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Moving Tips
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Useful Moving Links |
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Change Address with the USPS |
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Free Moving Quotes - Research |
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American Moving and Storage Association |
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If you are making an interstate move, you should read
the The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's
Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move. The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also
provides valuable information for interstate moves in
News Releases Related to Moving Household Goods?
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As far in advance of your move as possible
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Consider
your budget for moving, break it down by cost
such as
moving boxes,
bubble wrap,
packing tape,
loose fill or packing peanuts, and misc.
costs as well as rental costs for truck or
dollies and so on. Once you have your budget in place. You need to decide if you are going to use a mover or do it yourself. Your budget may determine this question for you.
Do not assume you will save money if you do-it-
yourself. Don't forget about the costs for
insurance and gasoline for the truck, not to
mention the value of your 'sweat equity and the
food and beer for your friends and relatives
that offer to help on moving day.
Many movers have special deals they can offer
you through various organizations you may belong
to. Unions, the Auto Club, Masonic
organizations, etc. may have contracts with
movers to provide significant discounts for
their membership. If you belong to an
organization, check this out, it could save you
a lot of money.
Get Ready to Move.
Start collecting
boxes
as soon as possible. Your going to need more
boxes than you think -
Start collecting boxes
and
clean packaging from work, friends or your
favorite office store. Beware of used food boxes
as they may come with critters, odors or bugs.
Consider buying boxes you
can reuse after the move such as basement or
attic storage. If you have 15 inch high selves
order boxes that are 14 inches high so you can
use as storage later.
Be sure to do thorough research on any
moving company that you might use. Keep in mind the following when researching a moving company
time of year your are making your move. Moving companies are extremely busy during the summer months. You will want to keep this in mind as you plan your move.
Is there such a thing as a safe mover
Here are some additional links to help you
research moving companies.
Get estimates from several different moving companies will be to your advantage. Shop around and compare. Moving companies compete for business everyday and should be able to tell you why they would be your best choice. By shopping around for pricing you can work with your budget and also pick the company that best suits your needs. Be extremely cautious of moving companies that come in at a ridiculously lower rate then all other companies. Chances are that they will not be at the quality level that you are seeking and may not be a reliable moving source.
Get three written in-home estimates
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What
Possible Extra Charges ?
You will want to have your mover send a
representative to inspect the property you are
moving and obtain a written estimate, also ask about hidden
costs. In our experience, there are 3
categories of hidden costs:
1
- Not a standard item:
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Unusually heavy items may incur a separate
charge. If you own a grand piano or a
large custom entertainment center, you
should let your mover know before you accept
the quote and when the mover arrives on
moving day. Heavy items such as : hot
tubs/whirlpools, lawn mowers, Large TV's,
heavy-duty vacuums, skidoos/snowmobiles,
washers/dryers and refrigerators/freezers.
- If
it's not ready to move. If gas lines
need to be disconnected or furniture needs
to be disassembled, you may incur an extra
cost. If you are able to do this work
yourself before the movers arrive, you will
save time and money.
2
- Moving estimates assume that the movers can
get close access to your front door and there
aren't any flights of stairs. You could incur
extra costs if:
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Movers have to deal with flights of stairs. If you are in a 5th floor apartment you
can expect some sort of extra charge.
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Your street or driveway is too narrow for
the truck. Generally, movers prefer to
load your stuff directly onto the moving
truck. If they can't get that truck within a
few hundred feet of your door, expect to
incur extra costs. Sometimes they will have
to use a separate "shuttle truck" to move
your property from your house to another
location and transfer to the larger truck.
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Natural obstacles hinder access. If
trees or other natural obstacles prevent the
truck from getting close to your house, in
some cases you may have to do some quick
negotiation with the mover.
3
- Bad Estimates
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This is why its important to get an accurate
estimate. If you do an online estimate
without an on site estimate you have no
protection later if the movers hit you with
hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra
charges.
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Companies use
'agents' in most areas that are not really
the company you may think you are calling.
That's how the
industry works. The major van lines work
with smaller local movers who sell the van
lines services, and do local work for the
van lines (packing, local pickups and
deliveries, etc.) and often do limited
hauling. It is common for a major van line
to have more than one agent in a given
location, so it is important you check out
both the van lines AND the agent.
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Who are you dealing with?
If you are moving
internationally, you may not get the van
lines you think you are getting either as
most agents have no obligation to use their
primary interstate van lines for
international moves.
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Warning
Read this before booking a move with a mover
over the internet.
Never let a moving company start your move without having a signed binding contract. This is for your protection.
If you have a written estimate done by a
representative who came to your house, you have
certain legal protections against the price
being jacked up. So long as you do not make any
material changes in the move, the mover can only
collect within a certain percentage of his
estimate on delivery. In many cases, if the
actual charges legitimately go more than that,
you may owe him the money, but you will not have
to pay it on delivery. Many movers will even
guarantee their estimate if they come to your
home to do a home survey.
Always, always, always read the fine print of your contract before you sign it to protect yourself.
