How to Choose a Mover
International Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range
of fees. It is a good idea to talk with different movers to
compare their services. To find out who the best movers are
in your area, begin by asking friends about their
experiences with the movers they have used. You can also
check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer
organizations in your local area. Relocation Portal Group
does not recommend moving companies nor does it recommend
one moving company over another.
Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform them of the
destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the
types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their
estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully
compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.
If you are moving interstate, you should read and understand
all of the information you will receive. In addition to
brochures explaining their various services, moving
companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet
entitled
Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move
and information regarding the mover's participation in a
Dispute Settlement Program. Distribution of the consumer
booklet and the requirement that movers offer shippers
neutral arbitration as a means of settling disputes that may
arise concerning loss or damage on household goods shipments
are requirements of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA),
and formerly, the Interstate Commerce Commission.
It is important to try to make arrangements for your move
well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the
moving date. When you choose your mover, be sure you
understand: The rates and charges that will apply. The
mover's liability for your belongings. How pickup and
delivery will work. What claims protection you have.
How to Get a Moving Estimate
The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the
weight of your belongings and on the distance they are
shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that
you require. To help you anticipate the cost of your move,
movers will give you an estimate of the price. Help the
movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every
single item to be moved. Don't forget to go into the attic,
basement, garage, closets and under beds. Reach a clear
understanding about the amount of packing and other services
needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later
included in the shipment will add to the cost. Most movers
offer two types of estimates: binding and non-binding.
Binding estimates are written agreements that guarantee the
cost of the move based on the items to be moved and the
services listed on the mover's estimate sheet. Therefore,
it's important to make certain the binding estimate sheet
contains all of the items to be moved, along with any
additional services to be provided by the mover. anything
that is added later might result in increased charges and
may delay the move. Non-binding estimates, on the other
hand, are not guaranteed. Instead, a non-binding estimate is
an approximation of the cost based on the mover's survey of
the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after
the shipment is weighed. A non-binding estimate does not
bind the mover. When you receive a non-binding estimate,
there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more
than the estimate. When you are discussing your estimate
with your mover, be sure to ask about the arrangements for
paying for the move. It is customary for movers to require
that charges be paid in cash, by certified check, or by
money order. Most movers will not accept personal checks.
Some movers will accept payment by credit card. However, do
not assume that because you have a nationally recognized
charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment.
Ask your mover.
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.
More about
Moving to England,
Moving to Germany and
Moving to London
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.
Moving Planner - COUNTDOWN TO MOVING DAY
EIGHT WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Obtain a floor plan of your new residence and decide what
household items you want to keep.
Begin an inventory of all household goods.
Solicit estimates from several moving companies.
Contact your insurance agent, and ask them about your
homeowners policy to determine whether your possessions are
cove when moving.
Establish a file for all moving papers and receipts.
Arrange to transfer child(ren)'s school records.
Choose a mover.
SIX WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Begin search for good health-care professionals in your new
location.
Fill out post-office change of address cards.
Send your new address to anyone that might need it --
insurance agents, credit card companies, magazine
subscriptions, friends, relatives, etc.
Clean out closets and dispose of all items that you will not
be taking with you.
Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
FOUR WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
For self moves, reserve a truck or trailer. Obtain necessary
moving supplies: boxes, twine, labels, etc.
Start packing!!
If your mover is doing the packing, arrange for it to be
done one or two days before loading begins.
Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair or cleaning as
needed.
Begin to use up overstocks of staple foods.
Gather valuable personal papers that you may need at your
destination location, including medical and dental records,
school records, birth certificates, etc.
Make travel plans and arrange any motel or other
reservations.
THREE WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Arrange to have utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable,
water, etc.) disconnected in your present home, and
connected at your new home.
Ready car registration and insurance records for transfer.
Notify State Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
Arrange for child care on moving day.
If necessary, reserve apartment elevator for pickup and/or
delivery dates.
TWO WEEKS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Arrange to move pets.
Check with mover about moving house plants. (Some movers
will not move plants.)
Dispose of all items too dangerous to move, including
flammable liquids.
If necessary, have your automobile serviced and ready for
the trip.
ONE WEEK BEFORE YOU MOVE
Transfer all bank accounts.
Cancel newspaper delivery.
Have enough medication to last at least two weeks. Have
prescriptions forwarded to a pharmacy at your new
destination.
Buy traveler's checks.
Make arrangements to pay for your move.
Withdraw items and close safety deposit boxes.
TWO DAYS BEFORE YOU MOVE
Have mover pack your goods (unless doing it yourself).
Defrost and dry refrigerators and freezers to be moved.
Set aside valuable items to carry with you including
jewelry, vital documents, money and valuable small items.
MOVING DAY
Be on hand to answer questions and give directions to movers
and stay until they are finished.
Accompany driver for inventory of your household goods.
Complete information on bill of lading and carefully read
the document before you sign it.
Make sure you have your copies of the bill of lading and
inventory.
Keep the bill of lading until your possessions are
delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
Before the van leaves, take one final look through the house
to make certain nothing has been left behind.
Give the driver directions to your new home.
Notify the driver and the van line where you can be reached
during the move.
DELIVERY DAY
Be on hand to answer any questions and give directions.
You must pay the driver before your goods can be unloaded.
This is a Federal requirement for interstate moves.
Supervise unloading and unpacking.
Check carefully for any damaged or missing items.
Note on the inventory any damaged boxes or obvious damage to
unboxed items before you sign anything.
