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The two things you must remember and
keep in mind throughout the moving process: always keep
your cool and plan ahead. It will keep you in control
of any situation and it will help to calm and reassure
those counting on you.
With any move the unexpected will occur.
Scratches will happen and nerves can get frayed. But
it's important to keep your perspective. And while you
can't prevent every surprise, you can go a long way
to preventing most surprises with just a little preparation
and fore-thought. And if you have hired professional
movers, it could save you from making some expensive
mistakes.
The following tips can help your
move go smoothly:
Information you should Check in
Advance
- Inquire about the moving company's on time record
and check references.
- Check with the local Better Business Bureau for
consumer complaints.
- Verify the status of the moving company's licensure
with the US DOT, State DOT, or ICC (as appropriate).
- Moving companies are limited by law as to how
much they can protect you (liability) for lost or
damaged goods. To cover potential damage or loss,
check your existing homeowners insurance policy
as to whether it can be used as a supplement. Also
look into transit insurance as a supplement.
- Carefully document an inventory of your belongings
before you pack.
Information the Movers should Know
in Advance
- Inform the moving company of how many stairs there
are at your new home or apartment.
- Inform the moving company of low-hanging utility
wires or tree branches in your current and new neighborhood,
as it may impede the moving truck getting to your
residence.
Contracts and Guarantees
- Ask about expected gratuities and commit such
gratuities to the contract in writing.
- Have the contract include a guarantee of how many
hours the job will take.
- Check that the contract clearly includes all charges
and important dates; packing, pick-up, delivery,
etc.
- DO NOT leave your old home before the movers are
completed loading the truck and are ready to depart
for your new home (or storage, if the case may be).
You must sign the bill of lading. If you do not
sign the bill of lading upon completion of loading
the truck, you open yourself to liability.
What you can do to Help
the Movers
- On moving day, you should have everything ready
to go but a few small things can make all the difference.
For instance, when the movers show up in the morning,
have fresh, hot coffee ready for them. This small
gesture will help "warm" them up to you
and a small amount of personable behavior never
hurts when they're carrying your beloved arm-chair.
Likewise, you should also consider buying a couple
pizzas for lunch.
- Make yourself available to answer any of their
questions or speak with them regarding any concerns.
Open communication is key to your moving day. Make
sure you know exactly what is going on. If you feel
uncomfortable about something, let them know as
soon as possible so it can be addressed. Be careful
not to micromanage your movers. They do this for
a living and draw from a deep well of experience.
That said, if you are unsure about something make
them explain it.
- Do what you can to keep the mood light and spirits
up. It will go a long way to making a long day a
rewarding day!
- Keep bottled water around to maintain hydrated.
The move is hectic enough without a trip to the
hospital!
Some Extra Tips to Remember
- Important documents such as wills or deeds, jewelry,
computers, artwork, photographs, and home videos
are impossible to replace. Consider either transporting
these to you new home on your own or moving these
and other important belongings to a safety deposit
box while you move.
- Remember to fill any holes left in the walls.
Your local hardware store will carry wall putty
which is effective and affordable. This could mean
a sizable difference in your security deposit (if
you rent).
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