Be sure that you have a representative from the moving company that you will work directly with regarding your move. Most moving companies have an agent that will work with you one on one until your move is complete. This agent should be able to walk you through step by step the process that will take place. Be sure that you are open and honest and disclose all information requested of your agent so that there are no surprises later.
Insurance is a must if you are going with a mover. Protecting your property is protecting yourself. If your renter’s insurance will not cover your move, then consider purchasing supplemental insurance with the moving company. If you are not satisfied with the cost/coverage of the insurance offered by the insurance company then you may want to shop around for a third party insurance.
Also make sure the mover is properly insured.
Many fly-by-night companies do not have
workman's
compensation which is required by law in most
states. If workman's compensation coverage is not
in place and a worker gets hurt on your
property, you could be liable for his injuries.
Call the DOT at 1-800-786-5368 to verify he has
such coverage.
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You must share certain information with your mover such as destination address and the all important moving date. If there are any changes you must contact your agent to be sure that you are on the same page. Make sure that your mover has a way of contacting you at all times in case there is a glitch during the moving process. Should you need to have your car moved as part of your move you need to know if there are special instructions for drop off and pick up. Your agent should clearly share the details of this process.
There are many items that cannot be transported by moving companies, such as cleaners, paint thinners, etc. It is important that you know what these items are prior to your move.
▪ Hazardous Materials List
There are many items that you should transport yourself for safe keeping. These items may include things like your passport, will, jewelry, etc.
▪ Safeguard Sentimental
List
It is also imperative that you back up all of your computer information prior to the move. In the event anything happens to your computer your
data will be protected. You should also transport the back up yourself.
Another option is an online data storage service
that allows you to back up your entire hard
drive or multiple drives.
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4 - 6 weeks prior to move
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Alert your local post office that you are
moving. You can pick up change of address forms
at your post office or you can file the change
electronically at
United
States Postal Service
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4 - 5 weeks prior to move
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Contact family and friends either through snail
mail or email to announce your impending move.
Good time to seek out extra moving help if your
doing it yourself. If family and friends offer to help with your
move be prepared to let them know at this time
if their help will be needed. They can then mark
their calendars for the specific date.
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4 - weeks prior to move
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Plan your purge fest. Now is the time to go
through everything you own and decide if you
want to keep it, sell it, or purge it. Organize
your stuff into three piles. Keep, sell, toss.
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3 - 4 weeks prior to move
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Plan to have a rummage or garage sale. This will
be a great opportunity to re-coop some $ for
your sell pile. Remember to price accordingly so
that you can get rid of the entire pile. After
the sale either donate the remaining unsold
items to a charity or toss. This will leave you
with only your keep pile.
How to Have Big Money Garage Sales
If you decide that you are going to move
yourself and you do not have a vehicle that will
carry all of your belongings then you may need
to rent a truck. Again, it is always to your
benefit if you shop around for the best price
and size of vehicle that will make your move as
easy as possible for you. Check with your
insurance company for coverage while you drive
the vehicle. If you plan to rent a trailer then
you need to have a vehicle that can pull a
trailer with a hitch. Keep this in mind as you
shop for your moving vehicle.
If your plan is to do your move yourself you are
going to need supplies. Boxes, tape, packing
protection such as styro peanuts, bubble wrap,
etc. You will want to use your budget as a guide
to purchase these supplies. Companies such as
GBE Packaging advertise the lowest prices. Check
them out for yourself at
www.boxesandbags.com or
www.gbepackaging.com
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2 - 3 weeks prior to move
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Make sure you have enough boxes and tape for
your things to be packaged carefully.
As soon as you have all of your moving supplies
you are ready to start packing. Give yourself
enough time. Start your packing with items you
do not need. Pack up dishes and glasses ahead of
time and remember to use clean newsprint or
wrapping paper and cushion around all glass
items, everything.
Label all the boxes appropriately, i.e.,
“bathroom materials” This way the movers know
exactly where to go with the designated boxes
and you won’t be lugging a box of bathroom
supplies from the living room to your bathroom.
Make sure to label the boxes with permanent
markers so nothing on the boxes that’s noted can
be removed.
Decide what you will do with live plants. We
suggest you might give them to a friend or
relative, donate to hospitals or assisted living
centers. Sell your plants at a rummage sale or
flee market.
Time to make pet travel arrangements and make
sure they are up to date at the veterinarian.
Many states require pet health certificates and
rabies inoculations. Be sure that identification
and rabies tags are securely attached to your
pet's collars.
Arrange for transportation of pets. Whether you
take them in the car or send via air or bus
remember to get moving advice from your vet. One
option is to board pets either at destination or
at a kennel near your present home until you are
settled in the new city. Be warned that is an
expensive option.
Return library books and any borrowed tools to
friends or neighbors, pick up any dry cleaning
you may have at the cleaners, and pick up any
items you may have loaned out.
Keep packing try to pack several boxes each day
and remember to mark them on the side and top as
to the destination of the box at your new home.
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1 - 2 Days before Moving
Day
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You should have almost
everything packed and ready to go. Check closets
including the top shelves, cabinets top to
bottom, storage spaces or lockers and the attic.
