The Moving Planner Blog

More than 40 million Americans move each year, and most movers are legitimate companies that do quality work. But what rights do you have when a dishonest or rogue mover takes advantage of the situation? Here are answers to three questions we hope you never have to ask.

What If My Mover Won’t Deliver My Goods?

If you have paid the mover 110% of the non-binding estimate or 100% of the binding estimate and the mover fails to deliver your goods, they have violated the Federal regulations for the protection of household good shippers. You should file a complaint online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238).

What If My Mover Increases the Agreed Price?

If the mover increases the price you are not required to pay more than 100% of the binding estimate or 110% of the non-binding estimate. The mover is required to bill any additional charges 30 days after delivery of your goods.

What If My Mover Disappears with My Possessions?

You should file a complaint online or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238). You may also contact the State Attorney General’s office or appropriate enforcement agency in your State.

So you’ve decided to move. Next decision: Which moving company? Talk to several, ask questions and don’t settle until you hear all the right answers.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A MOVING COMPANY

Are their estimates binding?
Stay away from a company that only gives you non-binding estimates. There is a chance the quoted price will increase significantly when your move is over. Insist on one guaranteed price, in advance and in writing.

Will they send a representative to your home?
The mover needs to view your household contents to accurately assess your moving cost. Moving companies base their fees on several factors: weight, volume, number of rooms, degree of difficulty involved, and the time and labor the move will require. Never sign a blank sheet of paper, and always read any contract or agreement before you consent to it. Do not feel rushed to make a decision, either by phone or in person.

Are they brokers, or the direct moving company?
You do not need a broker if you are dealing with a responsible company that provides you with back-office services and honest contracts. Brokers only add cost and another layer of complication. Legitimate movers are not only easy to find but easy to verify. Check to see if they are a member of The American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) at:http://www.moving.org/.

Is the company licensed and insured?
Ask for the mover’s Department of Transport (DOT) number. Cut-price movers will almost always lack permits, workers compensation, and licenses established by law to protect the consumer from fraud and liability. Licenses have to be purchased, approved and renewed. They ensure that you will be covered by basic insurance and that you will have a clear grievance process if a dispute arises.

Will the moving company perform all aspects of the move, or do they use subcontractors?
Subcontractors do not have a direct contract with you. Agreements, made between you and the moving company, are separate. You should insist on receiving, in writing, all information about who will be doing your move ahead of time. If you are not happy with the response, look for another vendor.

Do they offer multiple tiers of service?
Does the moving company offer the service you want? Some people prefer to pack their own belongings and use recycled boxes to reduce cost. Others are willing to pay more for a comprehensive service, which may include custom crating and packing/unpacking services.

What is the company’s record with the Better Business Bureau?
Look for businesses that have been around for some time, with a spotless record. The BBB is an organization that objectively monitors businesses to ensure fair practices and consumer satisfaction. Disreputable companies will not volunteer information about their standing with the BBB. You can find out more at: http://www.newyork.bbb.org/find-a-bbb/.

Can they provide references?
Customers recommend companies and return to service providers they are satisfied with. A good company will readily provide names of past customers.

What kind of training do their people undergo?
Experts are able to use their experience to anticipate and head off potential problems. A good company will train their workers intensively in driving, packing, and, most importantly, customer service.

Do they deliver a variety of boxes and supplies?
Your moving company should offer the sale and delivery of packing materials at a competitive price. Ask and recycled boxes may be supplied, either free or at a reduced price. If you are paying the moving company for packing services, materials including bubble wrap, tape, etc. are legally considered “tools of the trade.” They must be included in the packing fee.

Does the company appoint a manager who is directly responsible for the success of your move?
Ask for an office number where you can direct your questions, especially on the move day. Ensure the move goes smoothly and complies with your written agreement. Inquire about the supervisor responsible for your move.

Do they ask for customer feedback?
Companies will solicit your feedback. It is an important resource used to improve service and maintain a company’s reputation.

Last week we shared a few tips for the milestone of moving in with a significant other.  Just as moving in together is a major step, moving out often creates even more uncertainty.  As industry experts and leaders in the moving industry, FlatRate has seen it all. Based on experience as well as diverse knowledge of the industry, the company has compiled the following tips for to survive moving-out.

Divide Mutual Items Peacefully – Over the course of your relationship and time as roommates, you likely compiled a lot of items that are mutually owned. Instead of consistently fighting over what belongs to who down to everything from the big furniture to a tiny dish, make a point of taking time to sit down one afternoon and figure out exactly what is shared and what is own. From there, try to peacefully divide the items, and if an agreement cannot be reached, sell the item and split the cash.
Figure Out Leasing Arrangements – Dealing with the lease, particularly if the relationship ends before the lease expires, can be one of the biggest hassles of all. Take care of this first and be sure to figure out who will stay and who will go, and if you both want out, immediately start posting on roommate boards and asking around for a subletter. And when all else fails, break the lease. The lease needs to end almost as soon as the relationship does.
Seal Up Any Finances – Since the relationship is coming to an end, it is best to discuss and figure any and all finances before parting ways for good. You don’t want to be chasing down an ex for money or being forced to stay in each other’s life because you didn’t square away finances from the get-go. Along with dividing stuff, this is one of the most important conversations to have. It might seem too difficult in light of emotions, but timing is crucial.
Rely on Your Network of Family and Friends – Breaking up can be especially difficult when your boyfriend/girlfriend was also a roommate. Now more than ever you need to rely on friends and family to help get you through difficult times. This might involve sleeping on someone’s couch or having your friends help you find a new roommate and new place. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Get Rid of Leftover Evidence – After dating someone for awhile, there is a lot that reminds you of the significant other and these memories multiply after living together. If you are staying in the old mutual place, redecorate and revamp to make the place brand new. If getting a new place, leave behind anything that reminds you of them and pick up a few new pieces to give your new place a personal touch.

One of the major relationship milestones that couples inevitably face is taking the leap into co-habitation. In order to prepare for this landmark, FlatRate Moving has prepared the below tips to provide for a smoother transition when moving in with a significant other.

Pack and Plan Appropriately – Before the big move, make sure to pack appropriately. Go through the items you have and decide what you can part with and what you need to invest in. Most importantly, discuss the big items like furniture. Decide before you move in together whether or not you really need the second sofa. Be realistic about what you can and cannot leave behind. Take advantage of old furniture by turning it into a profit and selling it via Craigslist.
Discuss Finances – Sit down and figure out who will pay for what. Are you going to combine bank accounts? Whose name will the utilities be in? Figuring out these details prior to the move will make the big move in day and subsequent transition easier.
Divide Responsibilities – Like any roommate you may have had in the past, this one is no different in terms of taking care of duties around the house. This includes cleaning the bathroom, doing the dishes, and a wide assortment of less-than-sexy tasks. Make sure you rotate and take turns in terms of who handles what, so one person isn’t stuck resenting the other. Turn cleaning time into quality time by setting aside a couple of hours on the weekend to get things done together.
Make Sure to Keep your Own Time and Space – Moving in with a significant other can become smothering if you don’t make time for yourself. Make sure to make and keep plans with friends and schedule activities and outings to keep your own individual life active. The same goes for within the apartment, keep certain space to yourself. Even when sharing a small studio, having a closest or designated area for your personal belongings will help maintain a certain level of independence.
Keep Things Exciting – When living with someone, it can take a certain level of excitement and mystery out of the relationship. Make a consistent effort to expand dates beyond the couch, and even designate certain date nights that involve an exciting night out on the town. Try new things, visit new places, take a class together. This will help your relationship to continue to evolve as you are challenging yourself and continuing to learn new things about each other.