Millions of people move in the United States every year and most moves go smoothly without any problems or major issues. However, it is important to hire a quality moving company that is professional, can manage the move and keep one informed about every step of the process.
Finding a Mover
The best place to start to ask friends and family for recommendations regarding a moving company. Birmingham, AL options for reliable movers, can also be obtained from such organizations as the American Moving and Storage Association, the Better Business Bureau and the local chamber of commerce.
Any mover that is being considered should have a list of customers in the Birmingham AL area who have moved in the past three to six months. It would also be a good idea to call these customers and ask specific questions about their experiences with the movers.
Getting Quotes
A reputable moving company will come to the home to take an inventory of all one’s belongings and household items and determine the weight and bulk of the move. A representative from the moving company will be thorough and check all places of storage such as bookcases, drawers, and cupboards.
This person will also ask questions about what will be moved and what items might be sold at a yard sale, given to charity, or left behind by the new owners. This will ensure that items will not be placed on the truck that are not going to the new residence. The estimator will also review the quote to ensure that it is as accurate as possible.
Moving Liability
All moving companies is required to assume liability for the value of the goods they transport. However, there are two options concerning this protection—full value protection and released value protection—, and each has different charges and levels of protection.
The first is the most comprehensive and enables a mover to repair a lost, destroyed or damaged article to the same condition as when they received it, or provide payment for the cost to repair or replace the article with an article of like quality and kind, or pay for the cost of replacement.
The second has no cost and, although it is the most economical protection available, provides only minimal protection, as the mover will be liable for no more than 60 cents per pound, per article. The first option is the default unless otherwise specified, and the applicable valuation charge will be applied to the overall moving bill.
