Moving Tips - Visual Estimates

Compass Van Lines, a professional full-service moving company in Austin, TX, is dedicated to providing the most cost-effective moving services with the best customer service. These  moving tips on visual estimates will help you ensure a smooth, hassle-free move.

What is a visual estimate?

In moving terms, a visual estimate is when a moving company comes to your home and looks at your belongings, and makes an inventory list of everything that is going to be moved. Usually, the customer walks through the home with the movers and lets them know if any items or furniture are staying and not being moved.

The purpose of a visual estimate is to give you a quote that tells you how much it will cost to move your belongings.Most importantly, be direct and honest with the estimator. Show them all items being moved, and mention all additional services needed, upfront. Do your research, shop around and go with the company that you feel most confident and comfortable with. Sometimes the extra money spent on your move could mean the extra care and consideration with all of your life’s most sentimental and valuable possessions.

The benefits of a visual estimate

Visual estimates are the best way to get an accurate moving quote. When movers are able to see everything they’re moving and make a detailed inventory list, they will be able to figure out how long the move will take, what size truck you’ll need, and other important details that can affect the cost of the move.

Getting an accurate quote without a visual estimate

If you’re moving a long distance and can’t get a visual estimate, it’s important to give the movers a realistic idea of the moving job. The more accurate and detailed you are when reporting your household inventory list, the more realistic your moving quote will be.

You should also ask the moving company about factors that can affect the price of your move, such as any extra fees or moving insurance.

Moving out of State Tips and Help

These moving out of state tips are a useful guide to a smooth relocation.

Plan the change of utilities – cut them at your current living place and prepare to run them in the new place. Arrange everything in advance so that when you do actually move your work will be done.

Consider costs – When relocating into a new state the price is defined by space reservation, the amount of volume in cubic feet of your items for relocation. And this is how you will be charged – not by the hour like it is on local moves. In order to know exactly how much your move will cost you ask for a quote. Out of state moving costs will differ depending on the specifics of your move and what state you are being moved to.

Reduce your load – Start de-cluttering as soon as you know you are relocating. With the stuff you won’t move you can do several things: throw some useless ones away, donate to the Salvation Army or another organization, give away to family or friends, or just sell at a moving sale which will also bring you some incomes, too.

Get on with the packing preparations as early as you can – Since an interstate move will usually take longer don’t risk doing everything in the last minute. The movers will inventory every item going onto the truck in order to keep track of your shipment and give them a ‘lot’ number. They will wrap and protect all of your larger furniture items being moved for transport. This level of services takes time but is mandatory in order to protect your things. Everything must be in a box so make sure all miscellaneous items are packed up. Full Service and Partial Packing Services are available at an additional cost. Ask your relocation specialist for details.

Keep important items and essentials with you –Don’t pack and leave to the movers any important items like paperwork, jewels, credit/ debit cards, check books, etc. If you are taking a flight to your new home these important items should stay with you on the cabin for an extra level of security. Keep an essential body care, clothing or cooking items with you.

Plan the move-out/move-in dates – Arrange them with your landlord and the moving company. Your delivery out of state will be loaded in to a semi-truck along with several other customers being delivered in route. That being said you must allow for a delivery window or time frame to receive your things. Another reason why it is best to keep essential

Do You Need Packing Services?

An unsuccessful packing job will lead to an unsuccessful move. Proper packing paper, padding and boxing procedures are vital to protecting your belongings.

Compass Van Lines offers a full range of packing and unpacking services. Trained, professional packers are able to help you with as much or as little of the packing and unpacking as you need. We also sell moving boxes and packing supplies.

Some items in your shipment may need custom crating, such as large mirrors, glass-top tables or chandeliers. While there is usually an additional charge for this service, crating will provide an additional level of protection for specific items.

Are You Moving Locally in Texas?

If you are moving locally in Texas we can move you into your new home or business. We will also place the furniture in your new home exactly where you want it! Check out this customer review on a local move. 

Long Distance Moving Customer Review

This customer moving to California is very pleased with the work done for her. 

Moving "Ready to Assemble" Furniture

Did you know that moving companies have limited liability for damage to "ready to assemble" furniture? This is furniture you or a store have had to build from a package, like IKEA furniture for example. This means that many movers, including Compass Van Lines, do not move assembled furniture unless it's been disassembled first.

You may be wondering why this is the case? This kind of furniture does not stand up to the normal strains of moving and therefore needs to be fully disassembled prior to a move to avoid loose joints, chipping, and breakage. In many cases, the cost of repair can exceed the value of this kind of furniture.

When moving "ready to assemble" furniture, you have two options:

• Unless the piece is overly complex or fragile, the movers at Compass Van Lines are happy to disassemble and reassemble the furniture for our clients. The time to do this is included in our regular moving service and there are no additional charges beyond our hourly rate if applicable.

• Alternatively, a less expensive option is to disassemble the furniture yourself, completely removing and carefully placing all fasteners, pins, cams, handles, wafers, and dowels in a clearly labeled box or bag so that you don't misplace any hardware. If you can build this into your moving preparation plan, you'll find this is an easy, stress-free part of the moving process.

Full Service Moving Review

For this customer we provided full packing service and relocation to Colorado.