8 Most FAQ About Moving

Relocation is one of the most important events in people`s lives. Naturally, we want it to go perfectly, and we sometimes worry too much. There are so many unanswered questions or confusing answers that we start to stress out well before the moving day. This is why we have created this useful guide on the most frequently asked questions about moving. By the end of your relocation, you will learn a lot and you will use that knowledge to have the least stressful relocation possible. Since knowledge and proper preparation are vital to a successful relocation, let us begin by answering the most FAQ about moving.

1. How to find a reliable moving company?

If you are moving next door, you won`t be needing the moving company`s services, of course. However, if you are relocating to a different city, country, or continent, hiring professional movers is the best thing you can do. Nowadays, there are a lot of rogue movers that can disappear with your belongings, so it is important to know how to identify rogue movers and find reliable movers.

• Recommendations — If you have a friend or family member who has recently moved, ask them about the moving company they used. The word of mouth is usually the safest way to find reliable movers.
• Search the internet — Compare several moving companies online and research everything they have to offer. Seal your search with a personal visit to the company`s office for a face-to-face meeting.
• Moving reviews — Reading moving reviews can help you make up your mind when hiring a certain moving company. You should know that people are generally more prone to leaving negative comments, rather than positive ones. Just stay clear of the fake moving reviews.

2. Should you tip your movers?

You are, by no means, obliged to tip your movers. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided it is common to leave a tip. Relocating your items, packing, unpacking, assembling, disassembling and other services take care, time, and great effort. How much should you tip your movers depends on their service, but usually, you would tip your movers $4 or $5 per person per hour. If you have two teams of people moving your belongings, you should tip both moving crews. Just remember, this is only if you are satisfied with the provided service.

3. What is a Bil of lading?

A Bil of lading is a legally binding document that is signed by both you and your moving company. It contains all of the information that is important for the transportation of your goods. You must read it carefully before signing it as there is no turning back past that point. Here you will have the condition of your items, weight, size, the exact or estimated delivery date, the contact information of yourself and your movers, who will pick up the load, etc. It can serve as a receipt of goods, and as a title of goods as well.

4. What to do with the items you don`t want to relocate?

If you are downsizing, or simply don`t want to relocate all of your belongings, there are several things you can do with your items.

• Sell — Selling your items will enable you to earn a few dollars on your relocation. If you don`t want to create a yard sale, you can easily sell your items online.
• Donate — Donate your items to local charities, libraries, etc. Charities will take your furniture, clothes, toys, tools, and sell them and then use the money to buy the necessary items. You will feel better knowing that you helped someone, and your relocation will be less expensive because the load will be lighter.
• Throw away — Old items that are torn apart, damaged, and non-functioning belong in the trash. While they may hold sentimental value for you, the reality is that you need to get rid of anything you don`t use.

5. Do you need moving insurance?

What is moving insurance and is moving insurance necessary? Most of the time your regular home insurance does not cover the relocation process. In case your items get damaged or lost, you need to have an insurance plan that will compensate you for the damage or loss. There are two types of insurance plans that you can choose with your moving company.

• Released value protection — This type of insurance is completely free of charge. You would receive 0.60 cents per pound in case some of your items get lost or damaged. You can agree that this is not much if you lose a small, but expensive item.
• Full value protection — On the other hand, you can choose the full value protection insurance plan. To use this type of insurance, you need to pay a premium. Consult with your moving company about the exact value of the premium. In this case, you would get the money in the amount of the current marketplace value of the item. The other option is to have the item replaced, or repaired if possible.

6. Are there any hidden moving costs?

Yes, there are some hidden moving costs when it comes to moving. You probably would not expect to pay a fee for not having an elevator in your building or a parking spot for that matter. But, movers will charge you a fee if they need to carry all of your items down and up the stairs far away from the parking spot. Also, packing and unpacking, assembling, and disassembling furniture will cost you, as well as the packing supplies. Be sure to learn more on what are the hidden costs of moving before your move.

7. Where to find free packing supplies?

You can find free packing supplies at the Craigslist website, as someone usually wants to give away moving boxes. Another way is to ask your friends or relatives that have recently moved to give you the items they won`t need anymore.

8. How to save money on relocation?

Hiring professional movers and storage NYC, relocating only the items that you truly need, and preparing for your relocation in advance are the key aspects of saving money. Find cheap or free packing supplies, or order reusable bins and moving boxes at affordable prices. Have your friends help you with packing, eat all the food that you have in your house before ordering fast food. Good luck!