There is a lot to think about when planning a move, from decluttering and packing to contacting organizations and utilities at your old and new homes to moving insurance and finding movers. But there are also many additional services that can help make your move less stressful, such as cleaning and pest control. Some companies offer these as part of their full-service package, while others may offer them at an extra cost.
When comparing moving services, it is important to consider the level of service you want and the total cost. Typically, the more help you need from a professional moving company, the higher the price. However, if you’re able to complete some of the work yourself, you can often save money by choosing self-service options. These usually include renting or buying equipment such as boxes, paper, tape, and bubble wrap to pack boxable items and protect fragile goods; furniture pads to protect your items from scratches and dents; and dollies and cargo belts to help you carry heavy items.
A full-service moving company will load your belongings onto their truck and deliver them to your new home. These services aren’t cheap, but they can save you a lot of time and stress on your moving day. You can also save money by avoiding the busiest moving days of the week, which are Saturdays.
If you’re moving to a new city or state, it’s essential to find a moving company that offers local and long-distance services. The best companies will offer both types of moves minneapolis moving services at competitive rates. In addition, they’ll be able to provide you with a Bill of Lading, which lists all the charges and costs associated with your move.
Some movers offer additional services for an extra charge, such as packing and crating. These can be especially helpful if you have expensive items that require special handling to prevent damage during transit. You should also be aware that some movers will not move certain items, such as cash, medicine, and financial documents. Check with the company you’re considering to ensure that they offer these services and to get a list of prohibited items.
National movers will generally give you a moving estimate when you book their services. This is a document that lists all of the estimated charges and fees for your move, including transportation fees, estimated shipment weight, service fees, fuel surcharges, insurance surcharges, and applicable discounts. You should read this carefully before signing it.
There are three types of estimates that a national moving company can issue — binding, nonbinding, and binding not-to-exceed. A binding estimate locks in the price of your move, so you will only pay what was quoted once the services are completed. A nonbinding estimate allows the mover to adjust the final bill based on factors such as shipment weight and services rendered, but you cannot be charged more than 110% of the original estimate. A binding not-to-exceed estimate includes the same features as a binding estimate, but the mover can’t increase the estimated total charge by more than 10%.