You have been hunting for your perfect new home for months and you have finally found it. You are getting everything in order and have decided to us a Dallas mover. One thing you should consider when deciding on a moving company is their accreditations. A big one in Dallas is being a pinnacle mover. What is a pinnacle mover you ask?
“To achieve pinnacle mover status, a company must meet all required standards and criteria.” They must have a devotion to be a paramount in the moving industry. All My Sons of Dallas has achieved this status and maintained it for many years. Some of the basic requirements to do so are:
• Maintain membership in good standing with Southwest Movers Association
• Maintain a satisfactory U.S. Department of Transportation Safety Rating
• Have no unresolved Better Business Bureau claims on record
• Comply with all other state and federal regulatory requirements
To obtain this honor a Dallas mover must meet all necessary standards and criteria, in addition to earning 150 points from a menu of criteria. There is an outstanding list of options to choose from in order to earn those points. All My Sons of Dallas not only meets and exceeds these requirements. We maintain and enforce a dress code for all our movers; we implement a formal associate conduct policy as well as a formal safety program. All of our employees are full time trained employees and receive a safety manual. All our movers go through a training program and we recognize the ones who consistently do an outstanding job.
All of trucks and 18 wheelers are under the ten year requirement; as a matter of fact not a single truck is over five years old. We have achieved many credits from the American Moving Association as well as Southwest Movers Association. One thing we like to brag on here is that our claims ratio is quite low.
While it seems quite easy to attain this status, it is another thing to keep it. It is an ongoing process to make sure that All My Sons is one of the best Dallas movers out there. Our owner/president is on the board of the SMA and makes sure that we remain with this title.
Friday, February 29, 2008
The Cost of a Self Move
The moving season is upon us. Whether it is a small move or a sizeable one the notion to move yourself has crossed everyone’s minds. We think it will be the most cost friendly choice to our pocket book than actually hiring someone to do it for us. In some, not all, instances yes it would be cheaper to move myself than hiring a local moving company. However, one thing I have learned working in this industry, just because I think that it might be cheaper doesn’t mean it will. The AMSA (American Moving and Storage Association) has a link on their website that helps you figure out the cost of doing it yourself. Just go to AMSA, click the link to evaluate the cost of a self haul and follow the instructions.
I used my apartment, a one bedroom on the second floor, as an example and filled out everything and came up with a grand total of moving myself of $743.00. Expensive, huh? That is what I thought too. Here is how I came up with this total.
I looked up a local truck rental place and found out how much it would cost me to rent a truck for a day. I chose that I would need my rental for twelve hours since I know it will take me all day to do it myself I figured if I picked it up at 8 am then I should (hopefully) be done by 8 pm. I also rented two furniture dollies and one appliance dolly as well as five dozen furniture pads to wrap all of my belongings. I used their prices for packing materials and just went with the amount of material that they had suggested. It also asks you how much it will cost for me to drive my own car around for the day as well as feeding myself and anyone who helps me. I also allowed myself a $100 miscellanous expense in case any last minute emergencies came up on that day.
My breakdown of the charges:
Truck rental $39.95 plus $0.79/mile
I estimated that I would be traveling 20 miles in the truck that day.
Total $65.00
Utility dolly 2 @ $7.00
Furniture pads 5 dozen @ $ 10.00
Appliance dolly 1 @ $10.00
Ropes & Tie downs 1 @ $24.95
Total $99.00
Packing materials $339.00 (which will be shipped to me in 5-7 business days)
The Dallas movers I choose will bring them out in advance or the day of my move and pack for me. At no additional cost all I am responsible for is the cost of materials.
Driving my own vehicle (cost of gasoline per gallon) $3 for 20 miles $60.00
Cost of feeding myself and whomever helps me $20 per person per day $80.00
Ok...so either way I can not get out of driving myself or feeding the people who help me.
Miscellaneous of $100 (in case of emergencies) Total $ 240
This could be used for the cost of gas and feeding everyone istead of an additional "what if" cost.
This gives me a grand total of $743.00 to do it myself. Not to mention I have already had to pay all the transferal fees of my utilities to my new place, any deposits for the new apartment as well as the first months rent. So I am easily up to over $2000.00 to move myself. I don’t know about you but I would much rather hire a certified local moving company to move me instead. Having two trained professionals come in, wrap and load all of my belongings and potentially get it done in three to four hours sounds a lot better than doing it myself.
Ok…having gone through all that I am a little shell shocked about moving. I know that hiring a moving company could easily be a costly undertaking. However, when I really truly think about it, it is almost always the better choice. I do not do this everyday for a living, why would I not want to hire a mover who does? They are going to be trained and knowledgeable about moving my belongings. Nowadays most homes have specialty items, i.e. plasma tv’s, pianos, antiques, large marble or glass pieces. I am no expert and while I know I would handle my stuff with care I know inevitably I would damage something.
It really is worth it to take the time and do the research about moving yourself versus hiring a moving company. Some of the minor details that you might forget to consider, until last minute like me, have already been taken care of because it is standard for the movers. The day of your move you really just wake up have a cup of coffee, show the movers what to move, watch them load, lead them over to your new house watch them unload everything, and even put your beds back together for you. Pay the bill and wave goodbye…or you can do it all by yourself and depend on the kindness of your friends and family?
