ASAP Movers Baltimore
Published by Chris Townsend
ASAP Moving Companies Baltimore
If you find yourself in the uncomfortable position of needing a moving company in the Baltimore area at the last minute, there is no need for alarm. Lucky for you, finding a good moving company on short notice isn't a significant obstacle. With a bit of work, you can succeed and get on your way.
How can I find a mover in Baltimore ASAP?
Finding the right short notice moving company doesn't take a long time. Just remember, even if you are in a hurry, it is vital to spend enough time to find a high-quality company you can trust. Don't let your short time-frame result in lowering your standards or falling for a moving industry scam. So, where should you start? Most of the moving companies in the U.S. are small companies. Some are genuine mom and pop (or pop and sons) operations, while others are affiliated with larger companies either as agents or a franchise. No matter which kind of organization you choose, you are more likely to have a positive experience if you take the time to meet the moving company representative in person before you agree to work with them.
If the move you are planning will cross a state line (this is an interstate move, sometimes called long-distance), then the moving company must come to your home and conduct a walk-through to see what is being moved. Here's why: interstate move costs are based on the weight of what you are moving, and the best way to determine weight is by looking at it. That makes sense, but some companies would rather skip this step and may suggest that you describe your belongings over the phone or submit an online form. You may be tempted to agree since you are in a hurry, but you shouldn't. The mover needs to look at what you are moving, and it is equally important for you to meet them and decide if they are the right company to handle your move. Deciding whether you trust the mover is essential, and you might base your decision on their level of professionalism, their willingness to answer questions, and your overall impression of them. For these things to be evident, you need to meet them.
If the move is local, the mover does not have the same obligation to complete an in-person survey, but they will be willing to do it if you ask. Experts generally recommend that you do so unless the move you are planning is minimal and straightforward. Having the mover provide a written estimate based on a visual survey is more likely to result in an accurate and reliable assessment of the move's scope, so it is worth the time you will need. The mover can also give you some helpful information about the move and other services that you might be interested in, particularly to help you speed things up. For example, movers are expert packers, and most of us are not. It might take weeks for an average person to pack all the dishes, linens, pictures, books, games, clothes, and other miscellaneous stuff that we all have in our homes. But a professional mover or two can have everything packed into boxes in less than a day. As a bonus, if you engage the affordable movers to do the packing, you have the reassurance that if something gets broken, they are responsible for it. If you packed it, they might not reimburse you for the loss if they claim you didn't protect the item correctly when you packed it.
How many estimates do I need?
It is a good idea to get at least three estimates. It sounds like a lot of work, but it will be worth the time. Remember that you are not just looking for a low price; you are looking for a moving company you can trust with your household goods. If this is a long-distance move, they will be responsible for your belongings for several days outside of your control, so you must be comfortable with the mover you select. When you are getting the estimates, ask questions about how they settle disputes. If a company claims they never have any, that's suspicious. Every interstate mover is required to have a dispute resolution program and to share information about that program with you when they submit a bid for your job. They must also give you a copy of a brochure called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This publication, created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, has excellent information about moving companies and the regulations they must follow. It has definitions of the terms used in the industry and an explanation of how estimates and liability insurance work. Even though the mover will give you a copy or a link to the site, it's worth looking it up before you start talking to the vendors.
When you compare the estimates, if one is much lower than the others, don't just assume you are getting a great deal; ask questions. If the low estimate is nonbinding and the others are binding, that could explain it. A binding estimate is a guaranteed price, but a nonbinding estimate isn't. The price could increase if the mover misjudged the weight and based the cost on that low weight. So, make sure you are comparing the same kind of estimate when you look at the bids. Also, if the move is local, the estimate will be for a specific number of hours and movers. For example, the mover may estimate that your project will require three movers for a total of six hours, and they might quote you a charge of $250 per hour. Ask what happens if the job goes long—do you pay extra?
How do I know if the mover I find at the last minute is honest?
There are some helpful ways to check on the integrity of the companies you are considering for your moving service. Remember that the glowing testimonials they highlight on their website aren't always real—anyone could write those. If the mover does interstate work, it will register with FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). If you check their website, you can learn a lot about the company's safety record and any customer complaints. You should also check the Better Business Bureau for reviews and possible complaints. The BBB received over 13,000 complaints about moving companies last year. That’s a lot, but it thinks the problem is actually bigger. Also, ask the company for some recent customers to talk to. If it is a reputable business, it will give you some contacts that it has done work for. If it can’t or won’t, that’s suspicious.
Following these simple steps can help you find a moving company for your last minute requirement and make it much more likely that you will find a good one. When consumers are the victim of moving industry scams, it often results from taking a deal that sounded too good to be true or not listening to their instincts or "gut feeling" that something about the company wasn't quite right. Devote some time to making the right choice for this critical move.
