The traditional home-buying season is in full swing, meaning many people will be packing boxes and looking for companies to help make the move as painless as possible. The American Moving and Storage Association has tips to help with a smooth move.
Customers making interstate moves should check whether the moving company is registered as required with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, part of the US Department of Transportation, at www.protectyourmove.gov .
Consumers should insist on receiving in-person estimates rather than over the phone estimates. The movers can say the homeowner has more belongings than they were told about. By federal law, movers with offices within 50 miles of the house are required to personally survey the items before providing an estimate.
Homeowners should also sign a binding agreement, to ensure they pay the estimated amount, regardless of the actual weight of the shipment. With a non-binding agreement, the final price for moving services isn't estimated until the shipment is loaded and weighed. Even with a binding agreement, movers can tack on fees for moving into a dwelling on a steep hill, or in a crowded city, or with a lot of steps, so customers should inquire about additional fees.
http://www.ProtectYourMove.gov/
Michele Ashbarry
Realty Partners
760-440-9812
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