When you hire movers to ship your belongings from one home to another, they’ll pack them in boxes, secure them inside the truck or shipping container, load it up and drive to your destination. This is called a pickup and delivery move, or self-service moving. It can be a great option for people who want to save money on a full-service move but need the help of professionals to transport their belongings.
If you choose this service, the Smooth Move & Delivery will give you a non-binding estimate of how much your move will cost based on the amount of household goods you’re having shipped. This estimate must clearly state that it is not binding and describe all services to be provided. Most moving companies use a standard form for this purpose, but you should review it carefully and ask the mover to clarify anything you don’t understand.
The estimate will also provide a “delivery spread” – a range of days within which your shipment will be delivered to your new home. The delivery spread allows the movers flexibility to work around unavoidable delays that could occur during the move, such as bad weather (which will slow down driving and may cause the truck to have to take detours), traffic jams, or mechanical problems with the vehicle.
A good mover will make every effort to stay within the estimated delivery window. If they don’t, you can file a delay claim with the company and receive reimbursement for any living expenses incurred in the time between the last day of the delivery spread and when your belongings actually arrive at your home – such as hotel accommodations or restaurant meals (just be sure to keep all related receipts).
Many movers offer the option of purchasing additional protection for your belongings during transit. This insurance covers the cost of replacing your belongings in the event they are damaged or lost while in transit. This protection is not mandatory, and you should weigh the pros and cons of purchasing it with your own deductible.
Whether or not you purchase this additional insurance, you should always check your mover’s licensing information. Movers are required to have the necessary certifications to perform interstate moves, and their license numbers are typically listed on their profiles or estimates.
Another important factor to consider is the cost of fuel and labor. The price of fuel will affect how quickly your shipment arrives at your destination, and the cost of labor will depend on how large your shipment is and how far you’re moving. The more items you have to move, the higher your total cost will be. The best movers are those who can provide the lowest cost while still providing top-quality service. This is why it’s so crucial to take the time to research the many different moving options available before choosing your provider.