So you’re moving to a new home. You’ve got the place picked out, and a date set, and now it’s time to figure out how to get from Home A to Home B. Budget, time and willingness to pick up heavy things are all considerations when deciding on a mover. With a very large budget, you may be able to afford a full service mover that you can watch carefully box everything and put in on the truck while sipping your iced tea and relaxing. But for the growing majority of Americans, your move will be a DIY effort. The latest trend in DIY is using portable storage moving companies, which offer the convenience of someone else driving your wares across town or to another state, while still being budget friendly by packing it yourself. There are so many companies out there, how do you choose?
Check Their Reviews
When choosing your pod moving company, it is recommended that you read moving company reviews from sites like Angie’s List and the Better Business Bureau, which feature honest reviews from previous customers so you can learn which local companies are reliable and which to stay away from.
Check Their Prices
When you have it narrowed down to a few that you are considering, give each company a call. It’s not necessary to go with the most expensive, but scrutinize those who seem too good to be true. Ask about their prices, and if they offer discounts, either based on a job affiliation (veterans, first responders, unions, etc) or for longer term rentals. What are you getting for their fee? Is it an old, dirty pod, or is it new, made of high quality materials that offer safety and security for your possessions? Does the price of the pod include delivery charges? Is there a weight maximum, or overcharges if you go over weight? What is the time frame for delivery of the pod for filling, pickup and delivery to your new address? Do they offer storage of the pod at their location? Asking lots of questions and making sure the answers are fully outlined in your contract is key! Check out an online cost estimator to give you an idea of what averages are in your area.
Verify Their Credentials
If you are moving to another state, it is required that interstate movers have a Department of Transportation (DOT) license identifying them as commercial vehicles transporting cargo. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the Department of Transportation that oversees truck and bus safety, companies that offer interstate moves must show this DOT license number on its websites and in its advertising. In-state movers may not be required to have this (it is a requirement in 33 states), but you can still look into the company to ensure they are properly licensed and insured. Be wary of ‘fly-by-night’ companies and those who change their name often. This may be indicative of a company trying to disassociate itself with bad reviews or past legal troubles.
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