when a moving company insists on charging you or giving you estimates based on weight. It’s hard to estimate weight unless the cargo is really weighed and you will come to know about the weight only when the moving process has begun. A good moving company will give estimates based on the space your stuff will occupy on the container or moving truck.

Moving companies: Tips for getting reliable movers

moving companies tips

Moving companies are a vital part of your move. Here are valuable tips on how you can find and settle for one that is perfect for your move.

Moving companies are a vital part of your move. Here are valuable tips on how you can find and settle for one that is perfect for your move.

Get to the basics: understand the nature of your move

There are times when people end up making wrong decisions in selecting moving companies since they didn’t understand the nature of their move. Ask yourself if you a moving office, moving a house, moving a piano or what? If you are moving house as well as your piano or car, you need to contact moving companies who are also piano movers. The same case will apply if you are moving your car. Don’t settle for a moving company only to come and say they don’t move piano on the last minute!

How reliable is the reliable company?

Let’s agree on one thing: there is no moving company that will say they are not so reliable but can still move you! But there are moving scams and duped clients out there. Don’t be a victim. Take time to check the track record of each moving company. Check their credibility with the Better Business Bureau and if they are members of such associations like American Moving and Storage Association as well as The Household Good Forwarders Association of America. This way, it will be easier to get your problems solved if they arise.

Start with a click

With a click of a button, you can get unlimited information on moving companies offering various moving services like moving truck rental etc on the internet. Internet is a great place to start your search for a moving company but you should take second opinions before settling on one. Ask for free moving quotes so you can compare.

Cheap can be expensive

Don’t let cheap quotes lure you to settling for a moving company. The last thing you will like to hear from a moving company is ‘sorry’. Some movers charge a little more but they have excellent moving services.

Movers services for a hustle free move

movers services

Movers services—tips on some of the moving services offered by various moving companies and how you can have a stress free move by knowing details of each.

Self moving

Self moving is where you do all the packing and unloading of your stuff and all a moving company does is driving your stuff to the new location. This type of moving service is gaining popularity since it saves your money and allows you the freedom to pack your stuff the way it feels right for you. A mover will bring their moving trucks or boxes at your house and let you do all the packing and call them when you are done.

Piano moving

Unlike the furniture in your house that can be moved easily, a piano needs care and extra efforts. Not all movers will be willing to move your piano and if you plan to move one, always seek services from qualified piano movers who have the right equipment and manpower to move your piano.

Car moving

Just like piano moving, car moving also needs special kind of a move. A car cannot be put among your normal household stuff. Car moving needs special moving services of car moving companies that that have the experience need for the service and have understood the implications of misfortunes in the process of moving. If you are embarking on a long distance move is advisable to seek moving services of a car mover many weeks in advance to avoid a last moment disappointment.

Free moving quotes and estimates

This is a vital movers’ service you should always ask for.  A reliable moving company will offer you this service free of cost and will even come to your house to make a survey to determine how much the move will approximately cost you. Avoid movers who set the estimates based of weight since it’s hard to know the weight of your stuff unless it’s really weighed and that can only be established during the move.