How To Choose a Mover

Below are some basic tips on how to choose the right mover for you:

Make sure to get written estimates from at least three movers on how much it will cost. And it's important that your estimates are in writing!

Talk to your neighbors, relatives, friends and associates. Recommendations and insights to the local moving industry can help you rule out companies that don't live up to their advertising.

If two moving companies are in the same ballpark but the third is substantially lower, ask why. You may have found a great deal, but you also may have overlooked an important detail in what the movers will and won't do.

Ask your moving company to describe his packing methods; you don't want your valuable and delicate items bouncing around in a half-empty truck. Also get the specifics of the pickup, delivery, and unloading processes.

Competition between moving companies in Chicago is pretty fierce, and often a bad moving company will undercut a reputable one by taking a few shortcuts (like not wrapping furniture, rickety trucks, etc.). It's a good idea to see the mover's license from the Illinois Commerce Commission (217-782-6448). A prerequisite of obtaining a license is proof of insurance in case your movers lose or damage your possessions. If your mover can't show you a license, chances are he doesn't have insurance, meaning you'll have no recourse if something is lost or broken. Also ask to see proof of workers compensation that will protect you from liability if a worker is injured moving your furniture.

Ask your potential mover to provide a few names of people he's recently moved. A reference can be a valuable tool in picking the right company. Also, it can't hurt to call the Illinois Commerce Commission to see if any complaints have been registered against the mover.

Don't discuss cost over the phone. A representative from the moving company has to come to your house or apartment to provide a realistic written estimate. Over-the-phone estimates are notorious for being low, then jumping drastically after you've agreed to use them.

A reputable mover soliciting your business should be able to provide a copy of the Illinois Commerce Commission's brochure, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move." This pamphlet answers questions you might have about liability in the event of loss or damage to your property. You can also call the Illinois Movers Association (217) 585-2470 if you have any questions you can't find an answer for. Its good to know what you're getting into, especially with big moves or those over long distances.

Carriers offer customers two kinds of estimates. With a binding estimate, you know in advance what your move will cost. However, it also means that you can't throw in a couch and aquarium that your buddy would like moved after you've agreed to this type of estimate. With a more open-ended, non-binding estimate there is no limit on what you can ship. Final charges could be higher or lower than the estimated cost, depending on the actual weight of the shipment.

The cost of a long-distance move is determined by weight and distance, while charges for local moves are by the hour. If you are making a long-distance move you might give some thought to getting rid of some old furniture. Lighten the load and save yourself some dough!

To minimize the hourly charges for a short move, try to do as much of the work yourself as possible. The costs will mount quickly if you expect movers to pack and unpack and perform other tasks that you could do yourself (like hooking up appliances).

The most important document when using a professional mover is the “bill of lading.” This is the legal contract between you and the mover and defines the services the carrier agrees to provide. If the mover refuses to provide this essential document, look for another mover. And be careful! There are plenty of moving companies in Chicago that will “take you for a ride” if you give them the chance!

You'll need to sign off on an inventory both before AND after the move. You'd be surprised at how often things get lost (both legitimately and illegitimately) during a move. The driver will present the inventory to you for your signature after the van or truck is loaded, and again when the shipment reaches your new place. Take your time to check this list. If anything is damaged or missing, indicate it by writing on the driver's inventory list before you sign off. It's not necessary to unpack every carton before signing off, but do note any damage to the outside of any carton. You can still file a loss or damage claim if a packed item is broken, but make sure you leave the pieces in the carton.

And finally, when you've chosen a mover, remember these few tips:

• Mark your cartons for rooms in which they belong. It'll save you a lot of time when you're unpacking.

 
• If you have children, make sure to keep copies of their school records handy. These are usually required when registering for a new school.

 
• Pack a few phone books from your old town. You might think you'll remember the numbers you called frequently, but most likely you'll spend a small fortune on directory assistance charges to contact old friends or tie up loose ends.

 
• Don't forget to finish your business with local services, such as picking up your dry cleaning, returning videos, etc. There's no bigger pain than wrapping up those details when you're about to get on the road!

 
• Fill out a change-of-address form at the post office.

 
• Clean the house or apartment you're leaving, or make arrangements for a service to do the job for you. There's nothing worse than getting to a new place and finding it filthy.

 
• If you have a garage, leave the electric garage-door openers for the new owners.

 
• Make arrangements for moving plants and animals, since most moving companies don't transport them. Most movers also have issues with car batteries, gas cans, and sometimes even things like snow blowers and outboard engines.

 
• If you have one, remember to empty out your safe deposit box.

 
• It's a good idea to open a checking account in your new hometown a month before moving, so you can have immediate access to your account when you get there.

 
• Collect the spare house keys you've given to neighbors and friends.

• Home Buyers Guide
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• Real Estate Glossary