Whether the move is across town or to another city, a umzugsunternehmen provides

labor and equipment to safely transport items. They may offer add-on services such

as full-service packing, specialty packing, auto transport and storage. Some also

offer valuation services. Customers should research companies before booking, and

always ask for references. It is also a good idea to review more than one website to

get a well-rounded picture of the company.

Choosing a moving company can be challenging because each has different

offerings and pricing. Some offer local moves only, while others specialize in

interstate or international moves. A customer should also consider the cost of

additional services like crates or crating, and decide whether they will do their own

packing or hire a company to pack for them. Finally, the company should be licensed

to carry their goods and offer insurance policies.

The largest costs for most moving companies are payroll and payroll taxes. The rest

of their overhead includes vehicle maintenance, insurance and fuel. Most start out

by running their business out of their homes, then move to a warehouse location as

they grow their business. Many new movers make the mistake of overestimating

startup costs, which can lead to financial problems down the road.

A moving company will typically provide a written estimate before the move begins.

This will include an estimate of the number of boxes and movers needed, and a price

for the total move. This cost will be based on the weight of the items being

transported and the distance traveled. Some movers will offer a flat-rate move,

while others will charge per item. Often, this is the cheaper option for customers.

When selecting a moving company, it is important to look for online reviews and

recommendations from friends and family. Reviews can give a clear idea of what to

expect, and they can help the customer avoid untrustworthy businesses. A reputable

mover will have a positive rating on at least two websites, and their customer service

should be friendly and helpful.

In addition to licensing, a moving company should have adequate workers’

compensation and general liability insurance. They should also offer their customers

a choice of full value protection or released value coverage for their items. Typically,

full value coverage will cover the cost of replacing damaged or lost items, while

released value will only reimburse for the actual cash value of the items.

Allied Van Lines is a leading moving company that offers local, long-distance,

international and military relocation services. It has more than 500 agent locations

across the United States and provides a variety of options, including self-packing,

full service packing, special and fragile packing, auto transport, short and long-term

storage, and valuation services. Customers can use its website to get a free quote

and request a visit from an inspector.