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Wintertime Moving

Last modified on 2008-11-21 07:24:00 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Although the relocation industry slows substantially in the winter, both local and long distance,  some people’s schedules demand cold weather moves.  Many companies run skeleton crews at this time of year,  keeping only their full time help and hopefully most qualified crews.  Of course when Mother Nature interferes, wintertime moving can prove difficult for both  consumer and mover alike.   Noone can fully prepare for everything She offers but making sure to cover as much as possible goes without saying, unfortunately it often doesn’t work out that way.   Knowing what’s expected of your mover and what they’ll expect of you will promote the smoothest outcome.   However that could still be an hectic and unsatisfying experience under the harsher conditions.

Lower Winter Rates

One plus to moving at this time of year is the pricing schedules are considerably lowered.  This isn’t the misleading marketing schemes sometimes used in the summer months but real savings inspired by the slower winter economy.   One can realistically expect a final bill up to twenty percent less than the identical move of a few months earlier.   When the bad stuff hits though, you can sometimes forget savings, just getting moved at all can become severely handicapped or even impossible.   Moving on fresh and standing snow is not only extremely time consuming but also hazardous to the safe delivery of the furniture,  not to mention the movers.  It’s hard to beat the savings on any given move during the winter months when it’s clear and dry, but when inclimate weather strikes,  expect to pay more or wait for better weather.

Ice and Snow Removal

Simple things that can make or break the move and keep the bill reasonable include clearing of walkways, steps and ensuring available parking as close to entrances as possible.  Although some movers might agree to clear snow and ice, the rate charged would be exorbitantly higher than typical for that service.  Plan on making certain this is accomplished before the movers arrive, and at both locations.  If you want the movers to perform those services regardless, please make certain they are made aware of this before move day!    Salt and more salt and/or sand.    All walkways and especially steps should be heavily salted or sanded before the movers arrive!   This is not something that should be expected of the movers even though many drivers often bring their own, too much is often not enough.  Make certain to make accommodations for the floors and walkways inside the house getting filthy, this is not something the movers are responsible for either.  There is no way that a mover can be reasonably expected to remove shoes during the process of moving.   Unless you’ve  made preparations to pay them for the time consuming job of weather-proofing your flooring in advance, make sure you have it done beforehand.  One old adage; prepare for the worst and hope for the best is a very fitting one for inclement weather moving.

Quicker quotes? Flat rate vs hourly

Last modified on 2008-11-27 10:56:16 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

One of your options when choosing a local mover is whether you want a flat rate or an hourly rate. There are both advantages and disadvantages to both. This subject is open to much debate by consumers and movers alike. Hopefully I can help shed some light on the benefits and disadvantages of each to decide which might work better for you.

Hourly rates pros:

One of the advantages of booking your move by the hour is in the quoting process. Here is where this option has a distinct advantage in time spent in getting an estimate. This option is very fast since you only need to convey a general idea of the size of your move and the conditions involved. Usually only needing detailed descriptions of exceptional items, ie: pianos, hotubs, pool tables, lawn tractors……. well basically exceptionally bulky items in general. They will also need to know about uncommon conditions and circumstances such as hoisting and extremely long carries. This is a very fast checkout line when compared to a flat rate.

Another advantage is that all disassembly and assemblies are covered during the move…sometimes not the case with basic flat rates. Removal and insertion of large and clumsy items also has an arguable advantage over a flat rate. Arguable because although you’ll have to pay either way, the hourly movers will be much happier about it! With the hourly rate you wont have to barter for your best rate, as all but special charges are covered in time spent. This is also where many consumers have a problem with the hourly rate though.

Hourly rates cons:

However, as easy and quick the quote is to get, the final price can vary greatly from estimate to payment time. You’re at the mercy of the crew dispatched and their speed and skill can make an huge difference from one crew to the next. Another disadvantage is the minimum hours requirements, although this is usually only apparent on very small moves. Even if your movers finish in under the minimum time allowed (good luck with that), you’re still liable to pay the full charge. Traffic jams and many other hold ups will be added to the bill once the clock starts. Oftentimes flat rate movers only charge for time lost at the customers negligence.

