Everyone knows the importance of effective and clear communication. It is a critical factor in almost every life, business or group. When someone has hired a professional mover to assist them with relocating to a new home, then communication immediately becomes one of the most important issues.
From the very beginning of the professional relationship it
is important to feel that a mover is conveying honest and clear
information to their client. When deciding to hire a mover it
is important for the consumer to be absolutely certain that
the company has all of the appropriate registration and certification
to perform the job. Additionally, they should make a quick investigation
of any prospective movers with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration and the Better Business Bureau to ensure the
company has provided accurate information.
Find and compare moving companies
Once the moving company has been selected and their estimate agreed upon, it is crucial to develop a firm timetable with the company’s agent or representative. This will guarantee a moving day and make the entire process very simple to organize. This timetable must include the dates of inventory, packing, loading, unloading and unpacking if necessary. It should also detail the actual moving day and if any stops will be made to alternate locations such as storage facilities.
It is also important to have the moving company analyze the original location as well as the final destination to ensure that larger vehicles or trucks will be able to easily access the area for the loading and unloading of goods and possessions. If not, the client may face financial penalties for the hiring of shuttle services on the day of the move.
A moving company is legally obligated to provide each contracted client with a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move”. This publication illustrates the requirements of all parties involved in the moving process, and may be helpful in establishing stronger communication with a moving company.
Because the moving company’s estimate is based on their examination of the household goods it is important to alert an agent of any changes to the amount of goods being shipped. For example, if the estimate included a large set of dining room furniture that was instead sold to a neighbor, it is important to make sure the movers know of this change in the weight and size of the job.
It is very important for those using a full service moving company to scrutinize the inventory made by the company. If any problems arise, and items are not included in the inventory, it is a loss to the client and not the moving company. If there are any issues with the inventory it is important to communicate them to the mover, and make sure all corrections have taken place before signing the contract.
It is also important to establish the procedures around packing, loading, receiving and “signing off” on the final delivery of goods in the household. Identify all conflict resolution procedures with the agent long before moving day, and be sure to have their contact information (including cell phone numbers and a phone number for the delivery crew) in case of emergency.
Working with a moving company should make the process of relocating
to a new home a significantly less stressful period, and this
is easily possible through good communication in the weeks leading
up to the move.