Ask The Mover…Frequently Asked Moving Questions
Planning your Move in South Florida? Be sure to Hire a Professional Moving Company!
1. When is the best time to plan your South Florida move?
You need to consider that moving companies are usually the busiest from mid-May to Mid-September. Specifically, the end of the month sees the heaviest volume of residential moves.
It’s advisable to give your movers a 5-day window for the loading of your items and flexibility in your preferred arrival time. This can make the whole move that much easier.
2. Why should I hire a professional moving company?
Hiring a professional moving company is very much recommended for all size moves both residential and commercial. Even a modest-sized house can require moving items that can be quite a task and can be very physically and emotionally difficult for the average homeowner. The South Florida heat and humidity can cause many unforeseen problems as well.
Hiring licensed, professional movers ( like those at Veteran Moving ) can be the right decision to get the job completed faster and more efficiently, as they have the specific equipment, physical strength and expertise to handle larger items in a much safer way than you can do it yourself.
3. How much time do I need to plan ahead?
When hiring a moving company, remember to plan at least six weeks before your scheduled move. This will give the estimators a good visual idea of what will be required as far as the personnel and equipment needed, to then provide a more accurate price estimate, with fewer surprises later on.
4. How can I spot a scam and a disreputable mover?
– When a moving company doesn’t insist on taking a visual tour of all of the goods to be moved, or only gives it a quick look, you need to reconsider using them. A reputable estimator will ask specific questions and open doors and cabinets to get the best gauge of what will be needed to facilitate the move for you.
– If they demand cash or a large deposit before they start, is a good sign they should not be trusted. There are several moving companies like this in South Florida, so be cautious!
As a matter of fact, last year Federal authorities have charged 12 individuals with operating a multistate South Florida-based moving scam based in Hollywood, Florida that bilked more than 900 victims, according to the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel.
– Check their history. If they frequently change their name it usually means they are working a scam and should be avoided.
-As a general rule, don’t ever sign a blank contract under any circumstances. If you are presented with this type of contract by the mover, reject it right away.
-Stay away from a quote they say it is guaranteed, not to exceed contract. Make sure you carefully check the fine print for statements that say the price won’t be exceeded unless your items weigh more than what the estimate had specified. If you see this it should be rejected.
– Make sure you make it a point to open all of your boxes and check for any damages after the move. don’t procrastinate, because you usually only have nine months to make a report to the company and then file a claim with the insurance company.
Yes, it’s crucial to be vigilant, especially in South Florida, where last year some disreputable movers in Broward County held their customers furniture and other valuables hostage! It’s true, 14 moving companies, all located in Broward and Dade counties, allegedly used false or deceptive advertising to convince people to purchase moving services. Make sure your moving company is well established in the area, is fully licensed and insured and has great reviews!
5. What should I expect when a relocation specialist visits my home?
They will do an extensive survey of your home. Then an estimate is done, based on the weight, costs of packing supplies and all other associated costs. They must know everything that will be included, so try to have everything open and available for the specialist to see. Try to reduce any clutter that could make it difficult to see all of the items in closets, attics, and crawl spaces where you have your things stored.
6. What do the following moving terms mean?
A non-binding estimate
A non-binding estimate is one that may change in the future, usually due to additional items and/or services that you added on after the initial estimate was completed. But it must be stated that is non-binding in writing and agreed upon by both parties.
A binding estimate
A binding estimate is a legal agreement in writing, between the mover and you stating that the moving expenses won’t exceed the agreed-upon, set price estimate. For any added services after this agreement, those costs would be required to be paid at delivery.
A bill of lading
This refers to a contract between the mover and you which should be presented to you before the loading of your furniture and other items.
If you are moving in South Florida, from Davie to Deerfield Beach, Pompano Beach to Delray Beach and would like your questions answered by a friendly and knowledgeable mover, call Veteran Moving Company today!