Choosing an Atlanta Mover
By Relocation.com Staff
Now that you've made the decision to move to Atlanta from another town or state
–- or you're just moving across town -- it's time to get prepared for the move.
By putting a good amount of effort into this, your relocation can be a smooth, painless
exercise if you adhere to a few basic guidelines.
This article's your first step. It outlines important points in the process of finding
and hiring Atlanta
moving companies, as well as other tasks associated with moving.
1. Look for moving companies. Ask for recommendations from family and friends, check
out the phone book for local movers, and go to a Website that offers free
moving quotes, such as Relocation.com’s prescreened list of quality moving
companies.
2. The call. Use your initial phone call as a preview to see if you’re comfortable
with a particular company– ask about the number of moves they make, whether they
own their own equipment or contract out; how long they've been in business; and
whether theyre a member of the American Moving and
Storage Association.
None of the answers here should disqualify movers, but they’re a good way to give
you some perspective as to the type of company you’ll be working with.
If you're moving within Georgia, your mover is regulated by the Public Service Commission.
Movers are supposed to be licensed; you can find out if your moving company is licensed
by visiting this website: http://www.psc.state.ga.us/transportation/carriersdata.asp.
If you're moving to Georgia from another state, the Federal government is responsible
for your move. Go to this Website for information on moving companies that perform
interstate moves: http://www.protectyourmove.gov/
You're going to spend hundreds even thousands of dollars on your move – checking
out your mover is time well spent.
After talking to a handful of companies and checking out their licensing, arrange
for at least 3 in-home assessments so you can get accurate estimates of how much
your move will cost. Don’t get quotes over the phone; the only legitimate estimate
is one that you get after you have a moving company representative in your home
looking at your stuff.
3. The in-home assessment. Show the moving company EVERYTHING you plan to move.
The more thorough you are in detailing what has to be moved, the more accurate the
estimate will be. Also, let the estimator know about any factors at your home –
or the home you’re moving to – that could complicate the move, like stairs to climb.
This might add to the overall cost, and it’s better to know about it now rather
than later.
The in-home assessment is the best opportunity to get to know the company you’re
thinking of hiring – a quality estimator probably represents a quality company.
Be sure to ask any questions you have about the company because this interview will
form the basis for your decision.
Above all, beware the low-ball offer. If an estimate is significantly lower than
the others, it’s probably too good to be true – and the more likely you are to get
stuck with extra charges later.
4. The estimate. Now that you have the estimate, be sure you understand it completely.
Have your moving company explain whether it's binding, or non-binding. Make sure
the mover explains the difference, and get your estimate in writing.
For an interstate move, make sure the estimate has a description of the type and
quantity of goods you’re shipping, the distance of the move, delivery dates, as
well as any additional services you’ve requested.
A local move estimate (generally under 50 miles, but it varies state by state) won’t
go by weight, but by hourly rate and any additional costs you’ll be responsible
for; an intrastate move over 50 miles will probably be based on weight.
When considering each company’s estimate, you’ll also want to think about valuation
coverage to protect your goods. You are covered up to the certain predetermined
amount – and your existing insurance policies could cover you as well, be sure to
ask your agent – but it’s minimal, so you might want more.
5. Choose your mover!
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