My New Outside Blog: Texas: Odessa

In case you don't already have enough on your mind when planning a move, here are a few more thoughts to consider when planning your moving date and choosing a moving company.

First of all, remember that loading up the truck usually is NOT the last thing you have to do in your old home. Often you need to get your charitable donations picked up, junk removed or, at the very least, a cleaning crew into the home so it is left in "broom clean" condition. So be sure to leave a little time between the moving van pulling out and the new homeowner coming in for their final walk-through or passing papers.

Most moving companies offer packing or unpacking services. If this of interest to you, be sure to ask about the time and costs required. Sometimes there are local companies which specialize in selling packing materials or even packing but not moving. Often they are a more affordable option than the movers.

Interstate moves and local moves are very different. Local movers usually charge by the hour. Interstate moves are more regulated and cost is determined by weight rather than by hour. Some local companies will not do out-of-state moves or they will contract the work out. The local companies I work with will still use their own crew if the move is within 400 miles but that distance will vary from company to company. Remember: if you're traveling cross-country, you will most likely not have the same moving crew on the other end of the trip. Local companies will contract this work out and you have NO control over who will be unpacking you on the other end. To ensure the same standard of service on both ends of the move, you may want to consider hiring a national moving company so you know the moving crew on both ends of the trip will have had similar training.

Prices also vary depending on when you move. A move on the first day or last day of the month will sometimes cost more than dates in the middle of the month. Many moving companies have "seasonal" rates. Their busiest time of year usually corresponds with the beginning or end of the school year. Weekdays also are often cheaper than weekends. If you have some flexibility with your moving date, ask your mover if one date would be cheaper than another.

Moving companies should be willing to provide you a complimentary in-home estimate. If they're not, look elsewhere. Get estimates from multiple moving companies. If you like one company more than the other but not their rates, ask them if they are willing to work with you. Ask for references. Make sure they are bonded and insured. You may also want to ask if their employees have passed CORI checks.

All moving companies are not alike. If you do your due diligence though you should be very satisfied with the service your receive.

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Lori Salzman is the owner of Room To Improve, one of Boston's few full-service home transitional companies.

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