When deciding whether to endeavor on an independent venture or to use professional household movers or amateurs, one must consider all the costs involved. Although the professionals cost more, they are of greater value because the quality of service provided is well worth the additional price. One must think beyond the cost of labor, packaging, gas and truck rental when assessing the expense it will take to move. These are some of the easily quantifiable hard costs, but there are also other considerations, such as time, effort, organization and the ability to safely operate a truck. Household movers are only paid in part for the equipment and supplies they can provide, but what their customers are actually purchasing with the additional money is the professionalism, talent and organization of the employees.
Using professional household movers can be affordable and convenient. Consumers must vet companies by exercising all due diligence in order to ensure the safe transportation of their belongings. It is a good idea to check customer reviews on the Internet and verify the company’s registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), whose job it is to reduce fraud and maintain industry standards. Individuals or amateurs providing moving services may not have the experience required to safely transport their customers’ belongings without damage. Furthermore, they may lack the ability to provide accurate and complete estimates, so it is suggested that all estimates be done in person and completed in full to avoid unanticipated changes in the cost.
Choosing qualified household movers can alleviate the stress and mitigate the risks involved in moving. Through years of experience, experts have perfected the practices needed to most efficiently and safely pack, maneuver and load their clients’ personal belongings. Professional companies insure themselves with cargo and liability coverage. Furthermore, they maintain a good United States Department of Transportation Safety rating. A U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number is issued to carriers as proof that the company keeps transportation logs and has all the necessary safety training. It is a good idea to look for DOT numbers in advertisements of professional movers. Beyond adhering to state and federal licensing regulations, industry affiliations provide certifications to companies based on specific criteria meant to ensure the highest level of customer satisfaction.
Professional companies do not simply provide transportation for their customers’ belongings, as many will also provide a complete service, which one must not overlook. This may include labeling and crating services, storage facilities, loading and unloading of Portable On-Demand Storage and assistance with export documentation and customs clearance for overseas moves. Using one company with these abilities can simplify moving, especially in the case of long distance or international moves. The storage facilities may be beneficial if moving into a smaller residence with less storage than the current home. For reasons like this, a full inventory of ones requirements must be taken before finding a suitable company.
Although amateur companies may be appealing at first glance, further investigation reveals that this option is often more trouble than it is worth. Professional companies offer superior value and services, which their reputation of longstanding customer satisfaction will reflect. If uncertain of the costs, take advantage of free estimates offered by many professional household movers, which should be conducted on location to provide an accurate price.