10 Tips For A Smooth Move

1. In home survey — A reputable moving company will
take inventory of all your belongings, including items in
storage areas like cabinets and garages. They will ask
what goes on the truck and what stays behind to
determine the bulk and weight of your move.
2. Don’t pay a large deposit — You should only pay upon
delivery. If you pay in advance, you have no control over
when you will see your belongings again.
3. Licenses — Confirm that your interstate moving
company holds a valid operating authority with the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
4. Get references — Ask your friends, family and work
colleagues. Check online resources such as
www.moving.org. Ask the mover for names of recent
customers in your area and contact them.
5. Unexpected packing costs — Watch for inflated prices
for boxes and packing materials. Make sure that labor
costs are in your estimate.
6. Beware of extra fees — Ask if there are extra charges for
the movers having to negotiate stairs and elevators,
navigate narrow streets, and other additional fees that
may apply to your situation.
7. Never sign a blank moving contract — Get everything
in writing including the estimate, extra fees, and your
pick-up and delivery dates. Read your contract and
inventory form to make sure all of your belongings are
listed.
8. Don’t accept the “guaranteed” quote — There are
three kinds of moving contracts: 1) A binding estimate
specifies in advance the precise
cost of the move based on the
services you request. 2) A
non-binding estimate is
prepared in advance to give
you a general idea of the cost
of your move, but the exact
cost is not determined until
your shipment is loaded on
the truck and weighed. 3) A
non-binding to exceed estimate
insures that the estimate is the
maximum you’ll be required
to pay for any services
rendered.
9. Report any problems —
On moving day, open
boxes and check for
damage. Note any
problems on the mover’s
bill of lading before signing it.
10. Valuation protection — Full (Replacement) Value
Protection: Under this comprehensive plan, an article that
is lost, destroyed or damaged while in your mover’s
custody will be repaired or replaced according to the
protection you have selected. Minimum Liability: The
mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per
pound per article.
When it’s time to move, contact me for a free guide with
Answers to Questions about Moving!
Source www.moving.com