You will want to get an estimate from a couple moving companies. You learned in our last post the questions they will ask you; here are several questions you should ask.
Are your crews insured? If it's a company you're not familiar with, request to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Get their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you know what the movers will pay for the loss.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional labor? Most companies will quote an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You might believe three is overkill, but it's worth the expense since that third or even fourth person helps things go a whole lot faster when stairs or bulky and heavy things are a factor. You can have a couple of people taking things apart and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; these are guys who work together every day and they are a team, and they get the job done diligently. It's not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with an upcharge for an extra man, if requested. 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 differ with the travel charges. Usually, once they get to your house, the clock is started. Frequently they will stop at a fast food place and eat lunch on the way to the new home, so there is not very much down time.
What if I just want packing help? That's fine, most companies will give you an a la carte pricing quote--you can get everything from shrink wrap only to a six-man crew that will box your garden tools if you tell them to. The prices for packing typically include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide range of box sizes. Anticipate an hourly rate for a packing team as a basic estimate. Just be sure and go through the verbiage on the quote so that you are aware of precisely what is and isn’t included.
What if I just want moving help? Some folks like to pack at the same time as they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not practical. Moving companies are willing to load, drive, and unload on moving day, just make sure you understand their policies for what they can and can't move. For example, anything flammable or toxic cannot go 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’ll have to open any safes so that the movers can see what is inside of them.
Movers Are More Expensive Than Your Extended Family, but They Are Insured
Professional movers are not cheap, but your poker buddies or family will not pay a claim if something is damaged in the move. And, they are much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they don't know the right way to lift heavy furniture.
