When planning to move, convenience is a big factor in the decisions you make. You’ll pick up the phone to order pizza while you pack your personal belongings, make travel reservations through online booking websites, and thanks to real estate agencies, you may even have made an offer or signed a rental agreement without personally having to one foot in your new home.

However, when looking for a moving company, it would be wise to go “old school” and insist on on-the-spot estimates. Otherwise, short-term convenience can lead to long-term problems.

The following are the three most compelling reasons why you want your prospective mover to visit your home before making a quote for their services.

1. You just can’t get an accurate quote over the phone

You wouldn’t trust a surgeon to diagnose you without a full exam, would you? While relocation is not brain surgery, if the mover doesn’t know the details of the job, they can’t correctly determine how much it will cost to prepare your valuables for shipment.

And, like a botched surgical job, you’ll end up with, at the very least, a severe headache. In the worst case, you will end up with extra charges when your mover arrives at your destination and you will have no choice but to pay them if you want to get your valuables back.

Moving experts know to take note of potential parking issues and trouble spots like steep stairs. When you’re present during an appraiser’s visit, you can point out items that require special care, and appraisers can take critical action as needed.

2. “Lure and switch” is too common

The relocation industry is competitive and many companies are eager to offer you unrealistic prices or “special offers” in the hope that you will book their services without reading the fine print. Oftentimes, you’re not even dealing with the very company that will show up at your door. Many companies outsource jobs to outside moving teams that aren’t as concerned about their brand.

When compiling quotes for moving companies, be sure to ask if the estimator who comes to your home is employed by the same company as the team that will handle your move. Also, ask who is responsible for fees beyond the quote and if there are any “standard variances” for which the contract requires the customer to pay additional fees. The last thing you want is for your belongings to be held for ransom as movers demand additional payment.

3. Contract negotiation is best done in person

When you make an appointment for your estimate, ask for a copy of the contract so you can review the fine print before the representative arrives. It is always better to ask questions related to the contract when the other party is in front of you.

If your moving appraiser can’t clearly explain any part of the contract, ask him or her to call a supervisor for an explanation while you’re there. Reputable, professional moving appraisers understand the need to clarify estimates and won’t resist when you ask tough questions.

Make sure you are clear on what might cause the mover to cancel or refuse to complete the service. Movers contracted over the phone have been known to refuse to honor their end of the agreement if the roads are too narrow, it rains too much, or the sidewalks are challenging.

Make sure that when you are given an estimate that you are not signing anything you have not read, and insist that all special instructions be carefully included and signed by both you and your appraiser.

Bonus Tips
• Whenever you interview potential movers, insist that they provide proof of liability insurance, a US Department of Transportation number, and your state Department of Transportation license. Check the USDOT number with protectyourmove.gov to make sure the company is up-to-date on all insurance and certifications and is not a spur-of-the-moment operation.
• Take plenty of notes, including the time and date, every time you deal with your mover, including during your representative’s on-site visit or any job-related phone calls.
• Photograph all furniture your mover will pack and ship, making notes of any existing damage.
• Provide your mover with a basic map of your street and any hourly or permanent parking restrictions. Ask the representative to note where they might want to put up cones to reserve a space for the moving truck and to note any areas that might cause access or parking problems. Have the adjuster sign a copy for you and keep a copy for your records.
• Make copies of your notes and agreement, and make sure they are on hand when the mover is scheduled to arrive at your destination.
The Summary (pun intended)

Long-term relocation companies rely on good references to stay in business. The best movers know that surprise charges mean dissatisfied customers, and poorly prepared moving crews can mean broken furniture and lost belongings. Get referrals from friends, do some homework, and feel more confident that your stuff will make it to the other end without any hassles or headaches.