How to Find the Best Value for Your Local Cleveland Move

Planning a local move in the Cleveland area? You’ve come to the right place! Read on to get the skinny on finding the right moving plan---at the right price---for your move. No Two Moves Are the Same Your moving needs are unique. Nobody else is moving……

• the amount and type of stuff you’re moving
• in the same timeframe
• with your exact budget

That means you need the flexibility to create the kind of moving plan that works for you. Don’t worry, though, because there are lots of options when it comes to arranging a local move. You can create your own blend of do-it-yourself and let-someone-else-do-it that’s right for you. Ways to Save Money on Your Move Time is money when it comes to moving. Most moving companies charge by the hour. Anything you can do ahead of time to prevent delays and save time is going to save you some cash. Here are a few ways to do just that:

• Downsize and declutter before your move. The less you have to move, the less time it will take to move it all. You’ll need fewer boxes, less packing paper and less tape. You can even sell some of your old stuff to offset your moving costs.
• If you are moving to a managed property, check in with the management ahead of time to find out where the moving van can park. This can save time driving around looking for a spot. The closer you can get to the doorway, the faster your move will go. Your local movers probably know the property, but it’s always good to check.
• Call ahead to see if you can reserve the elevator. This could save you a lot of time, especially if there are other moves in the building that day. Plus, it’s a nice way to show consideration for your new neighbors.
• Disassemble large pieces of furniture, if possible. Some items have to be moved as is, but some furniture can be broken down so every piece is flat. If you know your way around a couple of hand tools, you can shave a lot of time off the clock. (Pro tip: Don’t forget to label and secure furniture hardware so you can put it all back together again.)

Comparing Moving Companies Whenever you hire a service contractor, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from at least two or three companies. When it comes to moving companies, be sure that to look beyond price at the value you’ll be getting. Yes, you want a decent price, but be skeptical of any price quotes that appear too good to be true. Find a company with a good reputation that’s going to make your move easier and not more of a hassle. When you’re researching moving companies, look for:

• AMSA membership: belonging to the industry’s trade organization can ensure you’re not looking at a fly-by-night operation
• Pro-Mover certification: The crème-de-crème of moving companies submit to annual reviews. If your mover has Pro-Mover certification, you know they’re licensed and insured.
• Full valuation vs. Released Value Protection: Moving companies don’t offer insurance for damage. They use something called valuation. Read the fine print on this!

Companies can offer as little as .60 cents per pound for replacement valuation (released value protection). That doesn’t add up to a lot if anything is damaged or lost. If you’ve furnished your home with thrift-store finds, no worries. This option can save you some money. Have some nicer furnishings? Look for full valuation, which pays current market value (with the exception of high-end items.) Sometimes companies quote for released value protection without explaining what it means. Then, on moving day, they’ll do the old bait-and-switch, and their price can end up being hundreds more than a company that gave you an honest quote.

• Brick-and-mortar firms with full-time, trained employees. Most healthy individuals can lug boxes, but not everyone knows how to handle your items with care. Know who does? Professional movers! Ask what kinds of training and background checks their employees receive. You want your stuff in good hands.
• In Ohio, ask your potential movers for their Public Utilities Commission number (PUCO number). You can go to the PUCO website and check that the company is active and registered with the state.

Not sure how much of the move you want to shoulder yourself and how much you want to outsource to a mover? Take a look at the options below. The Full-Service Option Not a do-it-yourself kind of person? You can have a moving company do the heavy-lifting (literally) for you. Call the moving company to schedule a survey and get a quote. Even better, schedule a virtual survey, and you can “walk” your potential movers through your house using your smart phone. (Most people get two or three quotes before choosing a company.) You can hire a moving company to:

• Pack your boxes (including gathering the boxes, tape, etc.)
• Reserve the truck
• Load and unload your truck
• Manage all aspects of your move, including making sure your utilities are shut off properly

The Blended Move Option You don’t have to choose an all-or-thing approach when it comes to moving. You can pick and choose where you want professional movers’ help. This is good option that balances the dueling needs of saving time and saving money. When you move locally, chances are you have a few people you can call on to help with some of your moving tasks. You could have friends and family help with boxing everything up and have movers load and load the truck. Moving Buddy offers a blended moving option for smaller moves in the Northeast Ohio area. You can get a quote, schedule your move, and pay entirely online. The Do-It-Yourself Move Gather ‘round, brave souls. This is no doubt the hardest option, but it’s doable, especially if you have a smaller home or apartment to move. A few things to remember to keep your move manageable and keep your stuff (and your body) from getting damaged.

• You might be able to do without professional movers, but you can’t do it alone. Ask friends and family well ahead of time for help.
• Stock up on moving supplies-boxes, tape, packing paper, markers.
• Learn proper body mechanics for lifting and carrying to avoid injury.
• Check out some how-to videos for proper packing and moving techniques

To maintain your sanity in the middle of moving, you’ll have to kick your organizational skills into the next gear. There’s a lot to juggle, and a lot has to happen in a short amount of time. Check out this moving checklist to keep yourself on track. On the face of it the DIY move is the cheapest, but be mindful of hidden costs. Remember to budget for

• a rental truck, plus truck insurance
• boxes, including specialized boxes for wardrobes or dishes
• other moving supplies such as a dolly, or furniture blankets
• providing foods and drinks to your friends who help you move

Nothing will cost you more money than getting injured from moving heavy items, so know your limits and use caution. You don’t want medical bills or days of work missed to add to your moving costs. Need help planning your local move? Contact us to set up a moving plan that right for you!