subject: The Secret To Hiring The Best Portland Moving Companies [print this page] Finding the best Portland moving companies need not be difficult. While relocating can be a daunting task, there are ways to make it easy and hassle-free. A Portland mover can help you make the smooth transition.
A move is a move. Whether its in the next corner or in the next state, it would involve some form of effort on your part to get it together. To a first timer in moving, you may find yourself stumped. Dont worry, thats normal.
Why Hire a Mover?
The first big decision is to get or not to get a professional hauler. Do you or do you not? Well, here are some reasons you may want to think twice:
1. It will save you time and money.
Since they know the proper way to pack, load, transport, store and unload items, the transfer will be much more efficient. Less working hours for them means lesser cost for you.
2. They have the skills and strength to handle your things.
Accredited Portland moving companies have haulers that are trained and knowledgeable at what they do. More importantly, they have the brawn to carry heavy items.
3. They have a full-sized truck to contain your stuff.
A Portland mover will have just the right moving truck/s to fit your belongings. These vehicles will be able to protect your things from avoidable damage.
4. They have the necessary tools for the job.
Haulers have implements to make the process of transporting things faster. Moving heavy or numerous items will be made easier with their trolleys and similar paraphernalia.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are so many uncertainties floating in your mind while in the process of a relocation. Here are just some of them:
Q: How much should I tip movers?
A: Generally, $10 per person for a four hour or half day move is regarded as appropriate. As such, a full days work of eight hours merits $20. If you want to add to that, consider factors such as difficulty in moving the items (i.e. narrow stairs, etc.), skills of the Portland mover, politeness and the like. Meals and beverages can be provided as well, if you like. For interstate moving, tip both the movers making the pick-up and the ones making the drop off. In any case, give the cash to each person individually.
Q: Do movers need to be licensed?
A: Yes, they do. Choose only from Portland moving companies which are licensed by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Accredited movers must adhere to standards when carrying out their job. Moreover, their rates and services must be reasonable and accomplished within an acceptable time. There is minimal or no protection for loss or damage if you employ an unlicensed mover.
Oregon law allows businesses offering packing and loading services. But they are not a certified Portland mover. These companies are not authorized to provide the moving vehicle.
You can find information about interstate movers on the website of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Q: How do I file damage claims?
A: File a written claim with the moving company within 3 months from delivery date. Obtain the claim forms from the mover. After receiving your claim, the mover should:
- Notify you in writing of receipt of claim within 30 days
- Pay, deny or provide a compromise in writing within 120 days of receipt of
claim
- Advise in writing the cause of the delay in settling the claim within 120
days
- Continue to inform in writing of the holdups in the process 60 days
thereafter until the claim settlement
ODOT is not authorized to settle claims. However, they provide time restrictions in replying to them. Portland moving companies should furnish ODOT with copies of delayed claim letters. If they dont, the time limit to file a suit with the mover is two years and one day from the date the claim disallowance is received in writing.
