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5 TIPS FOR HIRING A PROFESSIONAL MOVER




1. Make Sure the Company is Legit

Moving scams are pretty rampant, and you want to be sure the company you work with is legit. So, check up on it. Pay a visit to the company to see whether it seems like it's on the up and up. Are the trucks labeled clearly? It's not good if they're not. You can search for the company's motor carrier license information on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration SaferSys Web site. Plug in the DOT number the company gave you to see if everything looks correct. For example, the address you got from the company should match the address on the SaferSys Web site. If you're moving to a different state, the moving company should be authorized for interstate moving. There should also be a check next to household goods. For more information, check out Movingscam.com.

2. Check Your Inventory to Make Sure Nothing Was Lost or Damaged

Movers are responsible for loss or damage to goods caused by the carrier. If anything is missing or if cartons are damaged, this should be noted when you check the inventory sheet at delivery. Moving is hectic, and you may think you don't have time to look through all the boxes when they arrive at your place. But you should go through your inventory sheet and make certain your things look like they are in good condition and that they are all there. At the least, you should verify that everything on the list has been delivered.

3. Stick to Your Delivery Date

Once your shipment is picked up, you may incur storage costs if you change the delivery date. So try to make sure you're able to move into your new home on the scheduled date. Otherwise, you may wind up having to put your things into storage for one night, which will cost you money that you could have saved had you been more organized. There are other hidden costs to consider as well: Moving a difficult item like a piano may cost extra. You also may need to purchase extra insurance coverage for your high-priced art or hire special handlers for those items.

4. Move During the Winter

If you have the option to move between October and April, you may be able to receive a better price. If your move is scheduled between June and September, the busiest time for movers, be sure to call well in advance for estimates and to settle a contract. When you are choosing between moving companies, remember to leave the estimates from each company sitting out on your kitchen counter or dining room table when movers come by your home to assess your things. That way the moving companies know they have competition, and they'll be more likely to negotiate a deal with you.

5. Ask Questions About the Contract

Make sure that any contract you enter into covers rates and charges, the mover's liability for your possessions, dates for pickup and delivery, and claims protection. Read the document carefully. Don't worry about making the moving company wait while you look the contract over to make sure you understand everything that's included. Moving company scams are not uncommon, so you want to make sure a moving company is on the up and up before you sign a contract. If something in the contract looks fishy, trust your instincts and ask questions. You don't want your moving company to hold your things hostage and force you to pay extra costs.

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