COMMUNICATION MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE

The cornerstones of a successful relocation are communication and preparation. It is imperative that you fully understand the relocation process and that, if you have questions, you do not wait until the last minute to obtain answers from your service provider. Make a checklist which will help to set expectations and ensure that nothing slips through the cracks.

The nature or scope of the job may change between the time of your initial estimate and moving day. You might not get as much packing completed as you originally anticipated or you have more (or less) items to be transported. Any discrepancies of this nature need to be communicated to the moving company. Do not assume, for example, that the moving crew will bring extra packing materials on the truck, just in case you have not finished with your preparation. There is a tendency to want to hear a lower estimated cost; but remember that you are going to pay for the services provided; and therefore full transparency will help you to save money.

Following are a list of common communication issues which can influence the final cost of your move:

1) The Item List: Even for local (hourly) moves, the prime reason for cost overruns is the accuracy of the list of articles to be transported. Review the list carefully. Are all of the items reflected? Are all of your living areas included (attics, basements, garages)?
2) Packing: Doing your own packing is a great way to save money; however transferees are often overly ambitious and underestimate the amount of works that it takes to fully prepare for their relocation. If you are having difficulty completing all of the packing, get some professional help. It will cost you less to have a packing crew in advance than to be ill-prepared on the day of the move.
3) Access: Do not assume that the moving company is familiar with your old or new address. Will a truck be able to get up your driveway? Will a truck be able to get onto your street? Is the company bringing a tractor-trailer or a smaller box truck for your move? Is a parking permit required/helpful? Are there stairs or an elevator at either location?
4) Be there on the Day: Unless you have no alte
ative, plan on being present on the day of your move. The moving crew will invariably have questions that a surrogate will not be able to answer; and confusion results in costly delays.
5) Understand the Contract: When you sign the Estimate/Order for Service or the Bill of Lading on the day of your move you are signing a service contract. Like any contract, there is a lot of small print and you should know what you are signing before the day of your move.