Whether it is newlyweds planning to move into a new home in their small town or East Coast students preparing to ship their personal belongings to their college dorm on the West coast, relocation has been steadily growing in popularity. Recent surveys show that each year, nearly one-fifth of the U.S. population, or more than 1 million individuals per month, are moving from one place to another. Researchers rank the relocation process as one of the most stressful events in people's lives- at the same level as divorce or the death of a loved one. Fortunately, there are numerous resources and services to transform what many fear to be an arduous undertaking into a smooth and actually pleasant moving experience. Numerous online articles, guides, tools, tips, and calculators are available to assist consumers seeking to facilitate the task of relocation. For instance, there are comprehensive moving and packing tips, moving and mortgage calculators, as well as weight and volume calculators to calculate the volume and weight of the items to be transported.
To make their move, individuals and businesses can either hire a professional or go the solo route. Here are some of the most commonly-used services for relocation purposes:
1. Moving service
Before hiring a particular moving service, consumers should do the following:
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Check references;
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Contact the local Better Business Bureau to determine whether any consumer complaints have been filed against the company;
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Inquire about the moving service's record for timeliness;
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Find out if the moving service meets both state Department of Transportation (DOT) and federal DOT licensing requirements; and
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Verify that the company satisfies state and federal insurance requirements.
Individuals and businesses can choose from among a garden variety of moving companies, ranging from residential moving companies, piano movers and furniture movers to local movers, international movers, and auto transport. The choice of moving service will depend on the customer's needs and objectives. A moving service may be of the self-service or full-service type. With self-service moving, the company hired takes care of the driving, while the customer is responsible for the packing, loading, and unloading. With full-service moving, on the other hand, the company is in charge of every aspect of the relocation: packing, loading, driving, and unloading. While shopping around for the right moving service, consumers should take advantage of the free quotes offered by a number of companies in their area.
2. Auto transport
Individuals or businesses needing auto transport should contact the car mover carrier at least four weeks in advance, to provide the latter with sufficient time to pick up the vehicle. The more advance notice provided, the better. Prospective clients should ask the auto shipping company for an estimate on the pick-up and delivery times and dates. They can request either terminal-to-terminal or door-to-door car transport service. Consumers should request a copy of the auto transport service's insurance coverage and ensure that the company will ensure their vehicle against theft and damage. The majority of dependable car shipping companies carry sufficient insurance coverage to protect against any damage caused to vehicles they are transporting.
Customers should remove all of their personal possessions from the vehicle prior to handing over their keys. Upon arrival, the driver will complete a bill of lading or condition report that records any damage to or scratches on the car. Customers should check their vehicle prior to signing this document. Another bill of lading will also be presented to the customer for signing upon delivery, and again, he or she should check the vehicle before signing. Finally, some car movers do not require advance payment, while others request full payment in advance or a deposit.
3. Commercial moving service
To safely transport their products and equipment, businesses can avail themselves of a commercial moving service. This type of specialized company also furnishes truck rentals.
4. Moving rental
Individuals needing to move out of state and preferring the do-it-yourself method will opt for a moving rental. This cost-effective, stress free alternative, offered by a multitude of reliable moving services, allows customers to rent a truck or van for their relocation needs.
5. Taxi
For assistance in moving luggage or people (individuals or groups) from one location to the next, a taxi service is extremely convenient and efficacious.
6. Limo
To move from one place to the next, consumers may also hire a limousine service. A limo offers luxury transportation and is an ideal choice for individuals and businesses, particularly those in the corporate world.
7. Warehouse
A warehouse can help consumers with their moving needs by providing storage facilities for large or small inventory as well as bulk products.
8. Moving storage
A moving storage company will move large objects for customers and store them until needed. A moving storage caters to both long and short-term storage needs. Customers who need space on a regular basis should request seasonal storage, while those needing only a small amount of space will find the mini storage perfectly suitable.
9. Moving supply company
This type of business furnishes customers with corrugated boxes, which are especially designed for moving, and other supplies to pack their items. A moving supply enterprise also provides for truck rental as well as rental of lifting equipment.