Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Exceptional Customer Service...

Customer service seems to have become an outdated policy. So many times we often forget who the customer is. 

Unfortunately with the litigious society that we have become it is more difficult to tow the "customer is always right" line, but it does not do away with common decency and respect. 

Moving can be a stressful, even frightening time. Whether it is to a new home, a new job, just across the city, or cross country, it is scary. Trusting a moving company to pack your valuables, whether monetary or sentimental is a major part of this stress.

We recognize you are the customer, the boss, and the one who is paying. We try to look at it as we are working together for a common goal which is to move you home. You just pay for our experience and knowledge of how to move you efficiently. 

Do not be fooled by a slogan or fancy ad with promises that cannot be kept. You do not want to talk to a computer, or even someone in another state. 

At Earl's Moving Company, your expectations are met, receiving the services you need, no surprises. Have an experience that will have you telling people "moving is not that bad".

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Need Storage?

Whatever your circumstances are, perhaps you find yourself in need of storing some or all of your possessions, either temporarily or long term. There are a few tips that Earl's Moving can share with you.  

First decide whether you will be storing for short or long term. Be honest with yourself on this because if not, it can cost more money and stress than necessary. Secondly determine whether you need temperature control or regular storage. If you have real wood furniture or leather you will need temperature controlled because the damage avoided will justify the cost. Determine if you need a storage unit or a portable storage container.



Whether storing short or long term here are three hints to keep in mind. 

  • Be sure to have plenty of pads, blankets, towels, etc. to protect your furniture as you stack on top of it. The moving company may provide them for a small charge if it is for short term. It is best to call ahead to reserve them. 
  • If you do your own packing, place valuables in a box with plenty of protection around it and mark the box well to ensure it goes on top. Any packing materials and boxes are available for purchase from Earl's Moving.
  • Know the length of time you will need storage. It may cost you considerably more to store these items than it would to replace them. Only store what cannot be replaced if  it will be for an extended amount of time. 
Click here for more information on storage. 

Remember your things are only "things.". What we have on earth we cannot take with us. If they cost us peace of mind or keep us from focusing on what really matters it has already cost us too much. 



Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Moving Companies 101

There are some things you should know about moving companies when preparing for the big day. There are all kinds of moving companies. There are big ones that have been around for two or three lifetimes. There are the those that are growing quickly as well as ones that are growing slowly. Then there are those that are not recognized or registered with any of the required authorities. But here is some information that you should be able to use to ensure you are getting a legitimate moving company rather than an illegal one. 

There are 81 moving companies that are registered with the State of Alabama. Yes, I know, I was surprised too. Each of those companies work in the same parameters set by the Alabama Public Service Commission. (yes that is what they do). Now depending on your specific move determines whether it is regulated by them or not. 

The state does not care or regulate how much moving companies charge you to move if you stay in the same city or if you move to a neighboring city as long as the cities touch somewhere. The state also does not care how much you are charged for a move out of state. 

The moves that are strictly regulated by the state are moves within the state but that cross jurisdictions. Have I got you confused yet?  
Some examples are:

Birmingham to Hoover- not regulated 
Birmingham to Alabaster- regulated 

Here is where the big difference comes in. If your move is regulated but it is less than 30 miles then it will be charged by the hour that is priced by the state, not the normal rates by the moving company. If you move within the state and it is further than 30 miles it will be priced by the weight. 

We all are working with the same parameters so therefore should not be much difference in your prices. The difference if by the hour will be how fast the movers operate and that is all because the price per hour will be the same. There should be no difference in price when it is by the weight at the end of your move. You may receive differing estimates simply due to opinions of how much weight you may have. But in the end, your weight, the scales in which we weigh the moving trucks, and the mileage you go should be the same. 

Hopefully this will help you to make the best decisions during a stressful time. But always remember help is always available to us all if you are a child of God. 

Philippians 4:6-7: Be anxious for nothing, but by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving make your request known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Tips for Moving

As the old saying goes "you never know how much stuff you have until you have to move it". We all accumulate more than we should, and there is no greater time to declutter than moving time! This is a great time to create a home inventory for insurance purposes with pictures.
One tip is to go through your house and decide which things you need to give away and which things you want to keep. This avoids paying for things to be moved that you are going to get rid of shortly after you get settled. Enlist help from all family members, cleaning closets, drawers, and the garage. A little encouragement includes a possible yard sale, splitting the proceeds. A donation to a charity will make everyone feel great.

Next know your valuables. Every move is organized, prepared for, and priced differently, therefore it is insured differently. Make sure to ask specific questions about your items that are most valuable. Prepare a separate list of these items, and how they may need to be packed. 

The most important thing you can do to provide the least amount of stress is to be organized and informed. Making lists and keeping in touch with your moving company will be your best move.

The same principle applies to your life. Reading your Bible and understanding God's plan for your life allows you to organize your life around all the pitfalls and stumbling blocks that will cost you in the end. 

Know the details of your move, ask questions of your movers beforehand, and have it organized when they get there. Your move will be a great success, whether moving locally in the Birmingham area, or out of town or state.

Psalms 119:105Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.