Is it Worth the Money to Pay a Moving Company - What you Need to Know
Having a moving company assist you with your relocation can be an excellent way to get your household goods moved. However, you should be wary of scams when hiring a moving company. There are several tips that can help you get the relocation services that you need without having to pay extra.
Some movers charge by the hour
Whether you're moving to a new house, apartment, or office, you'll want to know how much movers charge. The cost of a move depends on several factors. The distance between the new and old locations, the weight of the items being moved, and the time it takes to transport them all affect the final price.
Depending on your location, the cost of a long-distance move can range from four digits to eight digits. The hourly rate varies depending on the day and time of the week. If you're moving on a weekend, you'll probably pay more.
The rate is also based on the number of workers needed. Depending on the size of your home, you'll need a two- or three-person team. A two-bedroom apartment will take a minimum of two hours, while a two-bedroom or three-bedroom house will take about six to ten hours.
The hourly rate also includes any fuel costs. Many movers include these expenses in their rate. A two-man team moving a one-bedroom apartment costs $200 to $400. A two-person team moving a two-bedroom home or office costs between $80 and $120.
The hourly rate can also be affected by the number of stairs you have. If your home is built on a narrow staircase, you'll pay extra. The cost of lifting and carrying heavy items can also increase. Moving companies may also charge a fee for using an elevator.
Getting moving services covered in your relocation package
Getting moving services covered in your relocation package is a great way to ensure that you get settled into your new home as quickly as possible. Relocating is not cheap, but your employer can help you out in a number of ways.
The first step is to determine what you need. Whether it is a last-minute move, or you are moving across the country, it may be worthwhile to ask your new employer about moving-related benefits. Many employers offer a variety of services, such as temporary housing, car transport, and other moving-related expenses.
You may also want to negotiate a relocation package. Some companies offer a variety of benefits, such as a one-time payment and a one-time allowance for travel expenses. However, you may also be asked to provide expense reports.
Your employer can also help you settle in by providing a moving truck, as well as storage options. Some companies even offer packing and unpacking services. In addition, they can provide you with a list of eldercare providers who can help you with your transition.
The cost of moving will vary from person to person, so make sure to budget accordingly. For example, if you are moving to a different state, you may need to rent a car or purchase a moving truck.
Avoid scams by hiring a moving company
Using a moving company is one way to get relocation help, but you need to be aware of the many pitfalls. There are plenty of fly-by-night operations that will charge you thousands of dollars.
Most good movers charge based on time and weight. They also give you an itemized inventory of what you're moving. A good moving company will also have a physical address and web presence, so you can be sure your belongings will be safe.
Having a moving estimate in front of you is the simplest way to avoid a scam. Some movers will give you an estimate over the phone, but they are not as accurate as an in-home estimate.
A good moving company should also be able to provide you with a booklet highlighting their moving services. It's also worth reading the fine print. Many moving companies will provide you with insurance to protect your belongings. Lastly, a good moving company will be willing to give you references.
If you think you've been a victim of a moving scam, you should file a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The agency is part of the US Department of Transportation, and it regulates the trucking industry.
One of the most common moving scams involves movers who request you pay up front. Moving companies must give you a written estimate before moving you.