Moving services provide assistance with local and long-distance moves. They handle packing, unpacking, and specialty items like antiques. They also provide storage solutions and vehicle transport.
Some movers charge by the hour, while others are more price-based. Ask your moving company to give you a binding estimate before the move.
A good packing service will save you time and energy and help reduce stress and anxiety associated with moving. Professional packers use high-quality packing materials and techniques to protect your items during transit. This significantly reduces the risk of broken dishes, cracked vases, and lost trinkets during your move. They can even help you organize and plan your belongings for the move so everything goes smoothly.
Some packing services offer a variety of different options to suit your needs, including full and partial packing. Some may also offer unpacking services as well. You can find a packing service that suits your needs by comparing their prices and reputation. Some packing services are based on an hourly rate, while others have set packages that you can purchase.
Whether you are moving across the street or across the country, packing is one of the most important steps in the move process. This is a tedious and oftentimes stressful task, and it’s crucial to have the right tools to make it as painless as possible.
Many packing services are able to provide customers with a range of additional moving-related services, including junk removal and storage. In some cases, they can even provide customers with a portable storage unit, which allows them to take the pressure off of themselves during the move.
When choosing a packing service, look for a company with high customer referral ratings and locations throughout the country. Additionally, it’s a good idea to choose a company that offers multiple services to avoid the hassle of having to coordinate with different companies.
A good packing service will offer a wide range of services to meet your needs, such as a video or in-home estimate, personalized plans with packing strategies and schedules, and professional care for fragile goods. They will also discuss insurance choices to protect your belongings during the move.
Some packing services also offer specialized crating services to help protect valuable and delicate items during transport. This is an excellent option for those who need to relocate a museum exhibit or an art gallery collection.
Transportation
The transportation services offered by moving companies provide a safe and efficient way to transport your belongings during your move. They also offer storage-in-transit, a service that allows you to keep your items in a secure warehouse until you are ready for them. They can even store your car or motorcycle if you’re not taking it with you on your move.
These services are available to customers who opt for full service moving. They include local and long distance trucking, and are usually charged based on the number of boxes and the total weight of your shipment. They may also charge for the fuel surcharge and for a delivery or pick-up fee. These fees are usually included in the initial estimate. You can choose from a binding or non-binding estimate. A binding estimate guarantees a specific price in advance based on the actual weight of your shipment and the moving services you’ve chosen.
A non-binding estimate is a quotation that doesn’t guarantee a particular price and can change at the time of delivery. You can also pay for exclusive use of a truck, which can reduce the risk of your belongings being damaged or lost during transit. If you decide to do this, be sure to make an inventory of your possessions and ask for a copy for your records. If you have valuable items, consider a separate insurance policy that covers their value.
Many household movers offer custom crating services to protect fragile or expensive items during the move. They can help you safely disassemble furniture and protect it from damage, and they can even reassemble it at your new home. This service is often cheaper than a full-service move.
Some moving services also offer shipping options for cars and other large vehicles. This includes vehicle transport and car storage, which can be a great option for military families who have to relocate overseas. It can be difficult to find the right moving services for your situation, but there are many options to choose from.
The warehouse handling charges are a charge that’s added to your shipment for storage-in-transit. These charges are intended to compensate the mover for additional handling of the customer’s goods beyond what would normally be expected. They are based on the degree of the goods’ worth, and are calculated as an additional line item on your Bill of Lading.
Storage
Storage services are a common service offered by moving companies. They typically provide warehouse space for storing your belongings until they are needed for transport. These facilities are often climate-controlled and secure. They may also have 24/7 video surveillance and other security measures. They also offer different types of storage depending on your needs. The three most common are long-term, short-term, and storage in transit (SIT). You can use these services to keep your items safe and accessible until you need them.
Long-term storage is a good option for storing your belongings for an extended period of time. This type of storage is usually used for furniture or high-end artwork. It is usually stored in a vault or large wooden crate to prevent damage. It is also a great choice for storing seasonal items or other bulky items. Most moving companies offer this service for an additional fee.
Short-term storage is a great option for those who need to store their belongings for a shorter period of time. This type of storage is used for things like staging a home before it goes on the market or for downsizing. It is also helpful for people who are undergoing renovations at their home and need to move items out of the way temporarily.
Residential movers with storage options are a great option for those who need to move items into storage before their new abode is ready. This can happen due to a delayed closing on your current home or if you are downsizing and don’t have enough room in your new home.
If you’re planning to hire a moving company with storage options, be sure to ask them about their charges and policies for this service. They can help you determine how much you should budget for this extra service. They can also give you tips on how to reduce your costs for this service. You can also ask if they have relationships with specialized storage companies, such as PODS, which offers portable storage containers to their customers. This service is ideal for local moves and is available in many states.
Insurance
Most professional moving companies provide insurance to cover their liability in the event that items are lost or damaged while under their care. They must offer both basic and full coverage options, and you can choose to waive one or the other if you prefer not to pay for the more comprehensive option. Full value protection guarantees that the company will repair or replace your items if they are damaged, and they will make cash settlements based on current market value for unsalvageable goods. The cost of this type of liability insurance varies by mover, and different deductibles can lower or raise the price.
Some movers also offer third-party insurance policies that can supplement the basic carrier liability coverage that is required by federal regulations for interstate moves. These policies generally cost a percentage of the total value of your shipment and may be offered as an option when you receive your initial moving quote or when you request a full inventory list from your mover.
While you can purchase additional insurance from a moving company, you should always check the financial strength of the carrier and the insurance provider before committing to either one. Look for a mover with an AM Best rating of A++ or higher; this is a sign that the insurance company can meet its obligations to pay claims.
Storage options are another service offered by many moving companies, and they can be valuable if there is a time gap between the end of your move and the start of your new home. Many storage facilities are climate-controlled and secure, and they can be used to house household goods in preparation for a move or as an alternative to moving them to your new home immediately.
While homeowners and renters insurance typically covers personal belongings while in transit, these policies do not cover losses sustained during a move. It is therefore important to contact your insurer and ask if you can add a special floater for the transit of your belongings. The insurer can advise you on what the costs and limits are for this type of coverage, and they can help you determine if you need to pay for a separate moving insurance policy or additional floater for your existing coverage.