You need to get an estimate from a couple moving companies. You already know the questions they'll ask you; read on for several questions you should ask.
Are your crews insured? If it is a company you are not familiar with, ask to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Ask for their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you are prepared for what the movers will pay for the loss.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about extra men? Most companies will quote an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You could feel three is overkill, but it's worth the expense since that third or even fourth person makes things go a whole lot faster when sharp turns or bulky and heavy things are a factor. You can have a couple of people taking things apart and boxing or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the local moving crew are guys who work together every day and they're used to each having a specific job on the move, and they get the job done much faster. It's not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with a charge for an extra man, if needed. If your house has four or five bedrooms or you have a big garage, you might need more than one truck anyway, so spring for the extra men to get it accomplished in one day.
Do you charge for travel time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies differ with the travel charges. Usually, once they reach your house, the clock is running. Many times they will stop at a fast food place and eat lunch on the way to the new home, so there isn't very much down time.
What if I only want packing help? That's fine, most companies will supply you an a la carte pricing list--you can buy everything from boxes only to a six-man crew that will box your golf clubs if you tell them to. The rates for packing usually include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide array of box sizes. Expect an hourly rate for a packing crew as a basic estimate. Just make sure and read through the verbiage on the estimate so that you understand exactly what is and is not included.
What if I just want moving help? Some people like to pack at the same time as they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not constructive. Moving companies are glad to load, drive, and unload on moving day, just be sure you are aware of their policies for what they can and cannot move. For instance, anything hazardous or toxic can't be put on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms might not be permitted on moving trucks, so you’ll have to open any safes so that the movers can see what is inside of them.
Movers Are More Expensive Than Your Garden Club Group, but They Are Insured
Professional movers are not inexpensive, but your poker buddies or family will not pay a claim if something is broken in the move. And, they are much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they do not know the right way to lift heavy furniture.
