All the right moves

This is Part 2 of The Troubleshooter's cost-comparison survey on moving. Part 1 in yesterday's Seattle Times Scene section addressed long-distance moves, consumer advice regardless of distance, and how to file a complaint.

Of the more than 40 million Americans who relocate annually, most move no farther than the nearest city or town, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

That's true for Betsy and Philippe Gayte and their sons, Alex, 6, and Ryan, 3, who soon will move three miles from Bellevue to Renton.

One of the dilemmas facing those who make short moves is, should they hire a professional mover to take the hassle out of moving day? Or, should they rely on the well-known "beer and buddy" system, renting a truck and recruiting friends to help, with the promise of dinner and libations at the end of the day?

To find out how real people fare in the moving process, we recruited consumers who actually are moving, and with the exception of Brian and Dnell Cronk, who rented their own Ryder truck, we supplied our volunteers with information on state and federal rules for the moving industry and money-saving tips. They sought bids on their own from companies of their choice.

In the past, the Gaytes recruited friends, but now they and their friends are too busy with youngsters and jobs, so this move will be done by professionals.

They will move from a 1,700-square-foot house with three bedrooms to a 2,600-square-foot house with more space for their growing boys. The move includes a stop at Philippe's parents home to pick up a small piano.

Betsy is doing most of the packing. The couple have sold or given away some furniture to avoid moving items of little value.

Moving costs are negotiable, according to our research. In one of the most competitive industries, consumers can get discounts of 50 percent or more on out-of-state moves. That's because interstate tariffs have a maximum, but no minimum, so moving companies can give huge discounts if they wish.

But that's not the case on short moves like the one the Gaytes plan.

Under Washington state's law, companies performing moves within the state are specifically permitted to charge 15 percent above or 35 percent below the rates for transportation and services published by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).

While it may sound as if it would be easy to get a discount, Betsy Gayte found that wasn't true. She told the estimating agents she was aware of the range they could charge, but she didn't feel they quoted big discounts.

Since the Gaytes' move is under 35 miles, costs are based on hourly charges for truck and driver and added laborers. (Charges for moves of more than 35 miles are based on weight of household goods, hourly labor costs, mileage and fuel costs.)

According to rates published by the WUTC, for moves requiring more than three hours, the minimum charge for truck and driver is $31.04 per hour, the maximum $54.91. For each added laborer, the range is from $24.25 to $42.90 per hour. The rates are higher for overtime.

All three companies from which Betsy Gayte got estimates told her she would need a driver and two added laborers.

-- Air Van North America's estimate was $978.80 for an eight-hour move. Under state tariffs, the company could have charged the couple from $636.32 to $1,125.68.

-- Chipman Moving & Storage's estimate for a seven-hour move was $826 (plus $70 worth of added valuation protection for damages). Under state tariffs, Chipman could have charged from $556.78 to $984.97.

-- Western Van & Storage said the move would require eight hours plus one hour overtime, and estimated labor costs at $1,182.50 (plus $126 for extra valuation protection). Under state tariffs, Western could have charged from $738.18 to $1,305.90.

So although they got some discount, the Gaytes were shocked that the estimates ranged from $800 to almost $1,200 to move three miles, not counting extra valuation coverage.

"I think it's kind of sad to spend that much on such a short distance," she said.

Two estimates included charges for extra valuation protection - similar to insurance - should their possessions be lost or damaged.

The couple haven't decided whether to purchase the coverage, or which mover they will use. Like the other consumers we recruited for our inside look at moving costs, Betsy Gayte said she was "leaning toward the agent who gave the best service."

One agent told Gayte she really didn't need extra valuation for a short move; another did not explain the coverage well, in her opinion.

Jay Lawley, managing director of the Washington Movers Conference, a trade group, said Gayte's feelings about buying extra valuation coverage mirror those of others making short moves. Only about half of consumers moving less than 35 miles buy added protection, he said.

Consumers whose moves are being paid for by a corporation almost always buy extra valuation, Lawley added. Those who are paying cash-on-delivery, not paying by credit cards, are less likely to buy the added coverage.

Before consumers agree to pay for added coverage, they should consult their homeowner's insurance policy to learn whether they have coverage during a move.

