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Packing and unpacking is a big job, but you are to be congratulated. After all, you are moving into a new home! You may be planning to use a professional moving company to help make things easier. If so, you’ll want to consider your needs and your options. These tips will help you find a reasonably priced, reputable company that can help you get the task done right.

Your friends, business associates and family are a great place to start. Ask them to recommend (or warn you away from) a company they have previously used. After you’ve gathered a few names, you’ll want to research the companies further. Take a look at any consumer review websites, such as Yelp.com. The Better Business Bureau is also a great resource. The reviews you read can help you decide which companies are best.

Prior to calling the companies you like best for quotes, you’ll want to ask yourself a few questions. Do you intend to do all your own packing, or would you prefer for the movers to do some or even all of the packing for you? Also, are you going to have the moving company move all of your belongings? Sometimes people hire these companies just to move large, heavy items, such as a piano.

Your valuables are generally at least partially protected by the moving company’s liability insurance (typically .60 per pound). This is usually regardless of whether you do the packing, the moving company does the packing or a combination of the two. If you want everything fully insured against damage or breakage, be sure to talk with the movers about any additional costs that will apply. Also, ask about restrictions or limitations on the coverage. Insurance upgrades are often offered by the moving company, but may apply only to items the movers pack for you, or you may have the option to specify which items you want covered with the extra insurance. Some people opt for third-party insurance coverage through their own agent.

Getting estimates from three different companies is a good idea, as it will enable you to more easily compare differences in prices. However, you’ll want to ensure that the estimates are all done similarly. If two estimates are from movers who come to inspect your belongings, while the third gives you a quote over the phone, this is not comparing apples to apples. If one estimate is considerably lower than the other two, you might want to inquire further about the bonds and insurance protection these movers are carrying for themselves. The company, not you, should take responsibility for potential injury of the movers. In addition, all estimates should include driving time, gas, mileage, lunch breaks, container size, extra costs for wrapping furniture, renting furniture pads, boxes for your wardrobe, etc. You don’t want any surprises when it’s time to pay the bill.

Ask if scheduling your move on a weekday is any less expensive than scheduling on the weekend. Sometimes it is. Be wary of companies that have no physical address, or that require cash for the move. Almost all businesses should accept credit cards in this day and age.

You’ll want to hire a local company for moves in the same area or state. Cross country moves have additional regulations and charges that apply. Interstate or international moves should be managed by experts in that field.

Since the moving business is extremely competitive, most companies will try to provide good service at a fair price. But it pays to do your research and make sure that the professionals you are entrusting with your household will treat it with the care and respect you expect.

Moving within the Chicago and surrounding metro area? Call on Checkmate Movers, a full service, professional, local moving company with a low minimum charge, simple hourly rates and no hidden “mystery” fees. Their experienced, capable people work hard to safely and efficiently move your belongings because it’s what they love to do. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services