Planning a move? Three things you need to know first
Kristan Dael
50plus Magazine
After nearly two years in the business of delivery, hauling and moving assistance, the McCullough family has learned a lot. Here they share what they’ve learned in hopes helping people understand the costs, risks and benefits involved in a process most people don’t look forward to, but everyone “gets” to experience.
Speaking with Bill McCullough, who along with his son Chris and wife Angela, operate Go4U Essentials, he outlines the top three things people should understand before moving, downsizing or just simplifying their home.
First up: Understanding “Household Goods Moving”
In the state of Oregon, “Household Goods Moving” involves any items you would use in your home. This includes furniture, clothing, decorations and garden equipment. It does not include an office desk or anything business related. Why?
“It goes back to laws enacted just after the Depression regulating the movement of household goods on the highways,” Bill explains. “These laws were passed in response to people being taken advantage of during those difficult times.”
Next up: What dictates rates
In Oregon, all Household Goods Movers must be part of a tariff — a set of rules and rates governing the moving of household goods. These rates are set by region. For example, Eugene, Salem and Portland are separate regions, each with unique rates set by the state.
Here it gets a little involved. Rates are based not only on region, but on the number of people and vehicles on a job. There is an hourly rate for this, plus factors such as stairs when present, packing and packing materials.
If a move is less than 50 miles, the rate is limited to the hourly rate. If, however, the move is more than 50 miles, in addition to the factors above, the mover must also charge for the weight and mileage of a load. Also in this case, the truck must be weighed before and after being loaded each time it is used in a move greater than 50 miles.
This last detail adds to the complexity: in Salem, the hourly rate clock starts when the truck with movers arrives at the customer’s location. In some areas of Portland and all of Eugene, the hourly rate clock starts when the truck leaves its “station” — an office or staging zone, which is required in these regions to provide moving services at all.
A final note on rates: strict state rules do not allow providers to offer sales or discounts on the moving of Household Goods.
So how to save? Some hire “moving assistance companies,” which brings us to. . .
Alternatives to Professional Movers
Everyone wants to save money, but sometimes “you get what you pay for” really holds true. Moving is one.
Moving assistance services are not authorized to drive the moving/rental truck or load/move goods in their personal vehicles. So, if you hire such a service, and they do these things, you lose any recourse in the event of damage or theft.
Here Bill adds, “Movers go through a very rigorous process to become licensed. It’s one of the most regulated industries in the country.” Licensure includes criminal background and driving record checks — vetting few consumers can do themselves.
And, Bill says, “If you have hired a professional moving company and are in any way dissatisfied or concerned about the service provided, you can contact the state and file a complaint.” This same office also provides a list of licensed moving companies.
Moving is expensive — there’s no getting around it. When it comes to your treasured possessions, hiring licensed, qualified help can be worth every penny.
Resources
Household Goods Moving Oregon
https://www.oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/householdgoodsmoving.aspx
State of Oregon
oregon.gov/odot/mct/pages/householdgoodsmoving.aspx
NOTE: When searching for movers online be sure to confirm they are listed on the Oregon.gov web page. These services operate under state regulations, have undergone rigorous vetting, and offer protections to customers not available through companies operating without certification.