Another disadvantage of hourly rates is the quality of the movers available. The driver is oftentimes the only real skilled mover in the crew. Crews often consist of day-labor and even temps with little to no experience in moving. This is certainly not a blanket statement and there are many qualified hourly crews available, I’m only noting this from personal experience over the last 20 years. Answer this and it’ll illustrate a valid point; does the hourly crew benefit from slow work practices, or even worse yet, practice at slow work? This type of charging can have huge potential and hard to see scams built right in! I’m not recommending against this type of move pricing schedule, but be aware of the pitfalls inherent in it.

I’ve moved many people who swear by the hourly rate, and have received reliable and timely movers making for an efficient and affordable move. From the ultra quick quote to the convenience of having a crew for the entire day, sometimes it’s hard to beat an hourly move. On the other hand, many others have been burned by hourly companies and would never use one again. So with any type of fee schedule, it remains first and foremost to find an honest and established company. One who realize that your next move is most likely not your last, and looks to earn future business and referrals.

Next, lets look at the other common type of charging system in local moving, the flat rate. In my next post, I will offer my experience in flat rate moving as opposed to hourly rates to hopefully help make consumers better able to pick the right method for their next move.

Flat Rates

Last modified on 2008-11-27 11:16:02 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Another common local moving quoting process is the Flat rate, or Guaranteed estimate. Many Long Distance movers estimate their moves based on a similar concept. This is where the customer is expected to provide an inventory of the items to be moved in order to accurately determine the costs involved. Many people who have bad experiences with hourly movers prefer this system, although it has it’s drawbacks as well. First, lets look at the advantages.

Flat rate pros:

When payment time comes due, oftentimes a flat rate is at or near the original estimate, and/or extra charges will have been explained in detail prior to payment time. This makes for less surprises and hopefully less anxiety on move day. When getting a quote, a customer makes an inventory and describes the conditions to the best of their ability for much closer approximation of the final price than an hourly mover can give. This is especially true in the case of larger moves, and often with very small as well (no hourly minimum). An important feature inherent is the ability to dispatch the proper personnel for each job, as they have a good idea of what is going to be involved. While more time consuming during the quote process, this time is often more than made up for on move day. Generally speaking, the more motivated movers choose to work this way, movers unaccustomed to working fast and careful need not apply.

If a customer is careful and thorough, theres no reason a consumer can’t predict their final price to within a small variance if they’re willing to take the time. Once the process is done once, the preceding comparison quotes are much easier and faster. The time savings on move day, again, can be dramatic. Often job times end up taking a fraction of the customer’s last hourly move’s time. This is great for obvious reasons, but before you jump on the “guaranteed quote” bandwagon, there are some negatives to consider too.

Flat rate cons:

Nope, I don’t mean the movers, but……………..When first getting your flat rate quote, as it takes more time, you’ll wanna document the information conveyed in the form of a written estimate. Who’s to say the estimator didn’t make mistakes and leave off items you could swear you mentioned. Worse, what if the estimator purposely leaves out items and conditions to appear more competitive. Any time you get a Flat, or Guaranteed quote, you NEED to get the estimate in writing to alleviate expensive inconsistencies on move day. A good estimator might seem almost irritating with the barrage of questions you might not think relevant. Have a little patience though, as this is usually a good sign. Once its on paper, carefully check and make certain you covered all your bases to assure an accurate quote. If not, the estimator can adjust accordingly BEFORE move day, this way he HAS to stay competitive. Same day additions can be much more expensive than the pre-determined inventory.

Some other things that can make this type of scheduling less appealing is that often circumstances arise that cannot be pre-determined. Most competitive Flat rate movers include disassembly and assembly of simple items. More complex items however can often incur extra charges. Platform beds, water beds, bridge units, stereos and complex entertainment systems that hourly movers are more than happy to take care of (well you are paying for it) are expected to be done before the Flat rate movers arrive, for your best price. Again, if you let the estimator know beforehand, the charges are usually quite reasonable. Same day charges, as the extra time can cause all sorts of problems for the movers, can often be exorbitant.

Many of the things that Flat rate movers end up charging extra for, are things that are covered by hourly movers in time charged. Things that weren’t considered at quote time (recall the questioning estimator), or perhaps the customer thought they might do themselves, but didnt get around to them. A consumer is better off taking the time and forethought to cover their bases thoroughly to assure themselves of the best price.

