You will want to get an estimate from a couple moving companies. You learned in our last post the questions they'll ask you; here are 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. Get their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you know how the movers will handle the claim.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional labor? Most companies will provide an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You might think three is excessive, but it is worth the expense since that third or even fourth crewmember can make things go a whole lot faster when sharp turns or unwieldy and heavy things are in the mix. You can have a couple of people doing disassembly and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the local moving crew are guys who work together every day and they are like a well-oiled machine, and they get the job done more expeditiously. 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 may require two trucks anyway, so think about getting the extra men to get it accomplished in one day.
Do you charge for drive time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies vary with the drive charges. Usually, once they arrive at your house, the clock is running. Most times they will stop at a fast food place and eat lunch in route 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 provide you an a la carte pricing quote--you can buy everything from tape guns only to a six-man crew that will box your lawn mower if you ask. The rates for packing commonly 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 quote for a packing crew as a basic estimate. Just make sure and read through the verbiage on the quote so that you are aware of specifically what is and is not included.
What if I just want moving help? Some folks like to pack together as they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not practical. Moving companies are glad to load, drive, and unload on moving day, but make sure you know their policies for what they can and cannot put on the truck. For starters, anything hazardous or toxic can't go on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms may not be permitted on moving trucks, so you will have to open any safes so that the movers are aware what is inside of them.
Movers Cost More Than Your Extended Family, but They Are Insured
Professional movers are not inexpensive, but your poker buddies or family won't pay a claim if something is scratched 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 things.
