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The reputation of a moving company is one of the biggest factors
in selecting a mover, but for long distance moves, it should be
the biggest factor. Consider the care and effort that movers must
apply. Experience and capability should take precedence over price.
Long distance and commercial move charges are
based mainly on the weight of your items and the distance they need
to be moved. It just makes sense that moving a sparsely furnished
four-room house from Atlanta to Baltimore will be cheaper than moving
a twenty-room house packed with furniture from Boston to Seattle.
Since full trailers by single households, discounts
are always available because moving companies have to consolidate
a few households' items together into one 18-wheel truck.
Because weight is perhaps the
biggest determinant of price for a long distance move, here is something
you must know:
The weight of your
items is actually measured on a scale. Only, the scale is for the
truck. Before the move, the weight of the truck without your goods
is measured. This is called "empty weight". The scales are usually
located at the nearest truck stops or at the moving companies' facilities.
You are allowed to accompany the driver to the scale during the
weigh-in to ensure that everything is in order. Make sure that your
mover provides you with an "empty weight" receipt.
In order to avoid additional
charges during the move, you must:
- Know the layout
of your new community or apartment complex.
- Know if the area will
accommodate huge 18-wheelers.
- Know the building
restrictions beforehand.
- Know about walkway/elevator
access.
The moving company will have no knowledge of this
information, so it is up to you to provide it to the best of your
knowledge.
IN ADDITION:
Make the movers guarantee the time of arrival -
tell them to provide you with two time slots - one being the anticipated
time of arrival and the other factoring in unforeseen difficulties
such as weather, traffic, flat tires, etc.
- For the duration of the estimated time slots,
have someone available at your new destination to receive your
items, otherwise, the items will be placed into a storage facility.
- This means you will have to pay for a number
of extra costs:
- The effort it took to place your items
in storage
- The renting of the storage space
- The time, truck, and manpower that
it will take for them to deliver them back to your home/apartment.
Avoid this nightmare by being at your new destination
before your movers. Have the time frame to work with.
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