Category Archives: Moving Estimate

Costly Mistakes Made When Hiring Movers

Planning a big move in the near future? Great! Moving can be a fantastic experience, full of new adventures, fresh starts, and clean slates. But there can also be an unfortunate downside. Sometimes moves don’t go as planned, and there’s no shortage of people with stories about how they got burned by movers in the past. When this happens, it tends to color opinions and create a negative bias toward moving companies in general.

The experts at BB&D don’t want your moving story to be an unhappy one. To help keep your move on track and your experience positive, here are some tips on how to avoid common mistakes consumers make when choosing a moving company:

  • Know that not all movers are equal. This doesn’t mean that you’ve got to sift through a lot of bad to find the good. Rather, it means that not all movers will be a good fit for your particular needs and concerns. Often, to save time and hassle, consumers just go with the first available option. But this can be a misstep. Just like buying a car or getting an insurance quote or seeking a second (or third) opinion on a health ailment, it’s worth the investment to shop around a bit—to pick a moving company that aligns with your budget, schedule, content volume, business values, and work ethic.
  • Be sure all fees are crystal clear up front. Don’t get blindsided by hidden fees that don’t hit you until during or after the move. Talk about and settle on all aspects pertaining to cost before signing on the dotted line. You should feel free to ask all the questions you want to feel comfortable and confident in knowing what your total payment will be before it’s time to pay.
  • Confirm that the moving company is insured. All proper moving businesses are insured, so do a little research and ask for proof of insurance while you’re shopping around. Insurance alone can make all the difference between hiring a solid, dependable company instead of a bunch of swindlers.
  • Avoid a last-second move. We get that people can’t always control the flow of their life—new job offers can arise quickly, you can be called on to relocate near family members at a moment’s notice, and your college-bound child could be moved off the “wait list” and into the “accepted” pile at any point. Still, picking a mover out of a hat at the eleventh hour is never advised. It can lead to unclear details, unnecessary costs, and unanticipated obstacles—none of which will ultimately get you where you need to be any quicker.
  • Discuss the entire process. As with any negotiation, you’ll want to discuss all steps of your move before it actually begins—from the exact date of pickup to what items to pack yourself to how to contact your movers en route. Understanding all the details before moving day is the best step you can take to create a moving day that ends well!

The professionals at BB&D are always clear, concise, honest, and punctual. Keep these tips in mind to be well on your way to a clean, stress-free move.

Contact us today to learn more:
BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD)  |  571-375-2826 (VA)  |  786-390-4040 (FL)  |  bbdmoving.com/

 

Insured Movers: Why It’s Important to Hire an Insured Moving Company

There’s moving insurance and there’s movers who are insured—they’re two different things, and when you’re choosing a company to trust with all your worldly possessions, you should understand the importance of hiring a moving company that you know carries adequate and appropriate insurance for themselves, apart from the separate insurance consumers can buy to protect their goods in transit.

In other words, it’s about the legitimacy of the company, not the value of your goods. So what does it mean when a moving company is insured—what’s the value of using that company over one that might have more open dates on the calendar or quote a lower price?

  • Insured companies are real companies. First and foremost, you want a legit, by-the-books company that operates efficiently and transparently. A moving company that can confirm their certificate of insurance for you is the “real deal,” as opposed to an outfit that, at best, does not have the experience and expertise to conduct your move smoothly and skillfully or, at worst, is trying to play you or running a scam.
  • Insured movers protect your assets. Movers with proper insurance coverage are safer—it’s as simple as that. A company that protects its own interests with, for example, auto liability, cargo coverage, and workers compensation, automatically protects your interests in kind. When there’s less risk to the company, this clearly translates to less risk to you.
  • Insurance equates to professionalism and dependability. A company that has the foresight and know-how to secure business insurance shows that they mean business. Generally speaking, it’s a safe bet to assume that a moving company that is competent and conscientious enough to attend to the process of becoming licensed and insured will also be better at planning, coordinating, and organizing for their clients to deliver the best service possible.

