Are you getting ready to move and starting to look around for a moving company? With this surplus of movers being in demand in the summer months tends to bring out some of the non professional's in the industry, the kind of movers who are more interested in conning you out of more money rather than providing quality, exceptional customer service. Make sure you protect yourself by having your signed contract specify exactly what is to be moved, packed and unpacked.

The summer months are the busiest time of year in the moving industry, especially towards the end of the month. People generally choose that time of the month because it's near the start of a new month. This is most common in apartment movers. This is why you need to protect yourself and get all moving quotes in writing at all times

Movers from all cities across the country have their fair share of mishandles claims against them for adding more to the cost of a move than expected and this is why you need to protect yourself and your property and get all moving quotes and estimates in writing. Make sure your contract specify exactly what is to be moved, packed and unpacked.

If you found this happened to you in the past this is probably a situation that occurred. Sometimes you may get stuck paying more if you're not careful you just need to know what to look out for. You need to know the difference in terminology so that you don't get screwed right off the bat. All your written estimates and contracts should be free, listing all your expectations from your packers and movers and your expected arrival time to your new location.

The three different types of estimates you need to be aware of are, (Non-Binding) Estimate, Binding Estimate, and Not-to-Exceed Binding Estimate. The (Non-Binding) Estimate, which is all you can get in some intrastate situations, is not guaranteed.

You need to know how much the truck weighs before your things are loaded in order to calculate your household's weight. This is your right as a consumer. Generally the industry standard is about 20% more than what is generally expected.

The third type of estimate that gives you the best deal of all is called a Not-to-Exceed Estimate. The movers give you a Binding Estimate, then weigh the vehicle and reduce the price if the weight is less than anticipated. This is a fair practice provided by movers.

Changes go on a written Addendum. Never accept verbal changes or agreements. Insist on it all in writing. An addendum is a change order form they must fill out and you both sign prior to the move. Always make sure that you get a binding estimate for your protection against price increases.

If you decided that you can't move in the expected time frame you initially considered, but yet you did the initial leg work got several free binding quotes to select from. Now you're probably thinking what do you do now? Don't worry because as long as you have it in writing you generally have about 60 days for your estimate to keep at the price and terms stated.