MovingTo The Carolinas…5 Mistakes You Shouldn't Make

Moving isn't easy, but it's a critical aspect of relocating or retiring to the Carolinas.

So I consulted with the experts at VanLines.comto get their advice.

Here are the 5 mistakes you should avoid:

1. Getting a quote over the phone: You can't get an accurate estimate over the phone. People often forget things to include in the estimate, which means your estimate won't be accurate. And the moving company really can't get a good idea of what needs to be moved.

Make them come for an in-home estimate. If they don't, look for other movers. (The only exception might be a small, local move.)

2. Not getting moving quotes from several moving companies:  The only way to see what's fair in a moving quote is to talk to several movers about estimates, and only after they've seen your stuff in person.

3. Not asking about charges not in your base rate: Some movers might have cheap base rates, but add on a bunch of additional costs like packing materials. Ask about extra charges, and remember that the materials the movers provide you can be quite expensive.

Make sure that extra charges are spelled out in your written estimate.

4. Choosing a mover that lowballs: After talking to several movers, you'll have a better idea of the going rate. So if you get an estimate that's way lower than the others, beware – it's probably just a tactic to win your business and jack up the costs later.

5. Selecting an unlicensed moving company: Moving companies must be licensed.

If you're moving between states, the federal government has jurisdiction.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the Department of Transportation. Go to protectyourmove.gov to see if your moving company is licensed, and see how many complaints it has.

If you're making a move in-state, your state government regulates your movers. If you're looking for South Carolina moving companies, check to ensure they're licensed with the State of South Carolina Secretary of State. If you're looking for North Carolina movers, this is a list of movers that can operate in North Carolina.

For more great information about how to make your move sanely and safely, go to Van Lines.com who we thank for giving us these great insights!

About the Author

Bob  Bencivenga is a professional site locator and location anyalyst for major corporations and been researching the growth of NC and SC to find those areas which are affordable. Visit his blog-The Carolina Report and signup free to  get blog updates by email, along with free advice on how to relocate or retire in the Carolinas, additional resources, and a lot more!  Go now to www.placesofvalue.com.  Bob does not sell real estate.

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