Determining the cost of your move

There are many factors that will affect the cost of your move. Be sure to carefully consider these, and be prepared to find more along the way:

• Size: The overall weight of your move can affect the price with some companies. Generally portable storage is not weight based, however with professional movers, often the heavier the move, the more it’s going to cost.

• Distance: The number of miles you’re traveling can influence its cost greatly, as can your final destination. Keep in mind that some moving companies only serve a certain region.

• Time: The time of year you need to move will also have an effect on your bottom line. Moving during peak times, such as the summer or holidays, often means that you’ll pay more. If you have the luxury of time, try to plan at less busy times. Look for specials during unpopular periods.

• Level of service: Hiring a moving company to complete a “full-service” move – one where they not only transport your household items, but also pack and unpack them – will be significantly more expensive than a “self-service” move. Make sure you’re aware of the varying level of service available for your move and what works best for you.  Many times, people forget that self-moving has several levels of service available to meet your budget as well.

• Insurance: Be sure to consider insuring your move against mishaps or even disasters. Keep in mind that moves you do yourself are usually limited to $25,000 insurance, and cover only damage caused by disasters such as auto accidents or fires.

• Storage: Make sure to calculate if your new residence will be able to accommodate all of your belongings.  Many times, the couch you’ve had since college won’t fit in your new living room (or relationship) but hasn’t used enough duct tape to be sent to the trash bin.  Having the ability to store your extra belongings, even in the short term as you decide how to layout your new interior, is often overlooked when moving.

Taking some time to determine what your move will actually and honestly cost you will save you from a lot of the stress of moving, and will insure that you’ll be that much happier in your destination.

Choosing professional movers

Choosing a moving company can feel like an overwhelming task. Where can you start? What should you look for? Here’s a short checklist to help outline some steps in choosing a professional moving company:

• Give yourself plenty of time – If you have the luxury of time, start considering moving companies as much as 8 weeks before moving day. Planning well in advance will make it much more likely you’ll find a moving company you’re going to be satisfied with. It will also allow you to compare many cost estimates, and to build a more solid idea of how much your move will cost.

  As well, always ask if the estimates are guaranteed or variable. Often, estimates from van lines are based on the best-case scenario and can vary widely once your items are loaded on the truck and weighed.  It’s much harder to negotiate a price when everything you own is on some one else’s truck.

• Get feedback from family, friends and the internet – Were these moving companies on time? Were they professional? Did they have the right equipment for the job? What about damage? You can get an abundance of personal testimonials from neighbors, friends, and family about local moving companies. Additionally, researching a moving company on the internet can provide some insight into its reputation and history from a wider clientele. Be sure to check business advocacy sites such as the Better Business Bureau. If your employer is transferring you, ask your relocation agent.

• Determine the size, distance, and timing of your move – How much can you afford to spend on your move? How much work can you do yourself? Be honest, and over-estimate often. Knowing these facts can help you evaluate moving estimates and decide what company is best for you.

  As well, make sure to plan for the unknown.  What if weather delays happen?  Research hotels along your route and make sure you can afford an extra few nights in a hotel if necessary.  How flexible is your departure and arrival date? Have you packed enough in case your belongings are delayed on their arrival due to weather as well?  Make sure to have your options open in case things don’t go according to plan.

• Determine which items the company in question will not transport – Some common restrictions include hazardous items such as paint, cleaners, aerosol cans, or gasoline. Many companies will not move personal valuables such as jewelry, important documents or furs, and many have restrictions involving pets and plants.

Putting some time into making sure you have made the right choice will help you avoid a considerable amount of the stress involved in choosing a moving company. A few minutes of planning is worth avoiding a lot of potential headaches down the road.