How to Choose a Moving Company for Your Local Move: Part 1
Avoid Extra Charges!
As in every business, there are business men and women that are more ethical than others. Moving industry, and I personally believe for a reason, is notorious for unfair, secretive and not-so-ethical way of conducting business.
Take extra/hidden/fine print charges, for example. Internet is full of stories how people were ripped of by unfair moving companies. General rule of thumb: if the price sounds too good to be true, you will end up paying two times more than the original quote, and if you refuse to pay additional charges, chances are you will not see your belongings until you take care of outstanding bill.
As the owner of multiple moving businesses around the US, I have to stress this: never go with a moving company that has shrink wrap, blanket, overtime and over charges of this kind. This is the fastest way to get ripped of. And here's why.
Let's say someone offers you a rate of $80 per hour for a crew of 2 movers and a truck with no extra charges for packing supplies for your furniture. Another company will offer you $70 per hour, but will charge you $5 per item that needs to be shrink wrapped. Guess what!
Although many people will opt for a mover who charges less per hour (sounds like a better value), most likely you will end up paying more than with the first moving company. It's very simple: every piece of your furniture will have to be wrapped with shrink wrap simply to minimize the chances of your belongings to be damaged during transition.
So, if you have just 10 pieces of furniture, it will add up to extra $50 on your bill. If your move takes 3 hours, you will end up paying $70 x 3 + $50 = $260, while if you took the first offer, you would get away with $80 x 3 = $240. And this is just if you have 10 pieces of furniture! (most people have way more than that)
My strong suggestion and general rule of thumb is: always go with a moving company that offers the simplest, uncluttered and most clear pricing structure, even if the hourly rate is a little higher. Do you really want to be counting the pieces that needed to be wrapped? Do you really care? Not only simple pricing structure will save you a headache and make your move more pleasant, 99% of the time it will also save you money at the end of the day.
Ideally, you should go with movers who offer a simple hourly rate with no extra charges (such as mileage, for shrink wrap, blankets, etc.) as opposed to a company that charges for these items, even if the hourly rate is a little higher. Simplicity and clarity is the key not only to save money, but also to ensure you have a pleasant moving experience!
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