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So,
your home is in escrow. You’re preparing for the next big phase
of this experience - THE MOVE.
Of
course, many horror stories abound about moves that didn’t go
well. This entire section is designed to give you tips on how
to avoid moving problems, and consequently to make your move as
easy as possible.
Choosing
The Right Moving Company
When
trying to choose which moving company will ultimately get the
job of moving your precious belongings, follow these suggestions:
- Don’t be
afraid to get as many quotes as you can.
- Keep in mind
that certain movers offer non-guaranteed estimates that are
often 'low-balled', and then these movers present you with
a huge bill when the move is complete.
- 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. Licenses: Check to see that 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 the DOT phone number list for each state at
the bottom of the page.
2. Estimates: Estimating uses a number of
unscientific variables factored into how long the move will take.
Professional estimators use a variety of items in calculating
the cost of a move. These include the size and weight of each
individual piece of furniture, an estimate of how many boxes,
and how much tape and packing material, etc. will be used. Then
the estimator factors in how many trucks it will take, how many
movers will be required, and the distance from point A to point
B. Once this has been done, the final estimate is determined.
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 it.
- 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 moving industry. These
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. Instead, it is a protracted price
list of costs based on the experience of jobs similar to yours.
Not to exceed: This quote is binding only
for the mover and states that the final price for the move will
not exceed the estimated figure. If the move, however, is less
than the estimated amount, you pay the lesser price.
Do
not accept binding estimates over the telephone or the Internet!
Accurate estimates 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 of estimate you end up with, make sure that
the amount is written into the contract.
3. Customer dissatisfaction: Check for dissatisfied
customers. The moving industry is wrought with this type of customer.
Some are justifiable, some or not. Beware of any mover who has
received the same complaint from a number of customers, whether
the complaints are 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 information on the movers you’re thinking about hiring.
4. Recommendations: Ask those who you know
have moved before for their recommendations. However, 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 a company’s 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. What it is about is protecting your
personal belongings and having them arrive at your new home safely
and unbroken. 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 the reason why large, recognizable moving companies charge
what they do. A cheap rate should 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, and
check their facility. Make sure these are the types 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
Yourself
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,
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 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 adhesive based
tape such as 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, 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 that the list seems almost endless.
However, here is a list of items that can be completed well in
advance of your moving date.
6
weeks before moving:
- Fill out
a change of address order form for the post office.
- Prepare an
inventory of everything you own. Divide this inventory into
three separate categories: items to be handled by the mover,
items to be handled by you, and 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 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 incur 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 town 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 your 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
your 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:
- Cats
and Dogs - Cats and dogs can be taken in your car.
If so, remember to take along the following items:
- Food
- Water
- A
leash for letting your pet out of the car
- Newspaper
or sheets to keep your car clean
- 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.
- Be sure
to check if your destination has any local requirements
or restrictions on animals.
- 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.
- If you
are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can
ride in the baggage compartment. You may need the following
items:
- Health
certificate. Obtain this from your veterinarian.
- Pet
container. The airline might have a special container
available or you can use your own as long as it complies
with airline regulations.
- Tranquilizers.
Your vet can provide tranquilizers to be given to
your pet immediately before going to the airport.
- Your
scent. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece
of cloth with your scent on it.
- 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.
- 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 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 your 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.
If
you follow these ideas, tips, and suggestions, you should be able
to accomplish your move with a minimal amount of disruption and
heartache.
Phone
Numbers for the Department of Transportation by State.
Alabama
(334) 223-7370 |
Alaska
(907) 278-1779 |
Arizona
(602) 255-7011 |
Arkansas
(501) 569-2000 |
California
(916) 654-5266 |
Colorado
(303) 894-2000 |
Connecticut
(860) 594-2000 |
DC
Washington
(202) 358-7000 |
Delaware
1-800-652-5600 |
Florida
(850) 488-7920 |
Georgia
(404) 656-5206 |
Hawaii
(808) 587-2160 |
Idaho
(208) 332-1817 |
Illinois
(312) 793-3456 |
Indiana
(317) 232-5533 |
Iowa
(515) 239-1111 |
Kansas
(785) 296-3585 |
Kentucky
(502) 564-4890 |
Louisiana
(225) 379-1100 |
Maine
(207) 287-2841 |
Massachusetts
(617) 494-2416 |
Michigan
(517) 373-2114 |
Minnesota
(651) 296-3000 |
Missouri
(573) 751-2551 |
Montana
(406) 444-6200 |
New
Jersey
(609) 530-2000 |
New
Mexico
(505) 827-5100 |
New
York
1-800-786-5368 |
Nevada
(702) 888-7000 |
North
Carolina
(919) 733-2520 |
Ohio
(419) 422-3035 |
Oregon
1-800-275-6368 |
Pennsylvania
(717) 787-2838 |
Rhode
Island
1-800-354-9595 |
South
Carolina
(803) 737-1302 |
South
Dakota
(605) 773-3265 |
Tennessee
(615) 741-2331 |
Texas
1-800-832-5660 |
Utah
(801) 965-4559 |
Vermont
(802) 828-2641 |
Virginia
(804) 367-0538 |
Washington
1-800-367-ROAD |
West
Virginia
(304) 558-2723 |
Wisconsin
(608) 266-1113 |
Wyoming
(307) 777-4375 |
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