Car Moving - Auto Transport

The very idea sounds ridiculous, isn’t moving a car the easy part of moving? After all, don’t you have to drive to your destination? However, if you are driving a rental truck during the move or need multiple drivers for one car you need someone to move the over.

Car moving, sometimes called auto transport, is the process of hiring an individual or company to drive your car to your eventual destination. A few things to remember when you are preparing to rent a car moving, or auto transport, service:

· Find out when your car will be delivered. Make sure the auto transport is scheduled to be completed no later than when you arrive. You don’t want to be without a vehicle.

· What types of vehicles do the transport service accept?

· What types of delivery do the auto transporters offer?

· How is the car moved? Is it covered on a trailer or simply driven to it’s location?

Just as if you are purchasing a car or house, make sure you get everything related to the auto transport in writing. Do not rely on verbal promises in the process of moving your car! This is too big of a risk to you and the company.

Follow some of the same guidelines you followed when selecting a moving company. Select an auto transport company that has a good record with consumer affairs and the better business bureau.

Make sure you do a thorough inspection of your car prior to the auto transport before and after the move with the company. The delivery of your car after auto transport is much like the delivery of your car when you originally purchased it. If you don’t contest problems before you drive it off the lot you lose.

Some truck rental companies may offer you a trailer to transport the car yourself, but you may want to consider leaving it to the professionals. Driving a trailer with a car on it can be as aggravating a task as driving a moving truck. You are not used to it and you may find out that you aren’t insured either.

Moving possessions and family can be one of the most stressful times of a person’s life. Finding a school for your children that suits their needs is important. Locating a home where you’re moving to comfortably fit your family is vital. However, the most overlooked and integral part of the moving process is picking a reputable, reliable moving company.

The first step to differentiating moving companies is to get written estimates from each you are considering. If you are deciding between a few moving companies and don’t know where to begin ask yourself a few questions.

When I called this company did they give me an estimate without ever seeing my belongings? Would a mechanic tell you how to fix your car without looking under the hood? No, and moving companies need to see what you need to move before deciding how much to charge.

Research the moving companies you are considering to see if they are licensed and insured by your local authority. If you are moving out-of-state you can check federal websites to check the status of moving companies. If you are moving within your state you can check with your local consumer affairs office.

Know what you are looking for when you are deciding between multiple moving companies. Are you searching for someone who specializes in moving valuables? Are you trying to find someone who can meet you immediately upon your arrival? Are you simply looking for the cheapest price among all moving companies you analyze? Whatever it is, make sure you hold all movers to the same standard and choose who suits you the best.

Take this responsibility seriously and double-check your moving company’s reputation and history. Moving companies are required to tell you certain information and give you certain pamphlets when they arrive. Check reputations through the Better Business Bureau and ask questions! Don’t stress yourself about the move, study your local moving companies and choose wisely.

The most important part of interstate moving is investigating the company you’ve hired to move you.  Believe it or not, moving fraud is a growing concern in the world of interstate moving.  How does moving fraud occur, here are the steps:

·         The moving company gives you an estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home or possessions.

·         They give you a quote that seems “too good to be true.”

·         The movers pack your items and agree where to meet you.

·         Before arriving at your new home the movers contact you and demand more money before delivering your items, effectively holding your possessions hostage.

Some other things to consider when making your interstate move and investigating your movers are very similar to any other business.  Does your interstate moving company demand cash or payment BEFORE the move?  Did you receive a government regulated pamphlet regarding your rights in respect to interstate moving before the move?

If the company you’ve hired for your interstate move answers the phone generically (i.e. “Movers”) or don’t list an address you should double check them with the Better Business Bureau.  Other things to look for prior to interstate moving is if your moving company claims all goods are covered by their insurance or they show up on moving day in a generic rental truck rather than a truck with a company name.

Like any other major purchase or life-altering event you should ask certain questions of your moving company.  Ask for references from past interstate moves and make sure you are going by a certain criteria when screening potential movers.

Interstate moving can be a scary event, but with the right investigation and homework you can eliminate your stress.  Just remember to try to get face-to-face a few times before the move.  Someone is less likely to steal or threaten you if they feel you know them.  Good luck and happy interstate moving!

Life can take many unexpected and completely unwanted turns.  One of the most life-altering events can be moving internationally.  It is a big enough step to move out of state or just down the street, but going somewhere that is completely foreign to you in every way is a daunting task.

Making an international move is beyond the normal moving concerns of packing and driving.  What does the culture have in store for you?  What are the hard and fast laws of this new country?  Here’s a few things for you to consider before you move internationally.

·         Contact movers immediately upon your notification of an international move.  Movers need time to prepare just like you do.

·         Meet with the movers personally, don’t leave anything to chance.  Moving internationally is a big enough stress, don’t compound the problem with miscommunication.

·         Don’t focus on the lowest price, see what different movers offer. 

·         Obtain all visas or other identification you will need for your international move. 

·         Talk to friends or family who have made a similar move or attend a class on the process.

Another idea to consider is contacting local consumer affairs offices to see what they can tell you about your international moving experience.  The same laws that apply in the United States may not apply in another country, but there may be international moving laws you are unaware of.

The most important thing to remember about moving internationally is that you need to research the best way possible to take personal items with you, not the mover.  If you have kids it is important to take personal belongings to make the international move easier. 

Have you ever got to the end of the driveway on moving day only to stop and say, “It feels like we forgot something.”  Problem solved!  Follow this moving checklist and you will have no worries when that day comes to back out of the driveway.

This moving checklist is divided into the three stages of moving: before you move, during the move, and after the move.

Moving Checklist: Before the Move

·         Check out the Government’s free “Ready to Move” checklist to review your rights and responsibilities as a mover.

·         Estimate moving costs from no less than three movers, including checking their policy on lost or damaged items.

·         Check with the Better Business Bureau and your local consumer affairs office to check the company’s history.

·         Review the process with your mover from beginning to end with contact numbers at every stop.

 Moving Checklist: During the Move

·         Be their when the movers arrive at your housing you are moving from and moving to in order to answer any questions or concerns.

·         Go over with the movers your estimate and other billing questions before and after the move.

·         Give the mover your contact numbers and make sure addresses and directions are correct.

·         Take one last, thorough visit through the house to ensure you’ve moved everything!

 Moving Checklist: After the Move

·         Settle with the movers according to your previous agreement.

·         Supervise and assist the movers in making sure everything is unloaded where it is supposed to be.

·         Make a brief inspection of your goods to assess any damage before the movers depart.

 It is recommended that you make your own moving checklist for personal items you are concerned about, a moving checklist for work-related items, and a moving checklist for household items you’ll need upon arrival at your new home.