The Importance Of An On-site Estimator When Planning Your Move

When you are planning your next move, it is important that you arrange for someone from the moving company to visit your property so that he can take a look at your belongings and provide you with a reasonably accurate estimate of the cost of your move. These visits are completely free and do not require you to make any type of commitment. Regardless of whether you are making a local, intrastate or interstate move, it is wise to get estimates from professionals who have actually visited your property.

In an attempt to cut corners, many moving companies try to make estimates based solely on the information that a customer provides over the phone. It is important to understand that this is helpful, but the numbers can be practically worthless. A phone conversation often will not reveal critical information such as type of furnishings and their condition. Protecting valuable antiques, for instance, might require the company to furnish a larger truck, more furniture protection, more time, etc. Extra large pieces that need to be disassembled and reassembled at the new residence can hugely impact actual moving time as well. Since local moving rates are based on time and manpower, this is critical information for obtaining a reasonably accurate estimate.

While a moving company can get some idea of manpower and equipment they will need to complete the job based on the information provided during a phone estimate, the truth is that there is simply no accurate way for them to know what it will take to get the job done until they can see what they will be hauling. Someone onsite can eyeball the layout of your property. Stairs, narrow hallways, and other features of your home that might not occur to you as problems can be observed by an expert very quickly so the team that arrives to move your belongings will be prepared for such contingencies.

A few businesses will also visit your new home if it is possible to do so. The same types of difficulties that might be encountered at your current residence might also be located at the new one. If the moving company that you are working with is unable to visit the new site, be sure to provide the on-site estimator who visits you with information addressing every possible contingency that might come into play during the move.

When the estimator is at your home, in addition to observing your furnishings, other helpful information becomes available to him as well. He might offer to bring clothing boxes for your use, or suggest packing methods for specific items. Artwork and mirrors should be packed in boxes made for those items, and those can be provided by the mover, often at no additional cost to you, for the duration of the move. Be sure to ask about extra charges for packing materials, if required.

Some things that most people might not consider are moving items such as large plants and barbecues. You may own things that movers are prohibited from transporting due to state regulations. Wouldn't you prefer to be aware of potential problems before the movers arrive, rather than deal with a huge unexpected bill when the move is complete?

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