Home Moving Tips, Facts, and Suggestions.

First you have to decide whether you want to use a moving company to do the packing for you or if you wish to do some or all the packing yourself. In either case, this is a great time to get rid items you do not need or want any longer. Do not move it, if you will not 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 do not overload 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

Do not 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.

• Only put books in book boxes or small boxes - Books are very heavy anything larger that a small box will be too heavy to carry.
• Use wardrobe boxes to pack you clothes. Even if you think you can move clothes yourself use them.
• Use dish boxes, packing paper or bubble wrap for the kitchen.
• Only use large boxes for light but bulky items.
• Place heavy items in small boxes

Packing Tape

Get and use only packing tape.

Do not use; duck tape, scotch tape, reinforced tape or electrical tape. This may 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 - Do not Do It. This makes 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 and 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 are 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 may not be replaceable. Put them in a safe location before the packers arrive. Then take them with you by car or plane to your new home. Do not pack them in the moving truck.

Travel Cloths and Personal Items

Do not forget to take essential items such as clothes make-up, toiletries and important documents you may need for a few day. Remember you use a moving company you may be living out of a suitcase 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. A reputable moving firm will provide this no cost. Get several on-site estimates before you choose a mover. Make sure you identify all the items to be moving to get 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 calculated by the amount of labor time. Long distance moves are charged using weight and distance. The Federal Government regulates interstate moves. 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 value of your shipment determines the cost for coverage and may be subject to a deductible..

Estimate the replacement value of your belongings and provide it to your moving agent. He should provide you with details 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 move items, 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 your time and thoroughly check the house to make sure all move items are accounted for accurately.