Movers can help with more than just transporting items. They can also assemble furniture, dispose of packing materials, and provide storage solutions.
Be sure to get detailed estimates from multiple movers. And remember, cheaper isn’t always better. You want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money.
If you need to move your items from one home to another, you should use a moving contractor. They will pack your belongings safely and efficiently, ensuring that they arrive at their new homes in good condition. Many moving companies also offer storage services for a fee. Some even offer special packing for delicate items. The most important thing to do before hiring a moving company is to plan ahead. Make a list of all the items you want them to pack, and choose a date that gives them enough time to finish the job. This will reduce stress and help your items stay organized.
The best type of movers are full-service movers, which include both packing and transportation. They will pick up your items from every room in your old home and transport them to the correct rooms at your new home. They will also wrap individual pieces of furniture to protect them from damage during transit. They will also provide a detailed inventory of your goods. The inventory is a document that lists all the items being shipped and their condition, and it serves as a receipt for your shipment.
Moving contractors may also offer specialty services, such as crating and furniture disassembly. Some may even have a warehouse where they can store your items for short or long periods of time. Other services they might offer are truck, trailer, and moving equipment rentals and moving supplies for customers who prefer to pack their own belongings. They will also give you advice on how to save space, which is essential for a successful relocation.
A GSA contract outlines the terms and conditions of a moving contractor’s work with government employees who are relocating to new duty stations. It covers everything from the definition of a moving contractor to the payment procedures and other details. To be GSA-certified, a moving contractor must meet certain qualifications, including financial stability and experience in the industry.
In addition to providing professional packing and moving services, a GSA-certified moving company should be familiar with the Household Goods Tender of Service (HTOS) regulations. This is a set of standards that govern the transportation and storage-in-transit of household goods for federal employees who are relocating to their new duty stations.
Transportation
A moving contractor typically offers transportation services to move items from your residence or place of business to another location. This includes local moves within a state and interstate moves across the country. The cost of transporting goods is determined by the weight and size of your shipment as well as the distance. Some movers offer consolidated shipping, which allows you to share space on an entire container with other clients, helping reduce costs.
The first step in getting a price estimate is for an inspector to visit your home and view your belongings. This will help your mover determine what supplies you’ll need and give you an overall financial estimate for the moving process. This may include a binding estimate, which guarantees the total cost of your move, or a non-binding estimate that is not binding on the carrier.
On moving day, your movers will load your items into a truck or trailer and drive them to your new residence. They’ll make sure that they are stacked and secured safely so that they don’t shift or fall during transit. They’ll then unload and unpack your items in your new home. This may take a few days, but it is worth the extra time to protect your belongings.
If you want your shipment to arrive by a certain date, ask your mover about expedited service options. They may charge an additional fee to guarantee a specific delivery window. They’ll also have an “Order for Service” number that specifies the charges and services provided.
It’s important to read your bill of lading and insurance policy thoroughly. Ask your moving company to explain any terms that you don’t understand. It’s also wise to do a little homework on your own to learn more about moving terminology and lingo. There are several scammers in the industry that use moving services as a front for fraud and theft. Some even hold your possessions hostage, claiming they were lost or stolen during transit, and then demand money to release them.
A reputable moving company should always have a USDOT number for interstate moves and a state license for local moves. They should also have proper insurance that covers your possessions for the duration of the move.
Storage
One of the most important aspects of moving is deciding where to store your belongings. Whether you need storage as part of your move or simply because you have too much stuff, hiring a storage company can make all the difference. Here are three things to consider when choosing a storage company: 1. Check their credentials.
Look for a licensed, bonded, and insured storage company to ensure the safety of your items. If you are unsure of their credentials, ask for references from past customers. This will give you a good idea of their service quality. If you cannot find any references, look for reviews online and on social media. These will help you find a reputable company with the best prices and services.
A great option for a local or long-distance move is to hire a moving and storage company that offers both services. This way, you can save time and money by getting everything done at once. Additionally, a one-stop shop can provide you with discounts for bundling services.
The best moving companies offer a range of storage services, including short-term and long-term storage facilities. Short-term storage facilities are ideal for household goods that need to be stored for a few days or weeks. Long-term storage is more suitable for furniture, appliances, and high-end artwork. Usually, these facilities are temperature-controlled to protect the items from damage and extreme weather conditions.
Some moving and storage companies also offer warehousing and distribution services. They can store your items in their warehouse until you are ready to receive them. This will reduce lag time and allow you to settle into your new home or office as quickly as possible. This service is useful for people who are relocating to a temporary location, such as a vacation home or apartment.
Moving to a new house can be an exciting and challenging experience. It can also be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you’re not prepared for it. But with the right moving company, you can minimize stress and frustration. Luckily, there are many companies that specialize in both moves and storage. These companies have the resources, equipment, and expertise to handle any kind of relocation.
Insurance
The primary service of a moving company is to transport a client’s belongings from one location to another, but that job is fraught with risk. Clients trust their movers to handle their valuable possessions, and while your employees may be highly trained, accidents can still happen. Without the right insurance coverage, your business could face liability claims and medical expenses. The right moving contractor insurance can protect you from these risks.
Insurance coverage for a moving company can include general liability, workers’ compensation, and inland marine. Workers’ compensation covers the cost of medical treatment and lost wages for workers injured on the job. It also provides disability benefits and death benefits. Moving companies must carry this type of insurance for their employees, and it is mandatory in most states. Inland marine insurance provides coverage for equipment owned by your moving company, such as vans and trucks. It also extends to cargo that is in transit or storage.
A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is a document that proves your mover has the required minimum amount of liability insurance for your particular move. It includes information about your mover, the insurance carrier, the policy number, and the limits of coverage. Some COIs also list the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the coverage.
Most movers offer two levels of insurance protection: full value and released value. Full-value protection is the more comprehensive option, but it’s also the most expensive. Released value protection is the less expensive option, but it only offers about 60 cents per pound of coverage for each item. Some movers also offer supplemental liability coverage to augment release value protection for an additional fee.
If your shipment is damaged during transportation or in storage, you must notify the moving company in writing as soon as possible. They are required to acknowledge the claim within 30 days, and they must respond with a resolution within 120 days. If the mover fails to resolve the claim in a satisfactory manner, you can file a complaint with the Small Claims Court.
While you don’t need to purchase moving contractor insurance for your clients’ belongings, it’s important to obtain the proper coverage for your own business. This insurance can help you avoid expensive lawsuits and other liabilities, and it’s an essential part of running a successful moving and storage business.
