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So, your home is on the market. You’re
preparing for the next big phase of this experience. THE
MOVE.
Many horror stories are abound. This entire section
is designed to reduce the pitfalls of this endeavor and accentuate the
experience to be a positive one.
Choosing The Right
Moving Company
When weeding through the maze of the
thousands of name and lesser name moving companies to choose who will ultimately
get the job of moving your precious belongings, follow these details. For
starters, do not be afraid to get as many quotes as you can. Be aware
that certain movers offer non-guaranteed estimates that are often time
'low-balled' and then hit you up for a huge bill when the move is complete. In
order to avoid this predicament, always make sure that any estimates you receive
from movers are either 'binding' or include a 'not to exceed' clause.
Here’s a checklist to follow when
choosing and interviewing moving companies.
1. License:
Check to see if the mover is licensed with your state's Department of
Transportation. Simply ask for their mover's license certificate and call the
DOT for verification. See complete DOT phone number list at bottom
of page.
2. Estimates:
Estimating requires a series of unscientific variables factored into how long
the move will take. Professional estimators use a variety of formulas for
calculating the cost. These range from size and weight of each individual piece
of furniture and combine that with an estimate of how many boxes, how much tape,
packing material, etc., and then factor in how many trucks it will take, how
many movers and the distance from point A to point B. Other companies
eyeball everything and give you a quote based on past experience. Here are some
estimating tips:
- Inquire as to what type of estimating the
moving company offers. (See below)
- Present the estimator with everything you
are taking with you. This includes all items found in the basement, attic,
shed/barn, closets, in other storage facilities, etc.
- Inquire as to how binding the estimate is.
Low priced estimates are especially crucial. If the estimate is binding, make
sure the contract indicates so.
- Inquire about purchasing extra
valuation/insurance. Movers provide basic insurance that may not cover the
cost of replacement for very expensive items.
There are several kinds of estimating
used in the industry. They include:
- Binding Estimate:
The mover offers a guaranteed price, within a small percentage of deviation,
that is based on a complete list of items to be moved and the type of service
performed.
- Non-binding or hourly
rate: Essentially, this is not even an estimate but rather, a
protracted price list of costs based on experience of jobs similar to yours.
- Not to exceed: This
quote is binding only for the mover and states the final price for the move
will not exceed the estimate figure. If the move however, arrives in under the
estimated amount, you pay the lesser price.
Do not accept binding estimates over
the telephone or the Internet! Accurate appraisals must be given in person after
an estimator evaluates all your goods. To receive the most accurate estimate,
follow these instructions:
- Be very clear as to which items you are packing.
- Be very clear as to which items the mover packs
- Be very clear which items need to be picked up
from a storage facility.
- Be very clear what packing supplies you'll need
(boxes, wrapping, tape, etc.).
- Be very clear as to the exact destination of the
move.
Regardless of which kind you end up
with make sure that the amount is written into the contract.
3. Customer
satisfaction: Check for dissatisfied customers. The moving
industry is wrought with incidents. Some are justifiable, some or not. Beware of
any mover who has received the same complaint from a number of customers,
whether about price, the handling of household goods, or punctuality. Contact
your local Better Business Bureau or click here for the national BBB
http://www.bbb.org Also check
your state's DOT for more info on the movers you’re deciding on.
4.
Recommendations: Ask those who you know who have moved before for
their recommendations. Beware; this should not be a substitute for your own
research. Ask each of your prospective movers for references from previous
customers and for documents on their history of service.
5. Local trade association
membership: Local trade associations maintain high standards and
will give you detailed information about companies' business practices. In the
case of a dispute, you will have a higher power with whom to air your
grievances. One such trade organization is the American Movers
Conference.
6. Insurance:
Any reputable mover has insurance and will be glad to go over the
coverage and transit protection options.
7. Price/Rates:
Remember, moving is not always about getting the best price, it's about
protecting your personals and having it arrive at your new home in one piece. Do
not select a mover on price alone. Moving companies must carry insurance,
provide trained personnel and maintain their trucks and equipment. These are
costly expenses and are part of why large, very recognizable companies charge
what they do. A cheap rate may serve as a red flag.
8. Storage:
Inquire as to whether your mover provides a storage facility to store
your belongings in case they cannot be moved in your new home right away.
Inquire as to whether they own their own facility or if they store goods in a
public facility used by other carriers.
9. Watch them work:
Inquire if the mover is working with a local family. Pay that family a
visit on the day of the move and observe for yourself how they conduct
themselves.
10. Visit the
Mover: If the mover is local, drive by and visit them in person.
Look around the office. The yard. Make sure these are the type of people you
want coming into your home, touching your belongings and moving them somewhere
else.
11. Check existing homeowner's
or renter's policy: To cover potential damage coverage as movers
are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged
goods.