At BB&D, we’re proud to make it clear that we are insured. Our branding doesn’t incorporate this feature to give a false sense of professionalism; rather, we want to cement the fact that we are as professional and reliable as they come so that we can bring you the very best in friendly, clear, and exceptional service that surpasses expectations.

Contact us today to learn more about our company policies or for a free estimate:
BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD)  |  571-375-2826 (VA)  |  786-390-4040  bbdmoving.com/

Why to Choose Local Movers Over Brokers

When it’s time to choose a moving service, there’s certainly no shortage of options out there! If you start your search on the internet, you’ll have hundreds, even thousands, of listings literally at your fingertips in seconds flat. Between the huge nationwide chains, moving brokers, and local companies, how do you even start differentiating among them and narrowing down your choices? It’s precisely because the process can get so time-consuming and overwhelming that many people just take the easy route and let a broker handle the entire transaction for them.

Well, we’re here to tell you that the easiest way isn’t always the best way. Consumers can and have encountered BIG problems when enlisting the services of a broker, so you’ll want to weigh your options carefully based on some important considerations.

What’s a Broker?

A broker is a company that arranges for the transport of your goods rather than transporting them itself. Basically, the broker plays the middleman between you and the company that will eventually serve as your carrier.

Brokers are not movers, brokers are not authorized to transport, brokers do not own trucks, and brokers do not employ professional moving people. Instead, brokers will make an estimate on your move from the information you provide when you contact them, then they act as “matchmaker” to try to find you the best deal among their network of for-hire carriers. And sometimes they do find you the right deal—the date you want in the timeframe you want at the price you want. But that’s not always the case …

Disadvantages of Brokers

  • Most moving brokers operate from call centers located virtually anywhere, so you don’t interact with them face-to-face and they’re never directly involved with your home, your belongings, or the actual move itself.
  • Brokers are more of a sales team than an actual service provider, meaning they “sell” your move to bidders. In turn, they are not responsible for any follow-through after the connection has been made.
  • As such, brokers take no accountability for your cargo and assume no liability for the actions of the moving company they commission.
  • For interstate moves, brokers are required to use only movers that are registered with the FMCSA. In a perfect world, this would always occur … but it’s not a perfect world, as we all know, and there have been documented instances of unlicensed movers being commissioned for jobs.
  • When it comes to estimates, brokers don’t always hit the nail on the head. This can lead to carriers refusing to take the job when the actual calculations don’t match the approximation. Worst-case scenario, you could end up with no mover on moving day; best-case scenario, you can end up paying significantly more than you planned.
  • Similarly, consumers can sometimes be surprised by hidden fees incorporated in the broker process. “Extras” can start showing up above and beyond the straight carrier fee.
  • Sometimes a broker will have difficulty placing a job for various reasons, like a too-low estimate the carriers won’t consider, no availability for the requested moving schedule, or limited resources to properly complete the job. Bottom line: you don’t want to get stuck without a mover on moving day because of a broker issue with supply and demand.

Advantages of Local Movers

Given all the things that can go wrong when you use a go-between, why not go directly to the source to ensure the proper resources for your move? With a local mover, you get:

  • Personalized customer service: A local mover comes to your home, meets you in person, and takes a physical inventory of your goods to provide a firm quote and go over all the requisite paperwork.
  • Elimination of a middleman: You work directly with your own company representative so that all expectations, fees, regulations, and job parameters are addressed and negotiated one-on-one.
  • Honesty and transparency: Everything is laid out in black-and-white in writing—what you see is what you get.
  • Accountability: The local mover’s name and reputation are on the line with each and every customer they serve. They work harder for you because, to be frank, they have more to lose than a massive corporate chain or a regional franchise of that chain.
  • Streamlined personnel and continuity of service: Smaller companies have smaller staffs—that means you’ll be dealing with the same representative from start to finish; and just in case something goes wrong, you won’t be dialing a generic 800 number and you won’t be left on your own to resolve any issues.
  • Established history of trust: When you hire in your own community, the feedback and reviews on the company that you can research are from your own neighbors.
  • And don’t forget the satisfaction and goodwill of supporting local business in your area!

