Choosing a Dallas Mover
By Relocation.com Staff
Finding and hiring a mover in Dallas can be a smooth, painless exercise, so long
as you follow a few basic steps and stay ahead you ahead of the game.
This article’s your first step. It outlines important points in the process of finding
and hiring Dallas
moving companies, with links to other resources to help you with more detailed
information.
So let’s get started.
1. Moving companies. Ask for recommendations, check out the phone book for local
movers, and go to a Website that offers free
moving quotes, such as Relocation’s prescreened list of quality movers.
Don’t always assume that a big van line is the best option; there are plenty of
independently-owned movers that can offer you a great experience at a reasonable
price.
2. Make the call. Use this initial phone call 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 around; and whether they’re
a member of the American Moving and Storage Association.
None of the answers here should disqualify movers; it's just a good way to give
you some perspective as to the type of company you might be hiring.
If you're moving within Texas, check with the Texas Department of Transportation
to make sure your moving company is registered. Call 1-800-299-1700 or visit its
Website for more information: http://www.txdot.gov/services/motor_carrier/consumer_protection/before_move.htm.
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/
After talking to a few companies, arrange at least 3 in-home assessments so you
can get estimates of how much your move will cost. Don’t get moving quotes over
the phone; the only fool-proof way to get an accurate quote is to have the moving
company in your home looking at the actual items to be moved.
3. The in-home assessment. Show the moving company all the stuff 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 a good way to get to know the company you’re thinking
of hiring – a quality estimator probably represents a quality mover. Be sure to
ask any questions you have about the company because this interview will form the
basis for your decision.
Beware a bid that's significantly lower than other movers' bids. It’s probably too
good to be true, and is probably the sign of a rogue mover that might try to charge
you for extras after your move.
4. The estimate. Now that you have the estimate, be sure you understand it completely.
The documents you get from the moving company should include the estimate, which
could be a combined document that serves as your order for service and your bill
of lading – be sure to clarify with your moving company.
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 an hourly rate and any additional costs; an intrastate move
over 50 miles will generally 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 could cover you as well, be sure to ask your
agent – but it’s minimal, so you might want more.
Now you can choose your
Dallas mover!
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