Having this knowledge about moving has made me realize that hiring a professional mover is the best, and the most cost efficient way to go.
I used my apartment, a one bedroom on the second floor, as an example and filled out everything and came up with a grand total of moving myself of $743.00. Expensive, huh? That is what I thought too. Here is how I came up with this total.
I looked up a local truck rental place and found out how much it would cost me to rent a truck for a day. I chose that I would need my rental for twelve hours since I know it will take me all day to do it myself I figured if I picked it up at 8 am then I should (hopefully) be done by 8 pm. I also rented two furniture dollies and one appliance dolly as well as five dozen furniture pads to wrap all of my belongings. I used their prices for packing materials and just went with the amount of material that they had suggested. It also asks you how much it will cost for me to drive my own car around for the day as well as feeding myself and anyone who helps me. I also allowed myself a $100 miscellanous expense in case any last minute emergencies came up on that day.
My breakdown of the charges:
Truck rental $39.95 plus $0.79/mile
I estimated that I would be traveling 20 miles in the truck that day.
Total $65.00
Utility dolly 2 @ $7.00
Furniture pads 5 dozen @ $ 10.00
Appliance dolly 1 @ $10.00
Ropes & Tie downs 1 @ $24.95
Total $99.00
Packing materials $339.00 (which will be shipped to me in 5-7 business days)
The Dallas movers I choose will bring them out in advance or the day of my move and pack for me. At no additional cost all I am responsible for is the cost of materials.
Driving my own vehicle (cost of gasoline per gallon) $3 for 20 miles $60.00
Cost of feeding myself and whomever helps me $20 per person per day $80.00
Ok...so either way I can not get out of driving myself or feeding the people who help me.
Miscellaneous of $100 (in case of emergencies) Total $ 240
This could be used for the cost of gas and feeding everyone istead of an additional "what if" cost.
This gives me a grand total of $743.00 to do it myself. Not to mention I have already had to pay all the transferal fees of my utilities to my new place, any deposits for the new apartment as well as the first months rent. So I am easily up to over $2000.00 to move myself. I don’t know about you but I would much rather hire a certified local moving company to move me instead. Having two trained professionals come in, wrap and load all of my belongings and potentially get it done in three to four hours sounds a lot better than doing it myself.
Ok…having gone through all that I am a little shell shocked about moving. I know that hiring a moving company could easily be a costly undertaking. However, when I really truly think about it, it is almost always the better choice. I do not do this everyday for a living, why would I not want to hire a mover who does? They are going to be trained and knowledgeable about moving my belongings. Nowadays most homes have specialty items, i.e. plasma tv’s, pianos, antiques, large marble or glass pieces. I am no expert and while I know I would handle my stuff with care I know inevitably I would damage something.
It really is worth it to take the time and do the research about moving yourself versus hiring a moving company. Some of the minor details that you might forget to consider, until last minute like me, have already been taken care of because it is standard for the movers. The day of your move you really just wake up have a cup of coffee, show the movers what to move, watch them load, lead them over to your new house watch them unload everything, and even put your beds back together for you. Pay the bill and wave goodbye…or you can do it all by yourself and depend on the kindness of your friends and family?
Having this knowledge about moving has made me realize that hiring a professional mover is the best, and the most cost efficient way to go.
Friday, February 15, 2008
All My Sons of Dallas's Tips for a Smooth Move
1. Have an estimator out to get a written estimate. Be cautious of over the phone estimates. That is just what they are, at best, an educated guess. It is best to get at least three in home estimates. Two out of the three will be very close in cost, weight and services provided. Decide on one of these. The other proposal will either be very high or low. Avoid that carrier, more than likely they are not revealing all the cards in their deck.
2. Ask questions. At any time if you do not understand something that is told to you over the phone or in person, ask. The moving industry is very intricate and has a language of its own. If you are not pleased with the response to your question(s) or if the moving professional pauses before answering you, talk to someone else.
Some questions you should ask:
Are you licensed?
Are you insured?
Are you a member of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?
Can you get a “Price and Time Guarantee”?
Are you men full time employees, or day laborers?
Can you provide me with current references?
3. Be reachable by phone. A couple of days prior to your move as well as the day of your move are assessable for the movers. This can save time and ensures that you will be given all information before your move starts, and not at the time of arrival. Also, give the crew leader a contact number in case you are separated anytime during the day while traveling; in addition to getting a number for the driver.
4. Take ALL valuables with you. All My Sons of Dallas does not require that you remove all items from filing cabinets and dresser drawers. What we do ask is that you take anything out that is precious or breakable, such as cash, jewelry, important personal papers, photographs, or anything you deem important.
5. Carefully ready all documents. Read and complete the Bill of Lading. This is a legal contract with you and your local mover, treat it so. Also, read thoroughly your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move in Texas.