BB&D Moving Services is a local business specifically for consumers in Maryland, Virginia, and Florida. Rest assured that we take care of our community members because we are a community member. When you want things to go right, GO LOCAL! Contact us today to speak directly to a BB&D team member about your upcoming move.

BB&D Moving Services
301-573-5447 (MD)  |  571-375-2826 (VA)  |  786-409-4799 (FL)  |  
bbdmoving.com/

 

How Movers Calculate Estimates – What Your Move Will Cost

If you are getting ready for a move, keep in mind that no two moves are the same and rarely are two moving estimates the same. Doing your own research and comparing estimates from different moving companies’ works best, rather than comparing your estimate with your neighbor’s estimate. There are always several factors, including each of your individual circumstances, that movers take into consideration before they calculate your estimate.

HERE ARE FOUR FACTORS WHEN ESTIMATING THE COST FOR A MOVE:

Time
How long will the move take and how much manpower is needed are usually the two main factors movers use to estimate the cost for a move. Movers may charge by the hour or by the day, depending on how much manpower may be needed to complete the job in the allotted timeframe.

Distance                            
How far will you be moving from your current residence? Movers usually charge either by the mile or a flat rate depending on the distance of the move. Flat rate moves are usually within the area or between major cities. When movers charge by the mile it is usually for long distance moves, such as moving from state to state.

 Weight 
Movers rely on their experience and the on-site visit to eye your possessions to evaluate and estimate the overall volume and weight of your things. It is always a good idea to obtain a binding estimate from your professional movers so that the amount doesn’t change once the truck is loaded with your possessions.

 Access 
Access to your home may be another factor if a full-size moving truck cannot access your residence. Limited access factors may cause movers to charge an additional fee if a shuttle is needed to move your possessions from your home to the moving truck, or if there are narrow streets, or no parking – which limits access.

 Any other circumstances pertaining to your individual situation such as storage of belongings, special handling instructions for precious items, and moving during peak season or holidays, will all determine the amount of your estimate. Contact us anytime for a comprehensive estimate you can trust.

Peak Moving Season – When to book your Move for Summer

Spring has arrived and summer is right around the corner. While peak season for commercial moves are during the winter months, residential moves peak during the spring, summer and fall months. Most people try to schedule their residential move during spring and summer months for a number of reasons.

These reasons include warmer weather, kids being out of school, and vacations being scheduled during these months. If you and your family fall into this category and are planning a move this summer, you will need to research moving companies and book your professional movers now.

SOME HELPFUL MOVING TIPS:

  • Investigate Moving Companies & Get Estimates
    Investigate and research at least 3 different moving companies to compare estimates and check availability. Moving scams are on the rise and these companies will over-charge for their less-than-professional services.
  • Make Sure Company is Professional & Reputable
    When choosing a moving company, it is also wise to check on their fleet of trucks, truck sizes and availability. Some moving scams include sending smaller trucks out – which costs more in the long run, results in more trips back and forth, and can also be damaging to your personal belongings. Verify that the moving company is professional and insured.
  • Book Your Move
    It is recommended to allow between four and six weeks to book your move. So if you are moving during the prime months of June through August, you will need to book your professional movers now so you can get the dates you prefer. If you wait, you run the risk of picking a company last minute that may not be as professional or reputable.
  • Additional Services Are Available
    No matter how big or small your move is, once you have your professional moving company on-board, they can also provide many additional services to assist you in your move: handyman services, junk removal, furniture recycling, storage facility services, and International moving services, just to name a few.

Don’t forget to book your professional movers as soon as you have settled on a moving date so that you get the dates you prefer and can have peace of mind, knowing you have the best moving company working for you and your family.

