Moving - How to Choose and Oversee the Work of Professionals

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Moving is quoted as being one of the most stressful experiences we'll ever go through in our lives. Our first recommendation to you will always be to do the removals yourself or only to hire a business to transport your goods, but that isn't always attainable. With moving house being an infrequent event in our lives, it's not something that we can practise on a regular basis. Baring this in mind, most of us are very inexperienced and lack of experience shows. To try and make the move as stress free as you can, you need to act smart and do your homework.

There are so many removals businesses out there - which one is the right?

Selecting a business to move your worldly possessions is not an easy task. With hundreds of firms out there and dozens of potential hazards waiting, the removals industry is pretty complicated, therefore you need to examine what is on offer. As with any industry, there are good and dreadful firms out there and that's the first thing you will need to sort out. It doesn't matter if you reside in the city or the countryside, there is always a multitude of firms willing to help you move your items. Looking at your own wants will help you select the right business for you.

How to Choose a Moving Business

Word of mouth or reputation is the best way you can choose a business to move your goods. Company Advertising is not always reliable or honest as they don't advertise their issues. Any business suggested to you is worth a phone call. Your estate agent is the best person to talk to if you haven't got any colleagues or relatives who have used a removals business in the not too distant past. Once you select a couple of potential moving businesses, check which of these are accredited members of a moving association or trade body. When accredited to a trade body, a business will be of a certain level and you can ascertain that their work will be taken seriously. You can even ask the business for prior customers' contact information to get their feedback. If a company is unenthusiastic to supply this information then be very distrustful.

Communicating with the business and what you need to ask about

Now you have narrowed the field down you need to get in touch with the businesses and find out the good and bad points. Write out a small list of questions that worry you, here are samples of a few:

1. What insurance does the business have? Make sure they give you their insurance particulars, like insurance business name and the policy number.
2. Does the business use their own equipment, or will a subcontractor or another business be providing the service?
3. Does this business offer the whole package, such as storage, claims handling or uncrating. Does this company use a third party at the other end or do this company do it?
4. If your belongings are going a long distance and have to stay overnight somewhere, is it in a secure place and who owns the facility? Be sure to use a business that uses trucks designed for household belongings moving and storage.
5. If the staff member employed by the business is injured, does the firm have their own insurance to cope with this. If not, you may end up paying for any employee injuries during the move.

Ask For an Estimated Price

To make sure the move is suited to your situation, there are lots of questions you will need to ask. The most critical question you will need to have answered is the estimation of charges. Before finally deciding which business to go with, you should get an estimate from each of them, and consider their prices to what service they will provide to you. Don't assume that the cheaper the charges the better value the business is. For the estimate the business will need to know the exact location of your new property and the address the belongings are being transported from. If there are any access issues, such narrow staircases, doorways or even access difficulties to the property, you need to let the company know in advance. To avoid excess charges on your bill, furnish the moving business with as much information when you ask for an estimated price. Ask for validation of all facts given, in writing, before committing yourself.

Once you have settled on a business and are happy they have all the information they need, you will possibly be asked to sign an agreement with them. Read the paperwork carefully, check for any hidden charges and make sure they have not made any mistakes. Then, all that's left is to get sorted for your big day. Don't forget to give your movers a quick call a few days before the move to confirm your arrangements!

Removals Day - Overseeing the Movers

Watching the packers during the moving process ensures that it is done professionally and your needs are met. Some things that may help the day go more evenly:

• The packers may wish to ask questions, so being at hand could make the packing go more smoothly and quickly.
• If there are any belongings you are taking in your own vehicle such as plants, pet equipment, toiletries, then you need to make the packers aware of this.
• Big household appliances and/or electrical goods need to be disconnected and made secure, making sure nothing is left inside.
• Check to see if all boxes and cartons are written on correctly by load and room destination in your new house.
• Go through the inventory list with the movers to resolve any feasible disagreements concerning the condition your possessions are in.
• Once the truck is packed, before they set off to the new property have a last walk through the house to make sure everything as been taken.
• Write down your new address and contact information of you and if you can a family member and give them to the driver.

Article is created by Jay Banks from Vancouver Condominiums