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Choosing the Right Moving Method

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By moving101


Choosing a Moving Method


Another one of the important moving basics that you should be concerned with is choosing the perfect company to move your goods. Choosing a good moving method is one of the most important choices that you will make throughout the duration of your move. There are plenty of choices out there, and many more moving companies available to help you relocate. While it may seem like you will never find the right company for you and your own needs, there is a systematic method that you can use in order to find the perfect company. Here are some ideas to help you.

Where to Start

Now that you have your moving checklist in hand, you know what to look for in a company. Your needs will be fairly laid out in front of you, so now it is time to call around for moving quotes. Do not plan on hiring the first company that you contact, no matter what deals they plan on offering you at that moment. Be sure to write down everything that they tell you, and always ask questions. Convey to the representative what your needs will be and ask for an all inclusive quote as well as a quote for each individual service.

You can find loads of moving companies online to contact, and many even offer moving quotes online instantly. Remember, however, that these instant quotes will not give you a breakdown of everything that is included. You can also contact moving companies that are in your local phone book depending on what you need. For interstate movers, you may have to locate a company website that gives a phone number that you can call.

Keep in mind that the cheapest service is not always the best way to go. You need to make sure of a few other things before you jump at what may seem like a great deal. Service will vary from one company to another, and you need to make sure that the company is willing to give you what you need at a fair price in a professional manner. You are entrusting the company with everything you own, so you should make sure that your things are not going to get lost or broken. You also need to avoid the various moving scams that are prevalent in the industry today.

Knowing the Methods

There are three basic types of moving services on the market today. People who need to relocate can choose one or more of these services based on their needs. You should get moving quotes from each one of these types in order to compare time and cost measurements before you hire a specific company.

The most well known moving method out there is the professional full service moving company. These companies provide everything from a packing service to an unpacking service on the other end of the move. They will load your things into a big truck and drive them to your destination where they unload them. As this service takes care of every aspect of a move, it is the most expensive method out there.

Another well known method for moving is the moving truck rental service. This is the complete opposite of the professional moving service, and all that is provided here is the truck rental. If you choose to use this method, you will have to pack, load, unload, and unpack as well as driving the truck to your destination. Because very little is included, this method is one of the cheapest and easiest to use.

Somewhere in between the two different methods is the portable storage containers and the self pack moving companies. These services offer the best of both worlds. While you will be responsible for packing, and possibly loading the container, the company has and provides experienced drivers to take your things to your new home. The cost behind these methods is also somewhere in between the professional companies and the truck rentals, depending on what services and space that you end up using.

While any move can use any method, certain methods work better with certain needs. For those who need it done fast and have a lot on their plate, professional movers might be the right method to choose. For others, who have kids and other unexpected variables, a truck rental might be a better idea. Knowing the difference and what you get with each service can go a long way to helping you understand what you want and need.

Assessing the Information

After you have gathered information about different moving methods and quotes, you need to assess everything together and compare. Beware of extremely low prices from companies that are not willing to give you binding quotes. This may be an attempt at lowballing the moving figures, which can result in huge extra charges at the other end. This is one of the many moving scams that are out there today.

Make sure that you do not try to compare apples to oranges. That means that you need to compare only the services that are similar in type. This will allow you to see an average cost for a certain type of service, which can help you eliminate the risky low quotes of some companies. Once complete, feel free to compare the time and cost involved in each of the methods together. This will allow you to see how things fit together. For example, getting a moving truck rental will cost less but take more time on your part, while hiring a full service company will allow you extra time, but cost you more money.

Binding and non Binding

One of the last things that you need to consider when choosing a moving company is the fact that there are different types of moving quotes out there. Binding quotes are given by companies who are the most professional, and they cannot vary when you arrive at your new home. These quotes are considered legally binding, and getting one can save you heartache as well as money.

Non-binding estimates are given by almost any company as an attempt to gain your business. These quotes are not legally binding, and they can change depending on the situation. If the weight of the shipment is more or it takes up more space than they thought it would, the cost will be passed on to you at the other end of the move.

Cars and Vehicles

Car shipping may be one of those things that you do not know about that can save you money. Basically, this service transports vehicles from one place to another of your choosing. There are plenty of auto transport companies out there that can fit your needs at any given time. While this is an added charge to the overall move, you can save money because you will not have to pay for fuel, wear, and everything associated with taking a lengthy trip. Choosing one of these companies is much like choosing a company for your actual move, and you should follow all of the steps that you did when you choose your moving company.

Conclusions

Avoiding extra costs and saving money is one of the goals of doing the research to find a good company. It is up to you who you choose in the end, but hiring a company who charges a little more but offers binding quotes with a great reputation is the best route to take. With so many companies out there, it can be hard to find one that is going to fit your needs without subjecting you to a scam. By having the knowledge laid out above, you too can make it through your move successfully.

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karinmindell profile image

karinmindell  says:
11 months ago

Excellent info. I am planning on moving within the next 6 months and have learned some valuable tips which will save me a lot of money.

Thanks!

John Cash profile image

John Cash  says:
11 months ago

Very comprehensive. Like the way you reference lots of companies.

andyrocks profile image

andyrocks  says:
11 months ago

Valuable information for me. I am moving within 2 months and these tips will help me alot. Thanks hub.

healthydogs  says:
11 months ago

You have some great tips here for choosing the right moving method. Thankfully, I haven't had to move house for many years, but my sister is always moving around. I'm sure there is plenty of info here that she doesn't know in relation to choosing the right moving method. Thanks!

yojpotter profile image

yojpotter  says:
11 months ago

THanks for the great tips on how to choose the right moving method..^^ it has been very helpful and informative!

solutions  says:
11 months ago

Having a moving checklist is such a great idea to ensure there are no hitches when you move - even more important than choosing the right moving method, I think.

dinahschierer profile image

dinahschierer  says:
11 months ago

I have had a really horrible situation when my family hired a horrible moving company. Many of our items were delivered broken and our movers showed up drunk! Believe me, its worth the time it takes to really think out the whole moving process and ensure you have hired the best people.

bob_g profile image

bob_g  says:
11 months ago

Some great tips here. Seems nuts buut I know so many people who don't make a list for starters when they have moved. No wonder things get lost lol.

bob_g profile image

bob_g  says:
11 months ago

Some great tips here. Seems nuts buut I know so many people who don't make a list for starters when they have moved. No wonder things get lost lol.

childbehavior profile image

childbehavior  says:
11 months ago

This is a very informative hub. It is good to know all the options when contemplating something as big as moving house, especially if you are on a limited budget

GinneyHarris profile image

GinneyHarris  says:
11 months ago

My son and daughter in law are planning a move back home here (yay!) in a few months - I'll definitely be passing this helpful info on to them. Thanks!

bocasteve profile image

bocasteve  says:
11 months ago

I need to move this summer this info is really helpful thank you.

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