When relocating and hiring a moving company to take you across the country, keep these do’s and don’t’s in mind. Something as simple as having a pen and paper ready to check off items as they’re unloaded from the truck will save you a lot of time and aggravation later on.

Do’s

• Research the company before you sign the agreement or contract and look for companies that provide quality services. You wouldn’t go wrong with US Border Movers company.
• Ask to see the company’s credentials and past references.
• Make sure you know how the company calculated all the costs. Ask that it’s explained to you completely.
• Ask to see a copy of the moving company’s tariffs. This will outline the maximum costs and how the costs are calculated according to weight and distance.
• Ask about insurance. New federal rules state that a mover must offer you the option of purchasing insurance from moving companies, out of state movers and moving out of state companies.
• Most insurance policies are based on weight, not value. Make sure you’re fully protected.
• Ask that your moving charges be based on weight, not volume. Most long-distance hauls are automatically weighed than calculated per pound. Volume moves leave too much room for dispute. It’s easier for a moving company to expand the truck space required than to add extra weight.
• Ask upfront if your mover is a broker, Florida movers, California movers, Washington movers, Oregon movers, (interstate movers) or moving company. If your moving company is a broker, find out who will actually be moving your things. Research and investigate both companies. The law states the company has to tell you whether they’re hiring another company to actually do the move.
• Make sure the company isn’t charging you for the weight of the truck. Ask to see a weight ticket after your goods have been removed or before they start loading. Deduct this from the total weight when your items have been loaded.
• Review all the documents the company provides and make sure you understand everything. If you don’t, ask the mover to clarify. If you’re still not satisfied, take it to an outside party such as a lawyer.
• Have someone at your old home for when the movers pick up your stuff, and someone at the new home for when they are delivered. Everything that goes on and off of the truck should be recorded and checked off.

Don’t’s

• Don’t hire a company that will only take cash.
• Don’t pay for the move until all your belongings have been unloaded into your new home. If there are any boxes or items missing, don’t sign the paperwork. The move must be completed before you sign.
• Don’t sign anything that you don’t understand. Read everything thoroughly and ask questions when you need clarification.
• Don’t pack items that are of high value, such as important documents, jewelry or account records. Take these items with you.
• Don’t wait until a few days or weeks have gone by before you make a claim for damaged goods. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to prove mover fault.