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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 licenses 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.
- Find out what moving services the moving company performs.
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).
Now you're ready to get some free moving quotes!
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