1st Class Moving and Storage

A number of moving companies set up shop every year. Most businesses use social media to advertise their areas of expertise. Unfortunately, not many of us look into the credentials of the company, or if they have licenses to run moving and packing enterprises. Here are a series of questions and answers to help you find the right movers to help you pack and move your belongings.

Duration of Business

Asking a company about how long they have been in the business of moving and packing is a relevant question. This gives you a fair idea as to whether you trust them to move your belongings from one location to the next. If they have just set up shop, check if they have worked with other agencies earlier and their wherewithal in the domain.

License and Registration

Starting out a business is fine, but when transportation is on the menu accompanied by moving and packing, you have to find a licensed business. It is not a negative if you ask questions about their background and license. Also, check out whether the license has expired!

Liability Coverage

The company needs have a certain liability coverage that they provide. The basic protection plan provides you with a fraction of the cost per item. Ask whether the company provides a full value protection service that allows replacement value of the goods, and punitive damage claims. It is very necessary to ensure that all the provisions and differences are stated in the bill of lading. If not you may find yourself paying more than you bargained for, ever.

Experienced Crew

If the company is understaffed, you need to check out whether they employ temporary personnel with experience in the domain of packing and moving. Rookies in the domain are not what you need, and make sure that your opinions are heeded to by the respective moving company. Mistakes do occur, but you cannot take a chance.

Storage Facilities

The new place may not have as much space as your previous digs. Check with the moving company if they have storage facilities available. Make sure that you look at the place to ensure that your goods are in a safe condition. However, if they do not provide this value added service and use a third party, get the relevant information and do a recce at the place to arrive at the right decision.

Payment Paying Structure

What is the amount of deposit that they expect? Do they also provide a cancellation or postponement of the order, are valuable questions that must be posed. If the company insists on an advance that is over 25%, make sure that there is a refundable clause in the agreement. In case of cancellation, it is wise to check out on the reimbursement provided.

Property Damage

This is quite an imperative question that one must ask – about how they prevent property damage. Aside from the goods being transported, while moving them from your home/office to the truck, banisters, floors, doors, windows, should not be damaged. Ask questions that you believe are necessary and make an educated decision.

Visit Moving with Class located in Central Florida, Orlando (but they move coast-to-coast – residential and commercial) for more details.

 

Moving to or out of the Central, South or Northern Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683.

 

 

 

Hiring a Moving Company

As you are summoned to the boss’s cabin and offered a promotion that entails shifting to another location, you will need to work out a strategy. The first criterion, after locating a place to stay, is to find reliable moving companies that can help you relocate. Here are a couple of questions that you need to ask the movers before hiring one.

Do they have the experience?

As a rule of thumb, so to speak, most companies provide this information on the website. It is wise to find an agency that has the experience and wherewithal.

Are they licensed?

Every moving company must have a license in place before they set up shop. If you find something lacking or an old license, you need to shop around.

What protection do they offer in the agreement?

Many moving companies have a limited agreement built into their format. The guarantee that they offer is basic. It is important to find out what are the guarantees offered and the terms of the contract, before signing on the dotted line.

Do they offer a binding estimate?

The moving company needs to provide you with a binding estimate for the work. This ensures that you will not have to pay for any additional costs. If the movers do not provide this as an option, make a note and verify with other providers. Most likely, they will offer a nonbinding clause.

Does the company visit the site?

If the firm declines to visit your home and make a note of the items for shipment, they probably do not have the expertise. They may also provide you with a non-binding agreement, which should raise a red flag with you. They must check out the items to be transported before providing you with a quote.

Do you have to make a deposit?

From the point of view of movers and packers, an initial deposit is necessary. By taking into account the number of items that need to be transported, they give you an estimate. It is essential to read the fine print and make inquiries about the refund of the deposit. Also, never let yourself get over billed.

Does the company provide insurance?

It is necessary, especially during transit, that your goods are insured. If they do not offer any coverage, you will be the loser. The wise approach is to find an agency that provides insurance and opt for a comprehensive coverage.

What is the turnaround time?

As they move, it is the duty of the moving company to ensure that the goods are intact. The turnaround time, therefore, as you shift from your present location to another entails that they get the products across as soon as possible.

In sum

Finally, aside from all the questions cited above, you have to do your homework. Have a look at the reviews of the firm and based on that, take a call.

1st Class Moving and Storage is a professional moving and storage company located in Central Florida, Orlando. We move coast to coast as well. We cater to both residential as well as commercial clients. Contact us if you are planning a move.

Moving to or out of the Central, South or Northern Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683.

 

How to Pick the Best Moving Company

Packing and moving your belongings from one location to the next takes time and can get quite stressful if you are doing it alone. Instead of going down this route on your own, find a reliable and licensed moving company. Here are a couple of tips to help you find the best in the region as they handle your relocation.

Check on the authenticity

Since most businesses have a website, visit the site and do an online check. Take a good look at the volumes of services offered and make an educated guess. Social media also works rather well in this score. You will get an inkling as to whether the company has the capability of handling volumes of business. Cross check on reviews posted by customers, both irate and appreciative ones. Make an inventory of the pros and cons.

Insurance

Every interstate mover must have a valid license and provide full value protection for goods transported from one location to the next. A licensed mover is expected to provide liability options to clients- the released value protection service and full value protection service. The former provides a minimal amount of protection (released value). The latter provides a comprehensive plan (full value protection) where any damaged or lost articles are replaced or paid for by the movers.

Do they have the expertise?

Sourcing out a potential agency to shift goods requires that you do a good background check. You need to remember that they are being trusted to cart your belongings from one location to the next. Points to ponder over are about their professionalism and customer ratings. Do they have a good reputation and do they arrive and deliver the commodities on time. Another very important point to note is whether a bill of lading is provided to the clients.

Get a quotation

A moving company must provide a prospective client with an estimate with detailed information. Any additional charges must be included in the initial quotation. Customers should not get a shock upon seeing the final bill. What you are looking for is a quote that provides you with details as to whether there is a nonbinding clause. In all likelihood, this may be included. The binding estimate is hardly offered by movers, but it is something that you can ask for when looking at the estimate.

Shop around

It makes sense to look around at a number of potential movers before finalizing on one. As you do a recce, you will know about the pricing, insurance offered, the reputation, professionalism, and soft skills of the staff. A fly by night firm should never be considered as they may just take the advance and disappear with the money and your goods. Shopping around includes taking into account the reliability angle.

In essence, you need to find a professional moving and packing company that delivers on its promise.

1st Class Moving and Storage is a professional moving and storage company located in Central Florida, Orlando. We move coast to coast as well. We cater to both residential as well as commercial clients. Contact us if you are planning a move.

Moving to or out of the Central Florida | Orlando area? Get a FREE Moving Quote! Call 800-297-6683.