Home Moving Tips, Facts and Information. |
First you have to decide whether you want to use a moving company to do the packing for you or if you want to do some or all the packing yourself. In either case, this is a great time to get rid items you don't need or want any longer. Don't move it, if you won't use it! Packing, packing materials and tips If you can afford to hire professional packers, do so for most items, especially if you are moving a long distance. Coordinate with them as to when they will start packing. Start packing a week ahead of time and pack a few boxes every day. Stay organized, mark boxes as you go with a big felt tip pen. State on the top of the box, what is in the box and the room it is going to. This way you don't over load yourself and keep your physical and mental stress to a minimum. Get quality packing materials just like the professionals use. Purchase boxes, tape, bubble wrap and packing paper. Boxes Don't try to save money by using used boxes from stores or previous purchases. These are inappropriate for the task at hand and will not move well. Get a variety of box sizes; small or book, medium, large, dish and wardrobe boxes. Get mostly small and medium boxes.
Packing Tape Get and use only packing tape! Do Not Use; duck tape, scotch tape, reinforced tape or electrical tape. This my sound funny but you would be surprised what some people try to use. DO Not Fold the Corners of Boxes In; either taped or not tape - Don't Do It. This make for weak boxes that will fall apart at the worst possible moment. Fragile Items Fragile items such as plates and pictures should be placed vertically in the box with bubble wrap, packing paper or cloth cushioning the frame a glass. Cut boxes can also provide good cushioning between items. Do you Need to Moving Your Vehicles Depends on your circumstances and the distance you're moving you may want to hire a professional transporter to move your car, boat or recreation vehicle. Take Care with Your Valuables Your valuables and important documents can not be replaced. Put them in a safe location prior to packers arriving!. Then take them with you by car or plane to your new location Do Not pack them in the moving truck. Travel Cloths and Personal Items Don't forget to take essential items such as cloths mack-up, toiletries and essential documents you may need for a few day. Remember you you use a moving company you may be living out of a suit case for as much as a week or two. Get an Estimate for the Move Get an on-site estimate before doing anything with a moving company. This should be provided at no cost from a reputable moving firm. Get several on-site estimates before you choose a moving firm. Make sure you identify all the items to be moved for an accurate time estimate and price quotes. Make all moving company are using the same assumptions for each estimate. Avoid Hidden costs Charges for local moves are generally quoted on labor time. Long distance moves are calculated using weight and distance. These moves are regulated by the Federal Government. Be sure to do your homework and ask your moving company if there are any extra charges for: heavy items such as a safe or piano, to take apart and reassemble furniture. Also check to see if the is an addition charge for stairs or distance from your hoses to the truck. Your Coverage for Damage or Losses The moving company should offer you two types of coverage: 1) Basic Liability - usually 60 cents per pound, per item and should cost you nothing. 2) Declared value coverage - This provides protection against losses and damages. The cost for this is based on the value of your shipment and may be subject to a deductible. Estimate the replacement value of your belongings in order to apply it to your moving agent. He should provide you with detailed information about your coverage options. Your homeowners insurance policy may also provide coverage during a move too, be sure to check with your insurance agent. Moving Services Contract Make sure you get a written contract that includes all the items to be moved, move day date, delivery time, arrival date, delivery address, phone numbers, insurance coverage, all costs and charges, and a total cost figure. Carefully read the contract before signing it! What To Do On Moving Day You need to be home when the movers arrive to supervise their activities. Stay with the moving crew foreman as he fills out the inventory sheet and oversee the loading process of your articles onto the moving van. Before signing the inventory sheet, take a your time and walk throughout the house to make sure all items are accounted for accurately. |
