You need to get an estimate from various moving companies. You already know the questions they will ask you; here are some questions you should be sure and get answers to.
Are your crews insured? If it's a company you're not familiar with, ask to see a copy of their declarations page for the business insurance policy. Ask for their damages policy in writing, so that if something breaks you understand how the movers will handle the claim.
Is the hourly rate per man or for the crew? What about additional men? Most companies will provide an hourly rate for a two or three-man crew. You may think three is unnecessary, but it's worth the money since that third or even fourth crewmember can make things go a whole lot faster when stairs or awkward and heavy things are in the mix. You can have a couple of people taking things apart and crating or packing while others do the heavy lifting; the movers are guys who work together every day and they're like a well-oiled machine, and they get the job done much quicker. It's not uncommon to have a quote for a two-man crew, and with a charge for an extra man, if requested. If your house has four or five bedrooms or you have a big garage, you could need multiple trucks anyway, so spring for the extra men to get it finished in one day.
Do you charge for travel time? Is the crew off the clock for lunches and breaks? Companies vary with the travel charges. Usually, once they arrive at your house, the clock is started. Frequently they will stop at a fast food place and eat lunch on the way to the new residence, so there isn't much down time.
What if I just want packing help? That's fine, most companies will provide you an a la carte pricing quote--you can buy everything from shrink wrap only to a six-man crew that will crate your golf clubs if you ask. The rates for packing typically include supplies--tape, bubble wrap, newsprint paper (the unprinted and clean kind), packing peanuts, and a wide range of box sizes. Anticipate an hourly price for a packing crew as a basic estimate. Just be sure and read through the verbiage on the estimate so that you know precisely what is and isn’t included.
What if I just want moving help? Some folks like to pack while they purge and sort, and so hiring people for that is just not constructive. Moving companies are willing to load, drive, and unload on moving day, just make sure you know their policies for what they can and can't move. For starters, anything hazardous or toxic cannot be loaded on the trucks. Nail polish remover is on the prohibited list, as are most cleaning supplies, household chemicals, and paint. Firearms may not be permitted on moving trucks, so you will likely have to open any safes so that the movers know what is inside of them.
Movers Are More Expensive Than Your Extended Family, but They Are Insured
Reliable movers are not cheap, but your poker buddies or family will not pay a claim if something is broken in the move. And, they are much more likely to hurt their backs or knees if they don't know the right way to lift heavy objects.