One reason Gayte said she wanted to use a professional mover instead of the "beer and buddy" system struck me as valid.

"What happens if a friend inadvertently damages a favorite piece of furniture or treasured item? Does it spoil the friendship?"

On the other hand, making a short move in a rented truck can be very economical, as Brian and Dnell Cronk learned last week. The Cronks recruited a co-worker of Brian's, then rented a small truck at the end of the day and returned it before 8 a.m. the next morning. It's called a "shift rental." Cost? About $50.

If you want to try a do-it-yourself move and don't have enough people power to shoulder the load, you could consider hiring laborers from "pack and load" companies, which are listed in The Yellow Pages under "Movers."

For a fee, these workers will provide the muscle for heavy lifting during a move. However, bear in mind they are not registered as movers, nor are they regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Be sure to ask your insurance agent and the "pack and load" companies how losses or damages would be covered if you chose this method.

Look for more on moving in Sunday's Troubleshooter column.

Shelby Gilje's Troubleshooter column appears Wednesday and Sunday in the Scene section of The Times. Write to Times Troubleshooter, P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA 98111. Phone, 206-464-2262, fax 206-382-8873, or e-mail troubleshooter@seattletimes.com

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Brian and Dnell Cronk, who were married eight months ago, used the "buddy system" for their move last week. The Cronks recruited Brian's co-worker, Jason Adrian, to help them move from a 700-square-foot Lake City apartment to a more spacious townhouse they've rented in Bothell.

The couple rented a 10-foot truck from Ryder Truck Rental and paid about $50, which included the $29.99 rental fee, mileage and tax. Brian rented under what is called a "shift rental," meaning after 3:30 p.m. with the promise of returning the truck before 8 a.m. the next day.

And because it was a weekday, not a weekend, and Brian filled up the truck's tank before returning it, the rental was much cheaper than it would have been on a weekend or holiday. Ryder charges $3 a gallon if consumers do not return the truck with a full tank.

Brian was able to borrow a hand truck and pads from his workplace and got free boxes from stores. "We did get a rip in our sofa," Brian said, "and we're still debating how that happened."

He figured that hiring a professional for the 30-mile move would have cost substantially more.

------------------------- Bids for Gayte move to Renton

Agent Air Van Chipman Western Van

North America Moving & Storage & Storage

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Date of March 24 March 24 March 23

estimate

Move detail Three movers, Three movers, one Three movers,

one van: $122.35 van: $122.35 one van: $125

per hour for for seven hours per hour for

eight hours overtime $160

Additional Includes extra Includes extra Includes extra

information stop to pick stop to pick up stop to pick

piano; consumer piano; consumer piano; consumer

packs packs; valuation packs; valuation

is depreciated with is depreciated

no deductible with no deductible;

includes 2 percent

fuel surcharge of

$22,50

Valuation Consumer to $10,000 at $70 $18,000 at $126

advise

Total

estimate $978.80 $926.45 $1,308.50

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The Seattle Times

Van rental for local move Rates ere obtained on April 5 for 24-foot van to be rented about May 1. Customer indicated she could be flexible on the date. Trauck will be returned to the same location.

Company Budget/Sears Ryder Truck Thrifty Truck U-Haul Rental .

Car and Truck Rental Rental (kelly's auto

Repair and

U-Haul) Phone 206-682-8782 206-621-7583 206-878-1234 206361-6086 .

24-hour $59 $89.95 $75 $39.95 .

rental

Cost per

mile 39 cents 49 cents 24 cents 49 cents š

Hand truck $10 $15 $10 $5-$7 .

cost

Packing Varies by Sold at site Varies by Sold at site

materials location location

Notes 98 percent Truck are Call ahead Rental is for

of all more expensive reserve up to 24 hours,

location are at the begin- packing dependent on

participating ning of the materials to on availability

Sears Car month, other- to pick up independent

and Truck wise $69.95. up with the dealers as well

Rental Ryder TRS is truck. as corporate

locations. a division of locations; prices

Group Inc. may vary.

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Compiled by Cheryl Morningstar, The Seattle Times THE SEATTLE TIMES