The moving industry generates many complaints across Florida annually. Complaints range from dings, dents and scratches on household items to holding personal belongings hostage until additional money is paid.

Be sure that you hire a mover with a good reputation, references and that you understand the fine print of your contract. You should also plan six to eight weeks in advance to book a reputable moving company during the busy spring to Labour Day period.

Here are 10 Tips on Hiring a Moving Company:

Step 1: Collect competitive estimates. Obtain written estimates from at least three moving companies, and make sure they’re based on an in-person assessment of your current space and belongings. Online and phone estimates are available, however in person estimates with accurate assessment of both space and belongings make for a more accurate quote.
Step 2: Check their license and insurance. First and foremost, determine whether a mover is licensed and insured. Contact any the Better Business Bureau to see if there are complaints against the company. Ask for and call all three references to gauge the mover’s professionalism and reliability. Choose a company with excellent customer service.
Step 3: Know whether an estimate is binding or non-binding.
Ask about rates. Be aware of any conditions that may lead to additional costs, such as moves over a certain mileage or goods over a certain weight. Ask what happens if goods are damaged, and under what conditions is the mover responsible and for how much. With non-binding estimates, the moving cost is based on an estimated hourly rate and/or the estimated weight of the cargo. The risk is that it can be difficult to know how heavy a house’s contents might be or how long they’ll take to move. Beware that there are no guarantees that the final cost won’t exceed the non-binding estimate.
Step 4: Ask for all your options.
Understand how packing options affect the price. For example, if you pack certain goods yourself, can you save some money? Or pack everything yourself with portable containers that are delivered to your home. You pack them, and the company transports them to your new home.
Step 5: Confirm the Crew
If you are moving a long distance, inquire about tracking options so that you can find out where your belongings are. Ask for crew contact information such as name and cell phone in order to contact them if necessary. Be sure they can guarantee a delivery date.
Step 6: Understand the fine print.
Be sure you understand how materials affect costs and that it’s covered in the contract. Many consumer complaints relate to add-on costs from packing materials such as bubble wrap and boxes.Some furnishings, such as your baby grand piano, may require special handling that adds to the bottom line. There may also be limits on the company’s ability to handle and transport some items such as barbecues and firearms, which will result alternate arrangements.
Step 7: Plan ahead and ask for specials. Check into whether there are special deals the company offers; and ask whether they give auto club (AAA) or senior specials. In addition, many companies offer mid week and off prime time hours discounts.
Step 8: Get a signed contract. A signed contract should include price, pick-up and delivery dates, packing services and mileage, plus policies regarding payment, insurance and guaranteed services. Make sure the contract has a toll free customer-service number on it that you can call with any problems.
Step 9: Ensure that you’re insured.When you secure a moving company, you’ll need to consider what kind of insurance coverage to purchase. While moving companies are held accountable for the goods they transport, there are different levels to consider, with “released value” and “full value protection” being the most common. Under released value, the basic, no-extra-charge option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per pound—not much at all if an expensive item is damaged.Step 
10: Don’t pay until you’re satisfied.
Many companies will ask for deposits and thats OK. However do not make any final payment until all items have been received and reviewed for damage.


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