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As you can see there are pros and cons to both quote systems. I hope some of this info can help you decide which might be better suited to your needs. While the hourly quote is quick and painless, theres really no guarantee, or sometimes even idea of how long it will take. The Flat rate is more time and thought demanding, and can give a good idea of your final bill, but the customer has to be careful everything is accounted for, including conditions. Either way, get your estimate in writing, make certain of things you will do at the time of quote are done, for your best price. Find a mover, by referral is best, that your comfortable with and has a good reputation. In doing these things, your next move might not turn out to be the nightmare you possibly envision it to be.

All this said and done, the absolute best way to get an estimate, is of course an In-home Walk-through…if your move is large enough to qualify that is. In my next post I will weigh the advantages and disadvantages of this most time consuming but accurate quoting system.

In Home estimates

Last modified on 2008-11-27 11:14:52 GMT. 1 comment. Top.

Walk Throughs

Larger moves are best estimated In Home, where the company sends an estimator to do the inventory and discuss particulars in person. This saves the customer from trying to inventory an overwhelming amount of furniture and the almost impossible task of estimating a box count prior to packing. In Home estimates, or walk-thrus, are generally easily available to larger local moves and all but the smallest long distance moves. However the added expense and time is simply not feasible for most apartments and smaller houses moving locally. If you have a 3 or more bedroom house its very easy and preferable to schedule this type of estimate for you AND the mover. The drawback to this type of estimate is the scheduling difficulties between you and your mover.

Mistakes can be made here too, it’s important the estimator notates everything you want moved and packed. Special services need to be made by clear to both parties. The estimator will need to see the attic, garage and shed if applicable. Everything needs to be made clear in writing. Make certain pick-up and delivery are on the estimate as well as any storage and hold overs, whether the mover is going to be doing other jobs while your’s is on the truck. Make certain whether or not their office will be open on move day and get a supervisors name and number. The more you get in writing the better able you’ll be to make sure the mover holds up his end and that theirs no confusion on move day when the estimator may not be available. Cancellation fees, deposit requirements, pick up and delivery date….all in writing. Google “your city/state, movers scams”. Caveat Emptor!

Storage Options

Last modified on 2008-12-02 17:48:35 GMT. 5 comments. Top.

A couple of economical and practical solutions for short and long term storage needs are the popular Self Storage facilities and the newer and more economical PODS or portable on demand storage.

PODS

PODS units are stored in a climate controlled environment, have long distance shipping services and allow the consumer to have great control over who’s handling their belongings. For the DIY’er PODS make for a great alternate long distance moving solution and since you no longer need a truck*, no rental fees!. For the consumers using a moving service, a single POD can typically be loaded in well under a 4 hour minimum, saving you money as well too**. PODS sells all the necessary boxes and packing materials for your convenience as well. Access to your goods is available given 24-48 hours notice.

There are some downsides to PODS though, of course the obvious aspects of labor and needing use of moving equipment and pads. The equipment can be simply rented, but the pads will usually need to be purchased for long term storage. It can be difficult to estimate how many PODS you will actually require until move day. The ability to park multiple PODS units on your location needs to be considered as well, although they can always come back with another POD with prior arrangements. A POD unit can sometimes require more than one parking spot so make allowances for plenty of parking and maneuverability for the driver.

For further information on PODS as your storage solution visit PODS or just call 1-888-776-PODS. The official moving and storage service of the PGA!

SELF STORAGE

The tried and true self storage facilities offers practical and economical storage benefits including easy access, multiple sizes to fit an entire house and even 24 access in some locations. Many self storage facilities offer climate control, ground floor access and 24 hour security along with optional insurance plans to protect your goods. Oftentimes self storage facilities allow free use of dollies on the premises and some even sell pads, boxes and packing materials. Its difficult to recommend any certain brand since theres so many to choose from. Self Storage facilities can really shine in turn-key convenience and ease of access, and using the same movers again will allow the most control of who’s handling your belongings.***

These are some of the benefits self storage facilities have to offer, however it pays to shop around. Most of the facilities quite often offer specials. There can be others but “first month free” is a common one and extremely practical for the frequent date differences between closings and leases. As always read the fine print to be sure the specials agree with lease before signing! And make sure to inspect the actual unit you’ll be using for any signs of water damage.

Regardless of which you choose, PODS and the time tested Self Storage facilities each offer safe, secure and practical alternatives for short and long term storage needs. Another alternative, which can be even more practical for the consumer is offered by many movers themselves with warehouse storing……….

*Does not generally apply on local moves, check with PODS for scheduling on long distance deliveries.

** For your best rate have the POD dropped as close to your building as permits, times can vary greatly depending on loading conditions.