If you live in the mid west you have the
basement to pack as well. Basements are great
for storage but usually loaded with spiders and
creepy crawlers so take the time to shake
everything out now.
It is your responsibility to see that all
mechanical and electrical equipment is properly
serviced and ready for shipping prior to the
arrival of the moving van or truck. If you have
failed to have an article serviced, the van
operator may load and haul it but may indicate
on the inventory sheet "Not Serviced."
Unplug all refrigerators and freezers 24 hours
in advance of a move, clean and leave open to
dry out. Unplug home computers, stereos, and
audio/video equipment. Computer equipment should
be packed and moved with extreme caution. Again
remember to back up your data and ship that
separately.
Don't wait until the last moment to deal with
your water bed. It can take more than two hours
just to drain a large water bed so do it the day
before you plan to move it.
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Working with Packers
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Before the packers arrive you
may want to organize items into stacks if you
want them packed together, such as toys or
crafts. Point out very fragile items needing
special attention and any boxes you want to be
first off the truck at your destination. Mark or
tag any items you do not want packed or moved.
Be on hand and monitor the packers, this is a
good time to make a box log and number each box
so you will know what is in each box.
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Moving Day
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Be sure that everything is
packed before moving day, you will want to be
free to monitor the loading and logging of the
items on the property inventory. It is your
responsibility to see that all of your property
is loaded on the truck safely, so remain on the
premises until all loading is complete. After
making a final inspection tour of the house,
check and sign your moving inventory. Get your
copy from the van operator and keep it safe.
Approve and sign the Bill of Lading/Freight
Bill. It states the terms and conditions under
which your goods are moved and is also your
receipt for the shipment. Be sure to complete
and sign the declared valuation statement.
Complete and sign the High-Value Inventory form,
whether or not items of extraordinary value are
included in the shipment. You also need to sign
and date the "Extraordinary (Unusual) Value
Article Declaration" box on the Bill of Lading,
if applicable to your shipment. Make sure the
van operator / mover has the exact destination
address. Be sure to let the van operator know
how you can be reached, including phone numbers
for you and a second contact person who can
reach you in case of an emergency. If you do not
have a cell phone you may want to keep one house
phone connected and working throughout the
entire move. After the movers leave and you
finish any last minute calls be sure to pack the
phone.
Before the movers drive off from the pick-up
location, make sure to do one last walk through
of the house with the foremen of the movers to
make sure everything that you want to be loaded
is on the truck and nothing is left behind. Be
sure to go through your moving checklist to make
sure everything is correct.
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Last Minute Moving Tips
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Take a last look around, make sure you have not
left anything? |
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basements, crawl spaces, attics, turn down water
heater. |
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UUtilities arranged for disconnection or
transfered to new owners? |
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Shut off AC and furnace?
Winter months heat to lowest setting? |
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If leaving appliances unplug and leave
refrigerator / freezer doors open. |
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Lights and ceiling fans off? |
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House locked up securely? Lock all windows &
doors. |
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Delivery Day Moving
Checklist
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If at all possible you will want
to be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot
be there personally, be sure you authorize an
adult that you trust to be your representative,
accept delivery and pay the charges for you.
The van operator should attempt to contact you
by phone and/or will make an appearance at your
destination residence. If you are unable to
accept delivery of your shipment within the
allowed waiting time per your moving contract
(i.e., two hours) you should contact the van
operator or your moving representative ASAP to
make secondary arrangements. Extra charges may
be enforced if you are unable to accept delivery
in a set amount of time.
Inspect your household goods as they are
unloaded from the truck, watch for major damage
from crushing or scratches on appliances or
furniture. If there is a change in the condition
of the property from that which was noted on the
inventory at the time of loading or if any items
are missing, note discrepancies on the van
operator's copy of the inventory sheet. By
signing the inventory sheet, you are
acknowledging receipt of all items listed. you
will want to personally report any loss or
damage to your salesperson or move coordinator
as soon as possible.
Be available to direct the movers. When
unloading, the movers should place your
furniture as you direct including the laying of
rugs and setting up any beds disassembled at
time of loading. It is generally the owners
responsibility to unpack mattresses and set up
the appliances. For an additional charge, your
salesperson or move coordinator can arrange for
for you complete setup for appliances and large
furniture pieces. The movers are not obligated
to rearrange your furniture.
Bad weather on
moving day!
Consider using a
Carpet Protection Tape and Dispensers to keep the carpet clean.
If you live in a northern state you may want to
allow electronics and computers 24 hours for
them to adjust to room temperatures before
plugging in to AC power and using.
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Tips by State
New York State Moving Tips
If you're moving within New
York State, read the
New York State Department of Transportation's Consumer
Tips. You should also read a booklet titled Summary
of Information for Shippers of Household Goods, prepared
by the New York State Department of Transportation and
which your mover is required by law to provide to you.
If you are making an interstate move, you should read
the The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's
Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move. The
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration also
provides valuable information for interstate moves in
News Releases Related to Moving Household Goods?
Check out your mover with the
New York Better Business Bureau
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GBE Packaging, Milwaukee
Serving Industry since 1998
Fast
Shipping - Lowest Prices
GBE Packaging, Milwaukee |
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