There are a variety of costs associated with a move. They include everything from packing materials and phone/cable/utility hook-ups to:

* Movers; and
* Insuring your valuables.

As you start considering the various expenses involved, use our
Today's Rates moving calculator Relocation
30 15 to help you Wizard
Fix Fix 1 Var estimate your
7.02% 6.61% 5.73% costs. Self Storage

Marketplace for services and supplies that can assist
you with your relocation.

Selecting a Mover

Begin the process by calling several
(at least two) movers and requesting,
at no obligation, a free written
estimate. You can expect professional
movers to come to your home and
discuss your move in detail prior to
giving you an estimate. Before
selecting any one mover, you should
[LIBRARY] check their reputation, reliability, performance record, and claims settlement customer service. TIP: If movers are wary of giving you an estimate, and give you reasons against providing one, be very cautious. Reputable movers will not hesitate to provide a written estimate. Without a written estimate, your price can be increased significantly.

Price alone should never be the determining factor. Interstate movers
are required to provide information about past performance, complaint
handling procedures, and your rights and responsibilities. To get a copy of the government publication entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," contact the Federal Highway
Administration, the agency that regulates the moving industry. You
can contact the FHWA by calling (202)
927-5520.

Most movers will provide you with two types of free estimates - non-binding and binding.
One Realtor
Non-binding estimates, also known
"guesstimates" are based on:

* Shipment weight;
* Length of travel; and
* The "extras" such as delivery
and pick-up schedules, number of
stairs, appliance installation,
and large items like pianos.

TIP: Non-binding estimates afford you little price protection. Do your
best to get a binding estimate.

Binding estimates involve taking a thorough inventory. They are in the
form of a written estimate stating a firm price and are based on:

* Number of items being moved;
* Shipment weight;
* Services rendered; and
* Length of travel.

There are several factors that can increase your actual bill. They
include:

* Intrastate moves (moving within the same state) versus interstate
moves (moving from one state to another). Intrastate moves are
typically priced at an hourly rate and you will get anywhere from two
to four movers, the truck you desire and sometimes packing services
and supplies. Interstate moves are priced based on weight and
distance and there are minimums for each.
* Severe weather;
* Faulty packing (boxes are not taped or items are left unpacked)
* Unreserved parking at the origin or at the destination;
* Exceeding the estimate’s number of boxes on the inventory sheet
(which lists each article and its condition that you are
transporting);
* Timing of the move (demand is greatest at the end of the month during
the months May through September; and
* Traffic and delay surcharges.

TIP: If the total weight of your move is lower than the actual weight on
the day of your move, request in writing that the mover prorate your cost
to reflect your "lighter load."

Once you have an idea of you moving costs, it becomes a simple matter to
decide whether you want to take along an old washing machine, or give it
away and replace it at the other end. If there are items that you don’t
need, don’t bring them. Be sure to make your mover aware that these items
are not to be moved.

TIP: If you do use a professional mover, you can save money by doing some
or all of the packing on your own. Or if you’re short on time, you can
always pay a little more and have the movers do all the packing and
unpacking for you.

If you decide to move yourself, truck rental agencies can help you
estimate the size of the vehicle you'll need. They usually have hand
trucks and moving pads for rent. Find out what insurance they carry, and
consult your own insurance agent about whether your present policy covers
the move.

For moving and self-storage services, visit our Marketplace.

Back to top

Insuring Your Move

Moving companies are required to provide some level of insurance for your
move, but you may need to buy more. The three most common forms are:

* Basic liability;
* Declared value protection or actual cash value; and
* Replacement value coverage.

TIP: Keep in mind that even though it may be for very small amounts,
almost one in three moves results in the filing of a claim.

With basic liability insurance, the standard is about $.30 to $.60 per
pound per item. For example, Item #1 weighs 100 pounds making the mover’s
liability on that item $60.

With declared value protection or actual cash value insurance, you decide
the value of your goods. The mover is liable for your "declared value," or
the purchase price less depreciation. If all your items are lost or
stolen, both you and the mover will rely on the pre-determined "lump sum"
worth of your articles stated previously in the agreement.

With replacement value coverage, if your item breaks or is stolen, the
mover is liable for a replacement, plain and simple. For example, if your
computer is mishandled and breaks, replacement value coverage means you
receive a brand new computer. In comparison, actual cash value coverage
would give you the cash value of your three-year-old machine.

TIP: You should carefully check the accuracy of the inventory sheet
regarding the number and condition before the move and once you arrive at
your destination.

If you discover broken or missing items on the day of delivery, while the
movers are still there, you should do the following:

* Leave any broken items in their original packaging;
* Create a list of damages and losses with the onsite delivery person
in charge;
* File the list with both signatures with your driver; and
* Call the moving company the next day to make sure the driver filed
your claim.

If you notice damage or missing items after the movers have gone, report
it to the company in writing immediately. Moving companies have 120 days
after receipt of your letter to render a decision regarding your claim.

TIP: Read all paperwork, including the bill of lading (the receipt for
your belongings and contract for their transportation) and inventory sheet
carefully before you sign them. Keep these, and all related paperwork, in
a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any,
have been settled.

Get week by week checklists to help you organize your move...
[Save Article]
Back to top


Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
© Copyright RealSelect, Inc. 1995-99. REALTOR® is a registered
trademark of the National Association of REALTORS®. All information
provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be
independently verified.
Equal Housing Opportunity

REALTOR® -- A registered collective trademark that identifies a real
estate professional who is a member of the National Association of
REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Each local
board of REALTORS® is responsible for enforcing the Code of Ethics.
Inquiries regarding the Code of Ethics should be directed to the board
in which a REALTOR® holds membership.