The first thing most customers do when they need to move is call a large Van Line. This is great for people looking to move a large household, but those with smaller moves quickly find out that large van lines don’t want these jobs. The reason is that van lines operate large trucks that have a high expense per pickup and destination point. The most profitable moves take up an entire truck with one pickup and one stop.
As a result moving companies have anywhere from 1000 to 2000 pound minimums. The customer that has 500 pounds will pay for an extra 500 to 1500 pounds in some cases. So what does a customer with a small move do? Buy more personal possessions to get their money’s worth? Fortunately, there are options for the customer with a small move. Two such options:
- Rent a truck: For those that willing to put some sweat equity into the job there is money to be saved. Be careful of the hidden costs associated including, gas, extra insurance and the time lost that could be spent working at your new job.
- Packing and Shipping Companies: Depending on the size of your move, there are packing and shipping companies capable of packing your shipment in a cost effective manner and shipping it directly to you. The optimum size for these moves is from one piece of furniture up to 2000 pounds.
The moving industry is full of fly by night companies with many different ways of extracting additional money from you. Small moves are no different. Beware of the following:
- Bottom of the barrel pricing up front, with add on’s later. Make sure you spend the time to educate the person doing the estimate on what you have, when you need it there and the services you require.
- The small move industry is full of brokers. It is best to deal with a company located in your area that will be the one to handle your possessions.
- Check the Better Business Bureau before using anyone. This is the quickest way to ensure you are dealing with a reputable company.
- Make sure your shipper has insurance in place to cover your items should something be damaged or lost. Most reputable companies will ask you what the value of your items are. Question the company you talk to about how claims are handled. Do not overestimate value as most companies will require proof of value. Do your best to estimate the actual cash value of your items.
- In most cases, insurance rarely covers items you pack yourself for damage. So if you pack it, over pack! Items of high value or fragility should be packed by a professional.
Good luck with your small move. Remember a customer that takes some time to educate themselves will come out having saved a little money and gained a lot of peace of mind.
Navis Pack & Ship provides small move services to customers in the United States and Canada.
