You need to get an estimate from several moving companies. You already know the questions they'll ask you; in this post you will find some questions you should be sure and get answers to.
Are your crews insured? If it's a company you are not familiar with, ask to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Ask for their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you are prepared for how the movers will handle the claim.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional men? Most companies will quote an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You may think three is overkill, but it is worth the money since that third or even fourth crewmember makes things go a whole lot faster when narrow hallways or awkward and heavy things are in the mix. You can have a couple of people taking things apart and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the movers are guys who work together every day and they are used to each having a specific job on the move, and they get the job done more expeditiously. It is not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with an upcharge for an additional man, if desired. If your house has four or five bedrooms or you have a big garage, you may require two trucks anyway, so think about getting the extra men to get it accomplished in one day.
Do you charge for drive time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies fluctuate with the travel charges. Usually, once they reach your house, the clock is started. Many times they will stop at a fast food restaurant and eat lunch in route to the new house, so there is not much down time.
What if I only want packing help? That's fine, most companies will supply you an a la carte pricing list--you can buy everything from boxes only to a six-man crew that will crate your golf clubs if you ask. The prices for packing commonly include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide array of box sizes. Expect an hourly price for a packing crew as a basic estimate. Just make sure and read through the verbiage on the estimate so that you are aware of specifically what is and isn’t included.
What if I just want moving help? Some folks like to pack while they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not useful. Moving companies are happy to load, drive, and unload on moving day, just make sure you understand their policies for what they can and cannot put on the truck. For instance, anything flammable or toxic cannot be put on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms may not be permitted on moving trucks, so you will likely have to open any safes so that the movers can see what is inside of them.
Movers Cost More Than Your Garden Club Group, but They Are Insured
Reliable movers are not inexpensive, but your poker buddies or family will not pay a claim if something is broken in the move. And, they're much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they do not know the correct way to lift heavy objects.
