simple moving guide
 

 

How to Make Your Residents’ Moves a Success
By Ram Katalan 

Moving residents in an out of a condominium is a constant challenge for a community manager. Communicating some basic tips regarding selection of a moving company to your residents can help to ensure that their move is stress-free. Below is a simple guide for your residents to use.

  
 

Perform a Background Check

The most important call to make is to the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to check the moving company’s rating. Companies are rated on a scale of A (Best) to F (Worst), based on the number of complaints the BBB receives. 

Ask the Moving Company Questions

  • How long have they been in business? Usually five years or more is a good measure.
    Who is the actual agent that will be conducting your move at loading and unloading?
  • What insurance do they offer? By law, moving companies are obligated to provide a minimum insurance of $0.60/lb per item. Find out if you are covered with your homeowners or renters policy for the difference between that amount and replacement cost, and if not, consider looking into supplemental insurance.
  • Can you get a better rate if you move on a Thursday as opposed to a Saturday? Rates can vary based on season and day of the week.
  • Will the moving crew wrap and protect your furniture? How?
  • How many movers will they use for the job?
  • Can they provide you with Letters of Recommendation? 
we are moving
  


Let Them Ask Questions

  • If the estimator has only listened and not asked a single question, yet is ready to give you an estimate, turn and run.
  • Are they asking about items that may need special handling?
  • Have they asked about the number of rooms?
  • Do they know the restrictions of the building?

 

  
 

Additional Considerations

  • Make sure that you tell the moving company about EVERYTHING that will be moved. Any special handling and packaging should also be discussed in full prior to moving day.
  • Make sure your mover provides a certificate of insurance to the community manager.
  • Clear hours and days of the move with your building’s manager to avoid any scheduling conflicts. Apprise the moving company of the building’s rules and regulations regarding elevators, moves, scheduling, parking, hours, etc.

It is essential to take the time to investigate a moving company’s reputation and capability and establish good two-way communication in order to have a successful move.

Ram Katalan is the founder and president of NorthStar Moving Corporation, which specializes in providing moving and storage services. 

  
 

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From the March-April 2008 issue of 'Focus' Magazine
For more infomation visit www.NorthStarMoving.com