12. Gratuities:
Inquire as to expected gratuities and write these into the
contract.
13 Overrun Guarantees:
Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will
take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
Packing
You have two choices when it comes to
packing.
- Packing it yourself.
- Letting the movers do everything.
Smart Packing
If you
choose to do the majority of the packing yourself, you stand to save a lot of
money. Study these tips to insure you do the best packing job possible.
- Limit yourself to packing only non-fragile items
such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as
plates, dishes (not fine china), and small kitchen appliances. These items
will be cheaper to replace in case of damage as opposed to hiring workers for
the extra labor. For the large items, such as furniture, mattresses, and heavy
appliances, let the mover pack these.
- Pack everything carefully. It is important for
you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper,
bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item
separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack
plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase
strong tape adhesive based tape like duct tape or the plastic and strapping
tape that professional movers use.
- Create an inventory list of all your goods and
cross reference them to their assigned boxes which should all be numbered.
- Let your mover inspect your packed boxes - Point
them out to your mover especially the fragile and valuable boxes. Movers do
have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any
improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All
repacking services usually come at an additional cost. Professional moving
companies use only sturdy and reinforced cartons. Although the boxes you can
obtain from your neighborhood supermarket may be free, they are not nearly as
strong or padded. They are more susceptible to causing damage to your
valuables in transit. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they
didn't pack.
- Appliances - To protect themselves, many
movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to
pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer
and dryer.
- Computers - Do this yourself. Make sure you
back-up your important files and take them with you.
- Plants/Pets - Movers will not transport plants
or pets. If you do not wish to give them away, don't forget to prepare them
for the move. They will need a 'plant/pet suitcase' of their own.
- Hazardous materials - Movers will not
transport or allow you to pack hazardous materials. These items include:
paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled
gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor
fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans.
Preparing For The
Move
There’s so much to do before you move. The list is
almost endless.
6 weeks before moving:
- Fill out change of address order form for post
office.
- Prepare an inventory of everything you own.
Divide this inventory into three separate categories:
a. Items to be
handled by the mover
b. Items to be handled by you
c. Items
to be left behind.
- Pack stock certificates, wills and other
one-of-a-kind items (jewelry, photos and home videos) that will be difficult
or impossible to replace. Plan to carry them with you instead of packing them.
- Get rid of what you don’t need either through a
garage sale, give a way to friends or charity or haul off to the dump.
- Contact your insurance agent to transfer
property, fire, auto and medical insurance.
- Organize dental and medical records.
Include prescriptions, eyeglass specifications and vaccination records.
- Inquire about changes that you may occur in your
auto licensing and insurance when moving.
- Notify your children's school(s). Make
arrangement for records to be forwarded to the new school district.
- Contact any clubs or organizations you are
associated with for information on transferring, selling, or ending your
memberships.
- Get acclimated to your new community. Drive
around and learn where the important destinations are, e.g. shopping
districts, hospitals, police and fire departments.
- Contact the Chamber of Commerce or Visitor's
Bureau to request information on schools, parks and recreation, community
calendars and maps.
- If you plan to do any part of the packing, start
collecting suitable containers and packing materials.
- Cancel local deliveries.
- If you have pets, call your new township to
determine if there are any specific requirements for pet ownership. In
addition, obtain and transfer veterinarian records.
- Register your children in their new schools.
- Fill out an IRS change of address form.
- Make arrangements with moving company or reserve
a rental truck.
- Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with
airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
- Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and
civic organizations.
- Obtain medical and dental records, x-rays and
prescription histories. Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer
prescriptions.
- Set up a checking account in your new city.
- Check into the laws and requirements of your new
city regarding home-based businesses, professional tests, business licenses
and any special laws that might be applicable to you.
- Take inventory of your belongings before they're
packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. If possible,
take pictures or video tape your belongings. Record serial numbers of
electronic equipment.
- Make arrangements for transporting pets:
A. Cats and Dogs - Cats and dogs can be taken in your car. If so,
remember to take along the following items:
i. Food
ii. Water
iii. A leash for letting your pet out of the
car
iv. Newspaper or sheets to keep your car
clean
v. If you are moving a long distance
away, check ahead to see if the hotels where you are staying allows pets.
Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it
shipped by air.
vi. Be sure to check if your
destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.
B.
Shipping Pets by Air - To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can
meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until
you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have
completed your move, if necessary.
i. If you
are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage
compartment. You may need the following
items:
a. Health
certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
b. Pet
container. The airline might have a special container available or you can use
your own as long as it complies with airline regulations.
c. Tranquilizers. Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to your
pet immediately before going to the airport.
d. Your scent.
Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on
it.
C. Smaller Animals - Hamsters, birds and other small animals can easily
be transported in your car. To help keep the animals calm and quiet, cover
cages with a cloth. Also, make sure they have food and water
available.
a. Fish - It can be very
impractical and risky to move fish. Check with your local pet store for
recommendations on moving your specific type of fish.