*** Great if you loved your last movers, recommended for insurance purposes if you didn’t.

How many stairs in a flight?

Last modified on 2008-11-27 11:11:26 GMT. 4 comments. Top.

Counting Flights of Stairs

You’ve made the decision to go flat rate and now want to make sure the quoted price will stand. There is no reason it can’t be exactly whats been agreed upon. The inventory is correct, the box count is as close as you can possibly estimate and the conditions look right. Except, what does the estimator consider a flight of stairs? This can make an huge difference in the final price, and rightly so as thats the majority of the workload.

To be safe, a single flight will be no more than 10 steps and straight. Being straight though isn’t the only consideration, some are under the assumption that as long as it’s a straight unbroken flight, the movers shouldn’t charge more. OK, so Rocky trained on one flight of steps, good luck selling that to the crew. Anything over 12 will most likely be charged for being more than 1 flight. This is not to say that anything less than 10-12 steps cannot be more than 1 flight either though.

Broken flights of 10 or less steps are common in Garden apartments. Each break, or more accurately turn will be counted as two flights. This is also a fair price consideration and requires a considerable amount of extra labor. Larger items can be difficult and far riskier to manipulate around these turns, especially when the turns themselves are tight. One incident where the customer was shocked at learning the amount of extra charges on her move didn’t think to include the 3 flights of steps from where the truck had to park. Since these were not part of the building and she was able to park her car and exclude these other steps she didn’t think these applied. Any steps the movers need to negotiate will be applicable to your move price and where the truck has to park needs to be considered when receiving an estimate.

The truth of the matter is, that regardless of what your apartment number is, there is often more than 3 flights of stairs in many apartment complexes and even in some houses, particularly older houses. Many of the newish modern buildings have 4 to 5 or even more flights of steps when lateral space limitations exceed builders unit requirements. This will become self explanatory to dwellers of these buildings after their first big shopping spree requiring multiple trips to unload the trunk. Then imagine unloading 10,000 lbs of furniture up those flights. Stair charges are expensive for good reason. One of the situations where the customer is sometimes shocked at learning the amount of extra charges on their move don’t think to include the 3 flights of steps from where the truck had to park. Since these were not part of the building and since they are able to park their car and exclude these other steps they don’t think these apply. Any steps the movers need to negotiate will be applicable to your move price and where the truck has to park needs to be considered when receiving an estimate.

Why don’t the movers simply charge more at the time of booking then? Many buildings do not have these conditions so there is no reason to charge everyone for them. The movers are not going to price themselves out when consumers are shopping for the “best deal” either. Booking an hourly mover will not save you any money in the end either, the extra time taken will generally equal out either way.

Best to make sure of the conditions before move day to ensure the best price, as always. Keep in mind, the estimator is most likely not going to have to do the work and will usually give a much better price before move day than the crew will. The estimator knows the prospective customer is shopping and will keep that in mind to keep the quote in line with the competition.

Insurance Options

Last modified on 2010-02-01 20:14:15 GMT. 0 comments. Top.

Moving Insurance and Liabilities

Moving is an inherently risky endeavor,  one should look to their homeowners or insurance agent for comprehensive protection.  The competitive nature of the business disallows expensive insurance costs included in the estimate and remain competitive.  Unfortunate say some, but that’s the reality of it, most notably on local moves.  It’s ironic the idea that expensive furniture and belongings could possibly be covered following the exhaustive search for the lowest bidder.  There simply isn’t enough money to add a third party to the mix with value.  Trucks, labor, required insurances (business, trucks, office etc) equipment, fuel and advertising to name a few, all require a piece of the total.  A real insurance policy, that is a policy that’s underwritten by an Insurance company and worth it’s weight, is prohibitively expensive.  Expecting a local mover to personally assume the risk is economically unfeasible.   When one moves long distance however, more comprehensive options become available,  some  even required by law.  This protection is reflected in the prices for such services.

What is outlined on your mover’s contract is the extent of the mover’s liability to cover and is what will be covered when push comes to shove.  In reality,  few will hire the mover who quotes double the next competitor with nothing more appealing than a shiny new insurance certificate.  I know for a fact after 20 years of moving experience that insurance is that extra something one wishes they bought after the accident occurs.  I’ve even had people ask me for the insurance money refunded since no damages had occurred!  Insurance doesn’t work that way,  brokers don’t refund monies.  That’s correct, movers are not insurance brokers and the genius caught selling a fake policy claiming it to be underwritten when it isn’t will be liable for hefty fines.  That being said, let’s review some of the most common options and what one might expect in the case of inadequate or no insurance coverage.  I will briefly cover cargo, or carriers insurance, but that usually only applies to ones goods whilst in transit and of no real benefit save for traffic accidents and acts of God.

