Moving is the #1 MOST STRESSFUL experience when purchasing a new home

Moving is the #1 MOST STRESSFUL experience when purchasing a new home.
You've been searching for a new home for months and have finally found it. Now that you have put the money together to put down on your new home, gotten the pre-approval for your loan and conducted the number of walk throughs needed it is coming close for you to close and sign the paperwork. However, there is one more step you must prepare for and that is moving. We all understand how stressful moving can be. Especially during unexpected cicumstances. There are so many questions, it almost feels like there is not enough time in the day to figure out what to do first. Here are some tips:
1) Decide what kind of service you want. For example:
a) Are you going to do the packing of your boxes? Or are you going to have the moving company do it for you?
b) Do you want to pack some of the boxes and let the moving company pack the rest?
c) Are you going to move all your boxes and leave only the furnitre for the moving company?
What ever you decide keep in mind that good moving companies will be able to provide you with multiple options. They should be able to meet your needs at any given point in time. Here at All My Sons Houston we strive to be flexible with all our customers. If you fail to get something done do not stress about it. We will help you out no matter what.
2) Get an estimate.
Now that you think you have got the kind of service figured out make sure you get an estimate. You want to have your costs in writing. I always recommend that you get at least three estimates, this allows you to see the fluctuation in prices and the professionalism of the company. Typically you will have a company that is the most expensive, a company that is in the middle and a company that is the cheapest. Remember moving is a service industry and you really do get what you pay for. Sometimes the cheapest is not the best and sometimes the most expensive is not the best. Ultimately, first impressions are the best way to go, and like I always say go with your gut.
3) Schedule your move as soon as possible.
Waiting until the last minute is an additional stress you do not need. Try to book your move immediately once you have decided on a mover. I recommend that you schedule your move at least 2 weeks in advance. Of course, I know that this is not always possible. That's why at All My Sons you can always count on us. Just give us a call and we will fit you in no matter what.
4) Decide on what kind of Liability Coverage you want.
a) Basic Valuation Coverage. (Typically covered at $0.60 per pound per article.)
b) Full Valuation Coverage. (Full repair or replacement of goods. This will cost you more.)
Here in Texas all movers are regulated by the Texas Department of Transportation and must provide you some type of coverage. Do not ever let a mover tell you that they are not responsible for damages. A mover is ALWAYS responsible for any type of damage that occurs while you are using their services. The real question is, How much are they responsible for?
If you decide to go with the Basic Valuation Coverage keep in mind that this is the most economical plan as far as cost goes. This is because it is FREE. However, because it is free it has major limitations. This free coverage is only designed to help cover the cost of repairs not to replace items. For example, if you have a dresser that weighs 100 lbs. and a leg gets broken a movers maximum liablity will be 100 lbs. x $0.60 which would result in a check to you in the amount of $60.00. The repair may cost you $125.00 but $60.00 is all you get, the balance of the cost you must absord. I know it does not sound like much but keep in mind that you did not pay for any coverage.
If you decided to go with the Full Valuation Protection than your same dresser will get repaired by the moving company. If it is not repairable than it will be replaced. There is a catch to this. Per Texas Rules and Regulations a mover must only replace an item with another item of the same like, kind and or quality. In other words, If you purchased a 50" Sony Plasma HD TV for $3000.00 the company is not responsible for $3000.00. Instead if the mover can price out a 50" Magnavox with all the same gidgets and gadgets as the Sony for $900.00 that will be all they are responsible for.
5) Sit back, relax and enjoy the show.
I know this sounds funny but it is true. Most people make the moving experience stressfull by trying to do the work themselves. In otherwords, they are running around trying to tell the movers what to do and how to do it. This also is because the customer does not feel comfortable with the movers. Try not to put yourself in this position. If you have chosen a good company you should be able to do a walk through when the men arrive and than relax and let them do their job. Good moving companies will not need your help until they arrive at the delivery address. Once you get there all you should have to do is show the men where you want specific items and let them do the rest. I constantly work with my men to teach them new tricks to get things done, I also work with them on how to make the customer feel relaxed and relieved so that they can get straight to work. Ultimately, our goal is to turn a stressful situation into a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Even when it has been a long day we still try to make it as fun as possible.