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Making the Move with Movers
While getting the keys to your new home is an exhilarating
experience, moving is an intimidating - not to mention expensive - prospect for most
families. The good news is moving hassles can be mitigated by careful preparation and
supervision.
The first step is to shop around for a mover and compare prices.
Interstate moves are handled by major long-distance van lines,
which set prices according to standard rates for weight and distance plus any extra
services such as packing and boxes. Shorter in-state moves are handled by local companies,
which base their prices almost entirely on labor costs figured at a set rate per hour.
Moving companies offer binding and non-binding estimates. A
binding estimate means the mover sets a price for the services to be performed. This will
be your final charge unless you make any changes in the course of moving. With non-binding
estimates the final charge is totaled up after the services are rendered. Non-binding
estimates tend to be lower, but because they are subject to change you can reasonably
expect that the charge will be 10 percent higher.
Here are some tips when dealing with movers:
Get everything in writing. Save all contracts, orders and
receipts in case you encounter problems.
Obtain the movers policy on inconvenience or delay. Confirm
the pick up and delivery schedule and make sure the mover follows through as promised in
writing.
Look for licensed, insured and bonded movers. Interstate
movers are regulated by the Interstate Commerce Commission; In-state movers are governed
by state authorities.
Make sure your belongings adequately insured against damage.
Most moving companies offer limited liability insurance toward replacement costs of items
they pack. Obviously, this may be inadequate, particularly for valuables. Find out what
your homeowners insurance policy covers during moves and what additional insurance may be
purchased through the mover.
Planning the perfect move. I look forward to getting you into
your new home. Here are some helpful tips to get you started.
Before you move:
Simplify your life by leaving some of the load behind. Before
you start packing, sort through your belongings and decide what can be sold, donated to
charity or thrown away.
Start saving newspapers and boxes for packing.
If you plan to arrive in a new town before your home is ready
to move in, make arrangements for interim lodging and storage.
Schedule repair, decoration or renovation work for the new
home several weeks prior to the move so that messy or inconvenient work can be done before
you unpack everything and get settled in.
Three weeks before the move, contact your local utility
companies and arrange to have phone, electricity, water and gas services disconnected at
the end of moving day. Arrange hookups in your new home.
Two weeks before moving day, arrange stop dates for pick-up
and delivery services, including garbage and newspaper. Investigate these services in your
new locale.
Two weeks before moving day, complete and mail
change-of-address cards available at your local post office. When you pay your bills,
remember to provide your new address.
If you’re moving with pets, consult your veterinarian for
special precautions.
Several free or inexpensive publications containing valuable
moving tips are available. They include When You Move, provided by household goods movers,
Helpful Tips in Planning Your Interstate Move by the Interstate Commerce Commission, Guide
to a Satisfying Move and Moving with Pets and Plants by the American Movers Conference.
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