These are simplified overviews and by no means a total nor comprehensive explanation of all the insurances available.   Check with your movers to verify their availability and fully detailed explanations of the policy that best suits you.  Remember that verifying the carriers coverage and receiving an actual certificate of coverage for your shipment from a qualified broker is paramount.  Some of the following are not available on local moves as indicated.

Released Value

This is the most common form of insurance and what’s required by most states.  This will be a dollars on the pound liability and is minimal enough that moving companies cover it themselves.  The current rates vary from 30 cents on the dollar per lb to one dollar per lb, and very importantly,  per piece.  This means that the maximum liability for the mover for any piece will be (lets say $1 for ease) one dollar per lb, per piece and not to exceed the price of the move.  Example, your dresser gets scratched, it weighs 100 lbs, the movers maximum declared liability is $100.  More than enough to cover quite a bit of damage in this case, but what if the piece is a television or a sofa?  Not so easy to buff up or glue, liability is the same.  This is the case for the majority of the moves done today.  Why?  It comes with the move and a careful mover isn’t likely to incur any damages on a typical day.  This is enough insurance for the mover to advertise that they’re in fact an insured mover.   People with extraordinarily valuable goods and electronics might not be happy with this arrangement.  Keep in mind when attempting to collect on this option that the liabilities are the company’s and more often end up being the movers directly.  This could be more accurately described as minimal compensation.

Valued declaration

A more comprehensive coverage based on an improvement of the Released Value option discussed above.   This coverage is also based on weight and covers the depreciated value of the furniture and goods at a rate of $1.25 per pound of the entire shipment.  The maximum liability is then the value of the cargo multiplied by $1.25 and the depreciated value of any single article can be covered to that amount.  For example, the entire load weighs 10,000lbs, the maximum declared value is then $12,500 for the depreciated value of the entire load and singly by piece.  If a dresser was damaged with this coverage,  the liability will jump from the $60 in the Released Value option to the full depreciated value or the cost of repair, at the mover’s discretion.   While not full coverage, the movers liability is increased substantially in many cases and even the lightest items will have at least some coverage.   This option can incur a modest additional charge, typically $7.00 per $1,000 of liability, so this 10,000lb load with a declared value of $12,500 will cost an additional $84.00.  Highly recommended for local moves as it’s a decent coverage at a reasonable rate.  Unfortunately, many movers will only carry the minimum required by state.  Before casting judgement, you should realize the amount of insurance fraud movers deal with to appreciate their reticence at carrying extra coverage.

Lump Sum Valued coverage

Another improvement and added coverage with higher liablilities.  This coverage is also based on the weight of the shipment but allows the consumer to declare their own specific value for the load.   This option gives the customer affordable and fully comprehensive insurance through a certified carrier and is available only on long distance moves.  Similar to the above at $7.00 per $1,000 covered, items valued at over $500 will be inventoried and the average value of the item will be compensated.  Items below this amount do not need be inventoried separately on the insurance form.   This can be quite a complex policy and the customer will want to fully read all limitations and liabilities.  There are many stipulations and final settlement will have nothing to do with the mover, but the insurer.  This is full coverage and will adequately cover a fair market value for practically all items.

Full Valued Inventory

The best coverage available.  Best to ask your mover for detailed explanations, the coverages can be complex and the proper preparation for coverage, time consuming.   Generally only available on long distance moves.

Selected Perils/Inventory

In some cases, articles of exceptional value are conditionally insured, specifically insured or simply not insurable.  Remember that movers are generally not brokers and authentic insurance is only available through a legitimate underwriter, although through your qualified carrier.

Asides

As a side note, daring movers have been known to take the risk of selling insurance without certificates, meaning they are not underwritten and therefore not valid.  The states evidently do not take kindly to this mischievous practice,  to put it mildly.  A particularly deceitful practice that could occur is a mover providing documentation of a real policy, but one that has no relevancy to the move in question.  The hope here is that legal-speak, confusion and convenience prohibit a thorough look.  As in all things; Caveat Emptor.

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