Relocating to San Antonio | Relocation Resources for Moving to San Antonio

It’s been a hectic week as you learned of your hard-earned promotion along with the offer of a new position in the San Antonio office. You’re excited about the opportunity but also anxious about your family’s reaction and the tumult that moving can bring. What you’re experiencing is normal and part of the relocation process. While just the thought of relocating can be stressful, with planning and helpful resources, the process can be managed. In this section, you’ll learn about packing, preparing for your move, self-storage, moving with pets, utilities in the area as well as recycling information.

This section will help you identify and organize all the steps in the moving process so you have a reference guide at every stage of this oftentimes overwhelming process. With the help of the Relocation Timeline (see previous section), you can anticipate the next step rather than reacting to it and scrambling for solutions.

You’ll also find information about moving companies, insuring your belongings, packing tips, temporary storage, moving with pets and useful information about utility providers in San Antonio. The more you learn, the less you’ll stress as you prepare to make your move to San Antonio.

Moving Companies
Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is a good idea to speak with different companies to compare their services. To find out who the best movers are in your area, begin by asking friends about their experiences with the movers they’ve used. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area.

When selecting a mover, the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) encourages consumers to select a company that is an AMSA member. Members have all agreed to abide by the terms of the organization’s published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by the organization.

Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform them of the destination and time of your move. Ask them about the types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.

If you are moving interstate, you should read and understand all of the information you will receive. In addition to brochures explaining their various services, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and information regarding the mover’s participation in a Dispute Settlement Program. Distribution of the consumer booklet and the requirement that movers offer shippers neutral arbitration as a means of settling disputes that may arise concerning loss or damage on household goods shipments are requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

AMSA advises to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date. When you choose your mover, be sure you understand:

The rates and charges that will apply.
The mover’s liability for your belongings.
How pickup and delivery will work.
What claims protection you have.

Getting Estimates
The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require, according to the American Moving and Storage Association.

To help you anticipate the cost, movers will give you an estimate. Be sure to get written estimates from at least three different companies so that you can compare their services and prices.

Help the movers calculate the cost by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed, closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will increase the cost.

Most movers offer two types of estimates – non-binding and binding. Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the estimated weight of your shipment (rather than the actual weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate, plus 10 percent, (or 110 percent of the estimate amount) at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges for any additional services that you requested or that were required to accomplish your move that are more than this 110 percent amount 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.

Many movers also provide binding estimates. A binding estimate means that you are obligated to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more than or less than the estimated amount.