How to Choose a Mover

This Move is about You!

Do you feel as if you don’t know what you’re doing? Don’t know what to handle – or where to start? It is important to try to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date. This allows you to control your move, and still be able to deal with any changes or unexpected events that could impact your plans.

Start with the best
Put the experienced moving professionals at Moishe’s Moving Systems to work for you. And your move will be accomplished safely, swiftly and professionally. Whether you’re moving across the street, across town or across the country, leave the work and the worry to us. We have the resources and the personnel to make this move a positive and successful experience.

HOW TO CHOOSE A MOVER

Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is a good idea to talk with different movers to compare their services. To find out who the best movers are in your area, we encourage you to speak with your friends, neighbors and co-workers. It’s very beneficial to get objective opinions from people outside of the moving industry. People with great experiences – and people with “horror stories.” Listen and learn from others who have worked with moving companies. Get them to give you the benefit of their experience.

And then do your own research. You can start with the Yellow Pages or the Internet – or both.

In the Yellow Pages, we suggest that you start with the companies with larger, more informative ads. Chances are very good that these companies are profitable because they are reputable and successful. We recommend that you choose three companies to investigate.

On the Internet, the process is a little different. Of course, you can simply search for “movers.” But be a little careful. A company with one truck can look as impressive on the web as a national carrier with fleets of trailers. While you’re on a mover’s website, look for testimonials, a list of clients, news articles about the company, their involvement in their community, and any other information about their experience and credentials.

Then, check out those companies by calling the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your area. Ask them information regarding the companies you are investigating.

>	Any reputable mover should be registered with these organizations. If not, watch out.
>	No reputable mover should have a claim filed against them. If they do, that means they have not responded well to a customer’s problem. Any mover can experience a problem. The good ones respond to their clients’ need and find solutions.

You can also go to the websites of the Better Business Bureau, Department of Transportation and the American Moving & Storage Association (AMSA) - or call them. Ask for a list of qualified movers in your area.

When selecting a mover, we also encourage consumers to choose a moving company that is a member of AMSA. The members of the AMSA have all agreed to abide by the terms of our published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by our organization. Many AMSA members are also participants in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program. AMSA does not recommend moving companies, nor does it recommend one moving company over another.

AMSA Certified Movers and Van Lines are companies that have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct that requires complete disclosure of moving information to consumers, written estimates of charges, timely service and prompt response to claims and complaints. They have also agreed to arbitrate disputes of up to $5,000 arising from loss or damage to the articles in your shipment. Not all movers participate in this program. Before you make your choice of movers, be sure to find out if they are AMSA members and if they participate in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program.

Talk to at least three companies – and get estimates. Once you have compiled a list of movers, call them and inform them of the destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN AN ESTIMATE

Your estimator should provide you with a comprehensive estimate of the cost for your move. The estimate should include such factors as: labor charges, trucks, packing materials, travel time and valuation coverage/insurance.


When selecting a mover, be sure you understand:
1.	The rates and charges that will apply.
2.	The mover's liability for your belongings.
3.	How pickup and delivery will work.
4.	What claims protection you have.

In our business, there are two types of estimates: a non-binding estimate which means your final price will be based on the actual amount of hours and materials used on the job; and a binding estimate which gives you a guaranteed price that won't exceed the amount quoted.


A non-binding estimate is beneficial if:
1.	You are not exactly sure of all the items you are moving ahead of the move date.
2.	Your move will involve an unusual amount of details, like moving of a lot of fine art or antiques that you don't want to rush.


A binding estimate is preferable if:
1.	You want to guarantee your budget.
2.	You haven't moved often, and you are not familiar with the moving process.


Whichever type of estimate you choose – and whatever mover you work with, we offer you the following helpful hints to ensure yourself a good estimate/moving experience.
	Don't just jump at the lowest price! You need to investigate the estimate to find out if it's realistic. As they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
	Get at least three estimates. This will allow you to make a fair, objective comparison.
	Compare apples to apples. Break down the elements of each mover's estimate and make a detailed, realistic comparison of the parts, as well as the whole.
	Expect estimates to fall with a reasonable range of each other. A good estimate should be no higher – or lower – than 10 percent of the final cost of the move.
	Get reliable recommendations. We strongly suggest that you check out potential movers through objective sources like the Better Business Bureau, your state’s Department of Transportation or the AMSA. A reputable moving company will be listed with all three of these agencies – and they will have no claims registered against them.
	Ask a friend. We also suggest that you talk to your friends and co-workers. Get their unbiased opinions of movers they have worked with. Learn from their experiences. No one wants to recommend a mover to a friend – and have the move go badly. At Moishe’s, we are proud to say that a very large percentage of our new customers come to us from satisfied, past customers.

GETTING AN ESTIMATE FROM MOISHE'S

Moishe’s offers you three basic methods for getting an estimate:

1.	You can go directly to our Estimate Section and fill out our submission form for a rough estimate on-line.
2.	You can speak with one of our estimators and get a general estimate over the phone.
3.	Or you can call and set up an appointment for one of our experienced estimators to come to your home and give you a much better estimate, in writing. This is by far the best way to go – and will get you a much more accurate and detailed estimate than you can achieve by phone or online.

Our toll-free phone number is: 1.800.266.8387

It all starts with a phone call or an inquiry online. Our estimators are trained and certified. They are available 7 days a week to help you determine your needs – at no cost or obligation to you. And they will also assist you with any problems that arise before, during and after your move. You are not alone in this process. We are with you – every step of the way.

If you are moving interstate, you should read and understand all of the information you will receive. Don’t hesitate to ask questions. In addition to brochures explaining their various services, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and information regarding the mover's participation in a Dispute Settlement Program. In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates distribution of the consumer booklet, as well as the requirement that movers offer shippers neutral arbitration as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage on household goods shipments.