Important Information Regarding
Questions to Ask the Moving Estimator
When meeting with the estimator give
them the best and most accurate
information because you will receive a
much more accurate and specific estimate
for your move.
1. Have the Estimator meet you at your
home. Show them exactly what you
want moved. Make sure the
Estimator see what's in the shed,
garden, attic and basement. If
your friend is borrowing something
you'll want to make sure you tell the
Estimator this too if you plan on moving
it. During this time inform the
Estimator which items are high in value
both monetary and sentimental.
Also which items you are most concerned
about. If you have a few locations
you are considering moving to ask them
to quote the move to each location.
2. Tell the Estimator you'd like to know
how they will be calculating the price
of your move. Find out if there
are any additional charges such as
moving a piano, going up or down narrow
stairs, using elevators or lack of
elevators, longer carries or shuttle
services should their truck not be able
to access the road or if their are
building restrictions preventing the
movers from pulling up as close as
possible. Know and understand what
the estimate includes and doesn't
include.
3. If you know you have additional items
in other locations such as your home and
a storage unit you will need to notify
the Estimator of any extra stops that
require their help (pick up and drop
offs). Also depending on closing
dates or rental terms dates ask the
Estimator if there will be any storage
options and what those charges might be
and for how long.
4. Have the Estimator put their estimate
in writing. If possible request a
binding or not-to-exceed estimate.
If you get one low estimate ask them why
that estimate is low. Perhaps that
Estimator did not see things that the
other Estimators did see. If that
Estimator is comparing apples to apples
than ask him to make it binding and put
it in writing.
5. Ask the Estimator what your payment
options are. Options could include
cash, bank & traveler's checks,
credit cards or personal checks.
6. If you're concerned about the amount
of insurance coverage the Moving Company
offers make sure to purchase additional
insurance. Do this especially if
you have valuable items. Anytime
you can eliminate stress when you move
is a good thing. If you purchase
additional insurance coverage you will
have one less thing to worry about.
Make sure that your Movers are licensed
and bonded.
7. Make sure to get a contact person
from the moving company to help you when
your questions arise.
8. Make sure the estimate includes
timelines. It could be very costly
if you have to stay in an empty home and
go out to eat every night for two weeks
because your moving company comes two
weeks later than expected.
9. The price of the estimate should never
be the deciding factor. The reputation
and references
of the moving company along with the
price should help you to decide which
company you are more comfortable with.
10. Get at least three estimates.
A detailed Estimate is free and you
should see what each company can do and
how they do things differently.
Phone and Internet estimates are difficult for a mover
to guarantee. A mover cannot properly
estimate your job unless he can see
exactly what has to be moved.
11. What are some reasons why an
estimate could vary from the final
price. You have to be ready for an
unforeseen variations such as:
access problems at either locations,
destination changes for whatever reason,
moving long distances can lead to
restricted truck road access, building
moving restrictions that were not
explained properly such as dedicated
moving elevators, acts of God such as
fire, water, snow earthquake that could
delay the move.
12. Act in good faith. Your
mover will want to do a great job
because they want you to refer their
friends and family to them when they
have to move too. If you have any
questions about the estimate or final
price ask the Estimator how they came up
with that price. If something is
not clear ask questions and then
document your conversations.
Documenting conversations include: date,
time, person spoke to, what the
conversation was.
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