Authority - After you have identified carriers who have the authority to handle your move, you will want to ask them for estimates to get an idea of the cost for your move. The cost of a local move between houses or storage in the same area is most heavily based on time. Longer moves are based more heavily on distance and the weight of your belongings. In additional to the linehaul or truck part of your move are the amount of packing and other services that you require.
Payment - It is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified check, or by money order on delivery. Most movers do not accept credit cards or personal checks. Estimates limit how much you will have to pay then. Estimates only permit the mover to require you to pay 110% of the original estimate amount at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges, over this 110% amount, within 15 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. All estimates cover only the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover adds an addendum to the original estimate for those additional goods or services. Movers can also charge for all services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services are not requested by the shipper. For example, additional charges will apply if extra stairs or elevators must be negotiated at your new residence, or if you are not prepared to accept delivery and the shipment is placed in storage, or if a smaller (shuttle) truck must be used to accomplish delivery because your new home is on a street that is not wide enough for the linehaul vehicle. The 110% then pertains to the new applicable total charges.
Get a Complete Estimate - Show the estimators everything that is going to need to be moved. try not to forget sheds, garages, attics, basements, under beds, in closets, or any storage areas. You want them to see every single item to be moved. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost. Remember also that the Oregon Draymen Movers use the appropriate packing materials such as dishpacks, mirror cartons and mattress covers to quickly protect your possessions in transit. Movers are very good at what they do. Seeing everything allows them to have all their packing materials on hand and your move optimally planned. It also allows them to know how much vehicle space is required for your move.
Servicing Needs - Also make sure the movers see each appliance and electronic device to be moved. Discuss which appliances will need servicing. Let your estimator know if you have the original packing materials for your home electronics such as computers and VCR's. Let them know if you will want your mover to secure disk drives, CD players and other devices for transit.
Save Your Money - Your thoroughness in showing the estimators everything to be moved makes the movers faster and more efficient which saves you money.