6. Do a walk through before leaving. Make sure you do a complete walk through of your home with the crew leader. Checking all closets, drawers, pantries, attics and or basements to make sure nothing was missed.
7. Try to relax. The more prepared you are the better, however no matter how prepared you are things sporadically go wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful yet exhilarating times in your life. Get a good night sleep the night before, be patient and remember to breathe.
8. Be available. Movers will have questions. Try to arrange all closings for a day or two before your move. This will help to relieve some of your stress during the move if all you have to do is concentrate on the move and nothing else.
9. Have estimated funds on hand. You will have to pay the movers preceding the offload of your items at your new home. Make sure you have the money available in cash, certified check/money order or credit card.
10. Supervise unloading and unpacking. It is always a good idea to be there when the crew is unloading the truck into your new home. This way you can let them know where they are to put them, as well as inspect them for any damages that may have occurred during the move. Be sure to make note of any damaged or missing items before the movers leave. Check the truck as well before they are ready to go.
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Friday, February 8, 2008
All My Sons Moving of Dallas Help’s out in the Community
It is the beginning of a new year and everyone makes at least one resolution to try and better themselves. Whether, it has to do with loosing those pesky holiday pounds, spending more time with friends and family or maybe to become more organized. All My Sons of Dallas has made such resolutions. However, the one thing that we have always done is try to be an active and contributive member of the community.
One way we have done so is helping out the Habitat for Humanity of Denton County. Habitat for Humanity of Denton County is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity and good nature of the citizens. It is always an exciting time when you move into a new house or apartment. We have worked with them multiple times just in the past couple of months. All My Sons of Dallas has always tried to help out with local schools, churches, businesses and other organizations. Donating a few men and a truck is the least we can to help them out.
All My Sons of Dallas even helps out other moving companies. We moved the national director of a local company and received a rave review.
“I needed to move quickly and saw your ad in the phonebook. Your men were extremely kind and the entire experience was fantastic. I really could not suggest anything to make it better. I have been in the moving business for 22 years and have never been so impressed with overall service like I was working with All My Sons. I would not hesitate to recommend All My Sons of Dallas to assist any of my clients with local moving service. Thank you so much.”
B. Snyder
One way we have done so is helping out the Habitat for Humanity of Denton County. Habitat for Humanity of Denton County is a non-profit organization that relies on the generosity and good nature of the citizens. It is always an exciting time when you move into a new house or apartment. We have worked with them multiple times just in the past couple of months. All My Sons of Dallas has always tried to help out with local schools, churches, businesses and other organizations. Donating a few men and a truck is the least we can to help them out.
All My Sons of Dallas even helps out other moving companies. We moved the national director of a local company and received a rave review.
“I needed to move quickly and saw your ad in the phonebook. Your men were extremely kind and the entire experience was fantastic. I really could not suggest anything to make it better. I have been in the moving business for 22 years and have never been so impressed with overall service like I was working with All My Sons. I would not hesitate to recommend All My Sons of Dallas to assist any of my clients with local moving service. Thank you so much.”
B. Snyder
Friday, February 1, 2008
Texas Movers...All My Sons of Dallas We Keep Em' Smilin
“I was referred by a friend to use All My Sons of Dallas. The crew was prepared, courteous, friendly and professional, and took care with our items. Keep up the good work!”
~C. Shaver
“I was impressed with the excellent moving ability of the crew and how equipped they were.”
~Unknown
“I was delighted in the fact that my crew showed up on time and how professional they looked.”
~M. Hoover
“I liked the free in home estimate I received from the estimator that came out, and ultimately I decided to go with All My Sons because of the size of the trucks. The crew came absolutely prepared and ready to move. They were very considerate and careful with the furniture and everything. The guys were really great!”
~S. George
“I chose All My Sons because I trusted them and their availability. They got me moved in a timely manner and the crew’s attitude was first-rate the entire time. Even though I could have gone with a cheaper mover, I’m glad I did not.”
~H. Porter
“Your men did a great job on the move of our family last Friday. They were friendly, accommodating and very efficient at their jobs. If you ever have to impress a client with one of your best crews, I could not give a higher recommendation than sending Dave, Roy, Jimmy and Antoine. They were fantastic.”
~M. Kravik
~C. Shaver
“I was impressed with the excellent moving ability of the crew and how equipped they were.”
~Unknown
“I was delighted in the fact that my crew showed up on time and how professional they looked.”
~M. Hoover
“I liked the free in home estimate I received from the estimator that came out, and ultimately I decided to go with All My Sons because of the size of the trucks. The crew came absolutely prepared and ready to move. They were very considerate and careful with the furniture and everything. The guys were really great!”
~S. George
“I chose All My Sons because I trusted them and their availability. They got me moved in a timely manner and the crew’s attitude was first-rate the entire time. Even though I could have gone with a cheaper mover, I’m glad I did not.”
~H. Porter
“Your men did a great job on the move of our family last Friday. They were friendly, accommodating and very efficient at their jobs. If you ever have to impress a client with one of your best crews, I could not give a higher recommendation than sending Dave, Roy, Jimmy and Antoine. They were fantastic.”
~M. Kravik
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