Choosing Movers Collierville TN can make your move easier. Look for a company with credentials. Ask for a binding estimate and a breakdown of charges.
A warehouse is also a good sign of stability and commitment to the business. It also helps them offer storage services, which are often needed during a move.
Professional movers have years of experience, and they know how to get the job done efficiently. They can pack your belongings into boxes, load them onto a truck and transport them to your new home in less time than it would take you to do it yourself. They also have a good understanding of the best routes to take, factoring in weather and road conditions, so your items will arrive at their destination safely and on time.
Full-service movers typically offer more services than just packing and moving. They can help you with storage, disassembly and assembly of furniture pieces and even provide cleaning services after the move is complete. They will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of how long your move will take based on their visit to your home, which includes a rough inventory and a discussion about the various tasks involved in the move.
Depending on the size of your household, it may only take a few hours for a team of movers to get everything packed up and ready for transportation. They will make a plan for where each piece of furniture will go in your new house and will work quickly so you can start enjoying your life at your new home.
Look for movers with training that focuses on technique and safety. This is important because lifting heavy objects requires skill and knowledge of how to protect yourself from injury. They should also be familiar with the proper way to wrap and stack items to ensure they don’t become damaged during transit. They should also be able to quickly identify and remedy any issues that might arise during the move, like damage to walls or floors.
Vehicles
The type of vehicle used by movers depends on the size and scope of a move. For smaller moves, such as a dorm room or studio apartment, a panel van may be sufficient to transport all items. These compact vehicles are typically between 12 and 15 feet long with a door connecting the cab to the cargo area. For medium-sized moves, a straight truck may be used. These trucks are larger than panel vans but smaller than semi-trucks and have a single cab with body rather than two separate cabs.
For large-scale moves, a semi-truck or tractor-trailer is the vehicle of choice. These titans are designed for long-distance, large-scale moves and can accommodate massive amounts of freight. They are also equipped with air-ride suspension to keep cargo protected from the bumps of the road.
If a standard truck cannot make a pickup or delivery due to physical constraints (such as a narrow driveway or bridge that cannot support the weight of a moving truck), a smaller, secondary vehicle (shuttle) can be used to transport the load. This is considered auxiliary service and is typically charged at an hourly rate.
In addition to assisting with the loading, unloading and transportation of goods, many movers offer a variety of other services that can make your move less stressful and hectic. This can include cleaning services for your old home or your new one before you move in, professional auto transport, storage solutions and even pet relocation. Be sure to ask about these services before hiring a mover. If they do not provide these additional services, be sure to ask about their pricing structure to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
Equipment
If you’re a mover, you need the right equipment to get the job done. This includes a reliable moving truck or van, and various other tools that make the relocation process quick and easy for your clients. A full-service moving company provides all of the equipment you need for a smooth relocation, including movers, boxes and other supplies.
You’ll also need a range of other equipment to ensure the safety of your clients’ belongings. For example, movers use moving blankets to wrap and protect furniture, appliances and other household items from scratches and other damage during transport. In addition, a tape gun is an essential piece of moving equipment that allows you to secure and label boxes. This helps your clients understand the contents of each box and how to handle them properly during the relocation process.
For large and heavy items, movers may also use air bearings. This type of moving equipment is powered by an air compressor and inflates bearing elements on a platform underneath the item. As the item is moved, the platform lifts it and enables the equipment to ‘float’ across the floor. This is particularly useful for items like machinery or crates that are too heavy to be lifted by hand.
A basic piece of equipment is a furniture dolly. This allows your local labor-only movers to move heavy items like dressers, certain wall units or chest freezers more easily without having to lift and carry them. For a more advanced solution, you can also invest in a four-wheel dolly that is specifically designed for larger loads, or even a specialty appliance dolly that has enough height to brace tall refrigerators.
License
You’ve probably heard the term “licensed, bonded and insured” before when searching for movers, but what does it really mean? The phrase refers to multiple levels of insurance coverage that protect your belongings, your movers and the company in case anything goes wrong during the move. It’s also a way to ensure that the moving company is properly registered and in compliance with federal regulations.
Moving companies are required to have several types of licenses and permits to operate. State and federal licensing ensure that movers are operating legally and have met certain safety standards. The licenses needed vary by location and the type of move. For instance, interstate movers require a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number, which is typically listed on their website and in their fleet vehicles. They may also be required to have a Freight Forwarder permit or Federal Maritime Commission number, depending on the type of move.
It’s also important that your movers have liability insurance. This insurance covers a small percentage of your belongings in the event they are lost or damaged during transit. Scanio holds comprehensive general liability insurance and a separate inland marine policy. In addition, it’s common for reputable movers to hold a business license and be members of a peak organization like the FIDI Global Alliance.
If you’re looking to start your own moving company, it’s essential that you get the right type of licenses and permits. Consider the type of business structure you want, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation. These structures offer tax advantages and limit your personal assets from business risks. They’re easy to set up and allow you to grow your business with confidence.
Insurance
There are a variety of insurance requirements for movers, depending on their location and the type of moves they make. All moving companies should have general liability, which covers third-party property damages and the cost of legal defense. Workers compensation insurance is also a must, and it pays for on-the-job injuries. Some movers may also carry commercial umbrella insurance, which provides additional coverage for large claims.
While most moves go smoothly, accidents do happen – and when they do, it’s important that your movers are insured. The two main types of moving insurance are full value protection and released value protection (RVP). Full value protection is the most comprehensive option, which holds movers responsible for the replacement value of your items if they’re lost or damaged during transit. The price of this policy varies by mover, but it usually ranges from $250-$1,000 per item.
RVP is the most economical option, but it only covers 60 cents per pound of your items. This isn’t enough to cover most items, so it’s best to ask your movers if they have this insurance before hiring them.
While it’s not a requirement for building managers to use certified movers, it’s an excellent way to ensure that your tenants are protected in the event of an accident. Additionally, it helps avoid the hassle of dealing with damage to a tenant’s belongings in-house.