Relocating to Las Vegas | Relocation Resources for Moving to Las Vegas

Managing Your Move to Las Vegas
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. Once you’ve settled into your new neighborhood, you’ll be pleased to learn how friendly most people are and how many of them were once newcomers like yourself.

As soon as you’ve received word that you and your family are being relocated, contact your company’s relocation representative to find out what company will be moving your goods. Ask if the moving company provides any information to help make the move easier and confirm the moving date. At some point, you’ll want a direct contact at the moving company to ensure that you have an open communication flow and there are no misunderstandings. Your moving company also will need to ask you questions and be in touch with you directly as moving day approaches.

It’s also possible that the moving company has resources regarding storage in the Las Vegas area should you require additional space to place your furnishings, a boat or an additional vehicle.

As you plan your move, the following resources will help make your relocation a process manageable and organized. Once you’ve arrived and are established in your new community, the area’s hospitality will make you feel at home quickly.

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 also can 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 all have 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.

Before moving, 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 titled “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 that you 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 following:

Rates and charges that will apply
Mover’s liability for your belongings
How pickup and delivery will work
What claims protection you have

GETTING ESTIMATES
The cost of a move usually is 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 AMSA.

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 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: nonbinding and binding.

Nonbinding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a nonbinding 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 nonbinding estimate is based on the estimated weight of your shipment (rather than the actual weight), the price usually will be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a nonbinding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a nonbinding 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. If any additional services or quantities (that you requested or were required to accomplish your move) were not included in your estimate, you are obligated to pay any amount over the stated 110 percent of the estimate. This is due 30 days after the delivery of your shipment.