- Start using up food items, so that there
is less left to pack and possibly spoil.
2 Weeks Before Moving
- Switch utility services to new address. Inform
electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone and
cable companies of your move.
- Arrange for help on moving day.
- Confirm travel reservations.
- Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment.
- Have appliances serviced for moving.
- Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped
for moving.
- Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
- Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to
your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or
automatic payments that haven't been processed.
- Collect valuables from safe-deposit box. Make
copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your
new address.
- Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll
be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
- Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place
deodorizer inside to control odors.
- Give a close friend or relative your
travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.
On Moving Day
- Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic
and garage to be sure they are empty.
- Pack important documents, currency and jewelry
yourself, or use registered mail.
- Carry traveler's checks for quick, available
funds. Strip your beds, and make sure the bedding goes into a 'Load Last' box.
- Make sure to be on hand when the movers arrive.
- Confirm the delivery date and time at your new
address. Write directions to your new home for the driver. Provide the new
phone number, and include phone numbers where you can be reached in transit
(cell phone). Make sure to take along the driver’s name, address and telephone
number.
- Spend as much time with the mover as possible.
If you have special instructions, like what to load first and last make sure
it is explained to your mover. Communicate well with the movers. If you choose
to have your mover handle your valuables or other fragile goods, tell the
mover in advance.
- Review all details and paperwork with driver.
Accompany the driver as he or she inspects and tags each piece of furniture
with an identifying number. These numbers, along with a detailed description
of your goods and their condition at the time of loading, will appear on the
inventory.
- Make sure all of your goods are loaded.
- Perform a final inspection of the
premises.
After Arriving At New Home
- Renew your driver's license, auto registration
and tags.
- Shop around for new insurance policies,
especially auto coverage.
- Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid
longer probate and higher legal fees.
- Have all utilities turned on. (Phone, gas,
electricity, Internet, cable TV)
- Locate the hospitals, police stations,
veterinarian and fire stations near your home.
- Be at the premises when the movers arrive.
Remain on the premises while your belongings are being unloaded. If you cannot
be there personally, be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative
to accept delivery and pay the charges for you. Inform the destination agent
of your chosen representative's name.
- Have payment on hand for your moving charges.
Unless other billing arrangements were made in advance, payment is required
upon delivery in cash, traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check. Most
of the time Personal checks are not accepted.
- Confine your pets to an out-of-the-way room to
help keep them from running away or becoming agitated by all of the activity.
- Review your floor plan so you can tell the
movers where to place your furniture, appliances, beds, and boxes.
- Be available to direct them as they
unload. To prevent possible damage, televisions, stereos, computers, other
electronic equipment and major appliances should not be used for 24 hours
after delivery, allowing them time to adjust to room temperature.
Department of Transportation (DOT) by state:
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Alabama |
(334) 223-7370
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Alaska |
(907) 278-1779
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Arizona |
(602) 255-7011
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Arkansas |
(501) 569-2000
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California |
(916) 654-5266
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Colorado |
(303) 894-2000
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Connecticut |
(860) 594-2000
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DC Washington
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(202) 358-7000
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Delaware
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(302) 760-2080
or
1-800-652-5600 |
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Florida |
(850) 488-7920
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Georgia |
(404) 656-5206
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Hawaii |
(808) 587-2160
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Idaho |
(208) 332-1817
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Illinois |
(312) 793-3456
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Indiana |
(317) 232-5533
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Iowa |
(515) 239-1111
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Kansas |
(785) 296-3585
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Kentucky |
(502) 564-4890
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Louisiana |
(225) 379-1100
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Maine |
(207) 287-2841
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Massachusetts |
(617) 494-2416
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Michigan |
(517) 373-2114
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Minnesota |
(651) 296-3000
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Missouri |
(573) 751-2551
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Montana |
(406) 444-6200
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New Jersey
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(609) 530-2000
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New Mexico
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(505) 827-5100
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New York
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1-800-786-5368 |
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Nevada |
(702) 888-7000
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North Carolina
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(919) 733-2520
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Ohio |
(419) 422-3035
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Oregon |
1-800-275-6368 |
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Pennsylvania |
(717) 787-2838
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Rhode Island
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1-800-354-9595 |
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South Carolina
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(803) 737-1302
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South Dakota
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(605) 773-3265
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Tennessee |
(615) 741-2331
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Texas |
1-800-832-5660 |
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Utah |
(801) 965-4559
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Vermont |
(802) 828-2641
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Virginia |
(804) 367-0538
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Washington |
1-800-367-ROAD |
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West Virginia
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(304) 558-2723
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Wisconsin |
(608) 266-1113
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Wyoming |
(307) 777-4375
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