Selecting a Moving Company

In my counting series of providing helpful and valuable real estate tips for renters I would like to share some valuable considerations in preparation for the actual move of your household goods. These helpful strategies apply equally to buyers and sellers of existing Encinitas homes as well. With September being a prime moving season for renters as many leases come up for renewal, it’s important to cover the basics of a successful transition to a new living space. If your new to the whole process or have moved several times the first step is to consider what options are available to you.

It’s a good idea to start with asking for names of reputable movers from family, friends or co-workers who have had direct experiences with area moving companies. I always recommend that my clients deal with a reputable moving company and leaving the important duty of transporting your belongs to a established professional. As an additional means of verification you can check several Internet websites such as the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) or seek previous customer feedback from the Better Business Bureau, or sites such as Yelp.

You will want to get several independent estimates and review these side by side. Inquire about “not to exceed” language in the estimate that will provide a cost cap. Ask for in homes estimates as these will be more likely to produce a more accurate cost. Be careful to check for hidden fees. Understand what you’ll be expected to pay at the end of the move and specifically what services will be covered. Some movers charge by weight and distance, while others charge by the number of man hours it’ll take to actually transport your belongings. The more you own, the more you most likely will be charged; if you ask for packing of your household goods there will be a cost added to your total. Check out the level of standard insurance offered by the carrier. You will also want to research the claims procedure and match up your own renters or homeowners coverage to see if there are gaps. If you are being relocated by your employer, ask to see the policy regarding moving expenses to see what specifically is covered and if there are certain restrictions on the moving companies you can use.

The most important thing to do is to plan ahead. Take time to reduce the amount of items to be moved by selling or storing the things that are non essential to your new home. Make sure you have plenty of boxes and bubble wrap or packing paper to accommodate fragile items. Color code or label boxes to corresponding rooms and once filled seal the boxes well, clearly marking those with fragile contents. On moving day remember to keep any valuable documentation, jewelery and personal items with you at all times. Lastly make a contact list of all the individuals and business that need to know your new information. It’s a good idea to contact utilities and the postal service several weeks in advance of the actual move date.

Moving can be one of the most stressful activities in a person’s life and Linda Moore has been helping renters, buyers and sellers carefully prepare for this event. Linda’s database of reputable moving professionals is constantly updated with real time feedback from her clients. She prides herself on assisting anyone relocating in or out of the San Diego area ensuring their move successful and hassle free.

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