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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 when selecting an interstate or coast
to coast mover.
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 moving 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
moving 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 interstate
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 moving company. Have the time frame to work with.
More on moving estimates
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