When to Schedule an Estimate with a Mover

Posted on: July 30, 2007

Dear Move Advocate,

I have just listed my home and am not sure how long it will take to sell. Should I wait until it sells to get estimates for my state-to-state move?

—Tentative in Tampa

Dear Tentative, It is not too early to arrange for estimates for the transportation of your household goods. The summer months are the busiest for van line services and it is important to reserve the van line provider of your choice. Here are some factors that you should consider:

1. Binding estimates require visual surveys. During the busy summer months it can take 8-10 days to arrange for surveyors to visually take inventory of your possessions. The Move Advocate encourages clients to allow enough time for multiple estimates and time for comparison of them. Remember that there is no cost for these estimates and no obligation to use the service if you should choose another solution. Getting estimates early in the process gives you more choices!
2. Van line estimates are good for 60 days, although fuel charges can fluctuate after 30 days. If your home does not sell within the 60 day time period, and there have been no major changes in your shipment requirements, many van lines will do a simple phone update without another visual survey.
3. Choosing a van line provider, even before you know the dates of your move, puts you on a priority call list. When you make a commitment to move with a particular provider you are elevated to VIP status and have priority over latecomers who have not prepared as well as you have. Book as early as you can but no later than 10 days before you need to move.
4. Knowing the cost ahead of time can allow you to budget for your move. When you have a binding estimate you know that your cost will not exceed that which is quoted. You may even be able to negotiate a benefits package or compensation with your new employer using your moving costs as a negotiation factor.
5. Allowing The Move Advocate to assist you in finding a mover before your home sells will alleviate stress. Saving you time and money while reducing the stress of your move is what The Move Advocate does best!

Many times The Move Advocate receives calls from individuals hoping to move within a short period of time. Although we can often arrange for these moves, we sometimes do not have enough time to obtain binding and multiple quotes. The relationship The Move Advocate has with its van line partners gives us leverage to get difficult moves accomplished. If you are able to be flexible to accommodate surveys and/or move dates we are more likely to be able to arrange a short notice move. Call The Move Advocate as soon as you know you are moving to maximize your choices and benefits.

Written by Fayette Wester of the Move Advocate, which is a no cost, single point of contact move management program for state to state moves. Benefits include discounts, protection coverage, multiple & binding van line estimates.