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Why is Getting an In-Home Moving Estimate so Important?

Updated on August 4, 2023

Your Stress-Free Move Starts with Accurate Pricing

A moving quote is most accurate after a skilled estimator conducts a visual survey of your goods. While in some cases we may be able to provide you with a very rough price over the phone, one of our Clancy representatives may still insist on seeing your residence before your move takes place. A proper survey is an added level of protection for your move, and we pride ourselves on a flawless relocation from start to finish. At Clancy, we offer both an in-home consultation and a virtual survey at no cost or obligation to you.

IN HOME SURVEY:

  • Helps estimate the correct amount of manpower and equipment needed.
  • A more accurate representation of the amount of space your goods will occupy. We provide binding quotes, so your price is guaranteed and there are no surprises on move day. A visual survey allows us to stand by this promise.
  • Allows your representative to look at areas you might forget to mention (attic, garage, basement, crawl space, closet, shed).
  • If necessary, we can take measurements of your items to ensure proper packaging and care (paintings, sculptures, large furniture pieces).
  • Discuss packing / unpacking services, warehouse or portable storage, disassembly / reassembly, etc.
  • Explain valuation. This is arranged to ensure you have proper coverage for all belongings you plan on relocating.

VIRTUAL SURVEY:

If your schedule does not allow you to meet face-to-face with a representative, this is ideal, and we will still be able to provide you with an accurate estimate. Our consultants have been conducting surveys virtually since before the pandemic, so they are seasoned professionals.

The steps are like an in-home estimate. The difference is you’ll be meeting with your Clancy representative “virtually” using your smartphone or tablet. Imagine doing a video chat with your friends or family, but this time, you are video chatting with Clancy’s estimator and showing them your items.

Learn more about Virtual Surveys here.

SELF SURVEY:

This option is the easiest to schedule if you truly can’t make time to meet with one of our representatives virtually or in person.

After we document the basic details of your move, one of our call handlers will send you a link to either your email address or cell phone. Once you click that link, you will be prompted to record the items you’d like us to move.

  • Records audio so you can verbally explain details for your Clancy estimator who will review the footage and generate your quote. You should point out items that are not going, items that will need specialty care, etc.
  • Tips will be provided on the screen to ensure you record all important areas of the home.
  • The link does not expire for 30 days, so you are able to conduct the survey whenever is most convenient for you, regardless of the day or time.

In all options, your assigned Clancy Residential Sales Representative will provide you with the necessary information and review the services that we offer as a licensed mover. They will also help explain “Your Rights and Responsibilities as an Individual Shipper of Household Goods” (in accordance with US Department of Transportation guidelines, Click here to download your Rights-and-Responsibilities PDF).

Other things our Clancy Sales Representative will be looking for include:

  • How many stairs are there?
  • How narrow are your stairwells?
  • How wide are the entryway doors?
  • Is there a service entrance and/or elevator?
  • How steep is the driveway?
  • What do the access routes look like?
  • Are there low hanging wires on the road leading to your residence?

Some driveways are not accessible for a tractor-trailer. If that is the case, we may need to schedule a shuttle. This means we would bring in a smaller truck to load the items directly at your house. From there we would park our tractor trailer in a safe location to transfer your items from the shuttle.

U.S DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION WARNING:

The US DOT informs people about “rogue movers”. These are moving companies that don’t offer a visual consultation. You should be wary of any movers that are willing to offer you pricing, “without ever visiting your home or seeing the goods you want moved, they give a low estimate over the telephone or Internet. Once your goods are on their truck, they demand more money before they will deliver or unload them. They hold your goods hostage and force you to pay more — sometimes much more than you thought you had agreed to — if you want your possessions back.”

Both the US DOT and consumer advocate groups like Better Business will encourage you to get visual estimates before making a household move. This is especially true when moving a full residence out of state as you will be separated from your possessions by many days and miles.

Ready to get your move quoted by Clancy? Please contact us today to schedule your free appointment!

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