How to Plan Your Move
Plan Ahead
Summer time is the busiest time of the year for movers. In
addition, the beginning
and end of each month are traditionally busier than mid-month,
regardless of the season.
If you are planning to move during one of the times, plan well
in advance so your mover's
schedule will fit yours.
Now it is time to contact the movers on your list. Inform
them of your destination and
the timing of your move. Ask movers to provide you with a written
estimate, and have them
explain the services listed in the estimate in detail. Carefully
compare each estimate to
see which company best suits your needs and budget.
Check out our moving planner, Countdown to Moving Day, to
be sure you don't forget anything.
Packing
Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed
cartons and materials is
crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with the mover a day
or two before the moving van
is loaded. If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon
to start. While packing
yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept liability
for damage to items
packed by owners.
Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your
goods will be made and it
is important to resolve any disagreements prior to signing
the inventory. Make sure all
copies are legible and all items are numbered. Have valuable
items listed separately.
Some appliances may require servicing prior to the move. Your
mover can schedule these
services for you.
There are several options for insuring your goods. All household
goods shipments move under
limited liability. However, you may purchase additional
liability coverage from your mover.
Planning Your Moving Day
Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days
during which your goods can be
loaded and a second series of dates during which your goods
can be delivered to your
new home. A spread of days gives you and your mover the flexibility
needed to keep your
move on schedule. Remember that summer months are the busiest,
and some movers offer
lower prices between the months of October and April.
Moving Day
Be on hand when
the movers arrive.
Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
Save your energy - let the moving crew disassemble goods.
Read the Bill of Lading before you sign it.
Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
Keep in contact with the mover's agent at your destination
while you are in transit.
Delivery
Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along
with those of other families
in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs
down. Delivery is made on
any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the
move began. Make sure the mover
knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you
cannot be reached at
destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to
avoid delaying other shipments.
This can mean additional charges for storage and handling.
Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do not sign the
inventory until you have
inspected your furniture and the exterior of the cartons.
Claims
If any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report
the facts promptly and in
detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the inventory
sheet before you sign it.
If you notice damage after unpacking, a claim must be filed
within nine months after
delivery. However, it is to your advantage to report damage
as soon as possible. The
mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days
and must deny or make an offer
within 120 days of receipt of your claim. When making a claim
or considering a settlement
offer, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared
on your shipment. For example,
if the value declared on your shipment was $5,000, the mover's
maximum liability for loss
or damage to the articles in your shipment is $5,000. Claims
for more than this amount
will be declined because they are in excess of the mover's
liability that you declared on
your shipment.
Father and
Son Moving
specializes
in long distance
moving to
states like
Florida,
New York
and other
east coast
cities. Moving
long distance
is a challenge
and we provide
these articles
and tips
to make your
long distance
move a better
experience.
© Copyright,
1996 - 2006
American Moving and Storage Association
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