THE HONEST BROKER: SUMMER IS “MOVING SEASON”
BY: DIANE LOTT, BROKER/ PARADISE FOUND REALTY
Historically, Memorial Day to Labor Day is peak moving season with more than 65% of relocations happening during the summer months. Here are 7 tips for a smoother, less stressful move.
- Plan your move in advance, so you have time to evaluate your options, and decide based on overall value (quality low stress move, insurance/valuation to protect your move).
- Confirm that each mover considered carries commercial general liability insurance, automobile liability, cargo liability and workers’ compensation. This can be verified by a certificate of insurance.
- Check if the moving company is licensed by Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services by visiting
www.floridaconsumerhelp.com.
- Get a written estimate from several movers and compare them. The estimate should be based on an actual in-person or virtual inspection of your household goods. Estimates and Contract for Services must include:
• Name, telephone number, physical address, and state registration number of the mover.
• Date the contract or estimate was prepared and proposed date of the actual move.
• Appropriate pickup and delivery address, name, and telephone numbers of the shipper.
• Name, telephone number and physical address where the goods will be held, if necessary.
• Itemized breakdown, description and total of all costs and services provided.
• Acceptable forms of payment available.
- Determine if the company is a moving broker or moving company. A broker arranges for the transport of your household goods for a fee and sells your move to a moving company—which significantly reduces a consumer’s available funds for the actual cost of the relocation services. Often, the consumer is not aware their move is being sold to another company.
- Check your homeowners or rental insurance policies for moving coverage.
- Accidents happen, even with the best movers. Discuss valuation with your mover; know the difference between released value at 60 cents per pound and full value protection.
Be Well!!….
Diane
Diane Lott, Broker
Owner: Paradise Found Realty
Paradise Found Realty, Inc. of Palm City
website: www.ParadiseFoundRealtyFl.com
Email: diane@paradisefoundrealtyfl.com
Phone: 954-294-5060
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