Tips for Hiring Professional Movers in DC, MD & NoVa

Hiring Professional Movers in DC, MD & NoVAAre you wondering if you’ll need a professional mover for your upcoming move? The answer to that question depends on several criteria: Are you and your family relocating to a different city, or are you just moving across town? Do you have many large or fragile items to move, such as antique furniture or a piano? Does “moving yourself” fit into your busy schedule?

Some or all of the answers to these questions may bring you to decide that hiring a professional mover is the fastest, safest, and easiest option for you. Once you have made a decision to hire professionals, how do you get started? Here are some helpful guidelines:

Get Estimates – It never hurts to shop around. A good rule of thumb is to obtain at least 3-5 estimates from different companies. Keep in mind that you’re not just comparing prices; you’re also comparing services, professionalism, and experience.

Check Referrals – Always review online referrals and reviews from people who have actually hired the specific companies you are comparing. Any reputable moving company will also be happy to provide you with several high-quality references.

Consult the Better Business Bureau – Always do a background check on any company you are considering hiring in order to check for any negative ratings.

Ask Friends and neighbors – You can always contact people you know who have used moving companies. See who they recommend – and just as important – who they don’t recommend. These “word of mouth” referrals can give you much peace of mind, because you know and trust the people making the recommendations.

Each moving company should send a representative to your residence to do an in-home estimate. Be certain to show them everything that needs to be moved, including all contents in your closets, basement, and garage or shed. You don’t want to leave anything out. Some companies may try to offer you an estimate over the phone. You should avoid these “phone estimates” because without seeing exactly what needs to be done, the estimate is likely to be inaccurate.

Once you have some estimates to compare, you should review each one carefully. Each estimate should include all detailed charges, as well as explain the services included in your move – including options for having the movers do all packing and unpacking. Moving can be a hectic and stressful time in your life, so hiring professionals to take care of everything will allow you to concentrate on your new home and the things that matter to you!

Beware of Fraudulent Packers and Movers – Key Things to Remember

The moving business has been booming, and we at BB&D couldn’t be happier about it! Any chance to offer up our exceptional service and prove we can supply a superior experience is a welcome one. We offer honest and reliable business to our customers, and pride ourselves on our ability to ensure you get exactly what you want from your movers.

Unfortunately, not everyone shares our enthusiasm, and in fact, not everyone shares our honesty. Don’t let yourself become a victim of shysters and fraudulent movers, and be equipped to recognize a scam when you see it. Here are some warning signs and common scams to keep an eye out for.

Warning Signs That You’re Dealing With Fraudulent Movers

  • Credentials. A proper moving and packing business is certified and licensed, so anyone offering you a moving service without these is certainly suspect. Also, ask around. We live in the information age, and customer reviews are worth their weight in gold. If they have a bad reputation, there’s probably a good reason.
  • Avoid verbal contracts. Anyone offering a verbal contract is quite likely planning on bending the truth. Get all of your contracts in print, and be sure you fully understand all information presented.
  • Cash up front. A company wanting full payment up front in cash is a pretty telltale ripoff. Cash, or cash deposit only indicates they want something of yours that is valuable and easy to make off with. Never agree to a cash only deal when the ‘company’ insists.
  • Recognize the brand. If your movers show up in an unmarked vehicle, lacking in any identifying mark or logo, it’s a good idea to be concerned. It’s also a great idea to check the company website, checking for a stable address and information in their licensing.
  • Lack of professionalism. If you find yourself dealing with rude, unprofessional behavior such as consistent lateness, poor phone etiquette or crass language, it’s a good idea to be cautious moving forward with those movers.

In general, if a company ever gives your reason to feel unsafe, uncomfortable or simply unhappy, we would strongly recommend that you shy away from doing business with those movers. Educate yourself on the options available, finding a good, reliable professional that can give you the service you deserve, and only move forward if you understand all aspects of the deal.