Check that they are members of a professional trade organisation! National trade associations maintain professional high standards and can give you detailed information about member companies. Members of these associations are usually vetted annually. Also, if you are unsatisfied with the services provided, you have a higher authority that you can contact. Two of the most renown trade associations include:

AMSA American Moving and Storage Association www.moving.org

HHGFAA Household Goods Forwarders Association of America Inc www.hhgfaa.org

FMWA F lorida Movers and Warehousemen's Assiciation www.fmwa.org

FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration www.fmcsa.dot.gov

FIDI The International Federation of International Movers www.fidi.com

FAIM Fidi Accredited International Mover www.fidi.com

LACMA Latin American & Caribbean International Movers Association www.lacmassoc.org

PAIMA Pan American International Movers Association www.paima.com

IATA www.iata.com

FIATA Fédération Internationale des Associations de Transitaires et Assimilés International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations fiata.com

OMNI www.omnimoving.com

FITA Federation of International Trade Associations www.fita.org

ISO International Organization for Standardization www.iso.ch

What extra services do you need? If you are looking for extra services, please be sure that these options are covered by the removal companies that approach you. If these services are not provided, you should decide whether you would like to arrange this separately, or consider another removal company as your choice. Extra services include:

Packing services Boxing Supply of Boxes Fragile packing Storage of goods Insurance for your goods Speciality Removals such as Piano or Antiques Extra charges or additional transportation charges can also be made for long carries, stairs, lifts, moving large items (e.g. cars), disconnecting electrical goods or gas stoves. How much should these extra services cost? Each removal company is different, however you can compare the amounts given to you from several moving companies.

Documentation. Make sure that you read all the fine print before signing any contracts, to prevent any extra charges.

Storage. Storage can be arranged by your removal company, or you can also arrange this separately by contacting the storage company directly.

Then, some money saving moving tips!

Book on time. Your move can be so much cheaper if you book on time. This way, the mover is notified in time and can plan your move better and more efficiently.

Packing Ask your mover early for packing material, moving boxes, stickers and how they handle packing. This because most moving companies will not insure fragile / valuable goods if you pack them yourself. For normal items such as clothing and books, this will not be the case.

Stairs cost extra If there are stairs in your new or old home, keep in mind that you will probably need to pay extra! Some possible solutions in avoiding extra costs are, to rent a lifting crane or elevator, or instruct the mover not to use the stairs and bring all your goods up or down yourself. .

Disassemble yourself! Disassembling your goods yourself will save you a lot of money. Movers can disassemble them for you but this will cost you extra. What items need disassembling? Think about beds, closets, wall units. Disconnect your washers, dryers, stoves, fridge etc., yourself. Movers can charge you extra for it.

Get help from friends. Ask your mover if it is possible that you and your friends/family help during the move.

Possible extra charges & services Movers can charge you additional services for packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or stair/long carries that are needed. You can also be charged for shuttling (needing multiple small trucks instead of 1 for narrow streets). moving a car or pianos, disconnecting washers, dryers, gas stoves dishwashers, any items that need to be disconnected for the move.

They can also charge you advanced charges for services performed by a third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.

Posted by Linda Weppner on December 13, 2008 at 12:00 AM

About Linda Weppner
Linda Weppner is affliated with C21 Bell Real Estate, which is located in Cheyenne, WY. For further assistance please use the contact information located on the right.




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