Moving and Storage
While moving can be stressful with the packing and relocating, finding the right moving company can greatly reduce your workload. Start by asking around from friends, neighbors who have moved recently, and your agent if they know a good moving company. Once you have a few names, set up the interviews. Make sure to allow yourself about 6-8 weeks before a move. This will give you time to check references, pricing, and give the movers a chance to fit you in their schedules, especially during the summer months. It's best to interview several movers before you choose one. You should have at least two on-site interviews. This helps you establish rates and become more familiar with the range of services that are available.
Make sure to get an estimate in writing when you have the interview, even with estimates given over the phone. It's also recommended to obtain, if possible, a NTE estimate, which is also called a Not to Exceed price. Essentially this means that the movers can only go lower than the estimate but not go over it. Written estimates can come in handy when comparing companies.
Be careful of using a moving broker as this may affect how you're covered under the consumer protection laws regarding household goods. You may want to ask if they are a member of the AMSA Certified Mover Program. If so, that means they agree to abide by the terms of their agreements and participate in the program. Which includes following a code of conduct that requires complete disclosure of information to the customer including estimates of charges, timely service, and responses to claims and complaints. In addition, should loss or damage occur during the move, they are set up to mediate disputes up to a specified amount.
Also, by federal law they should provide you with a consumer booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. Copies of this booklet can be found at www.protectyourmove.gov. We recommend checking with the Better Business Bureau to verify that they are in good standing and are licensed and insured.
Now would also be a good time for you to take inventory of any items you have which could require special handling, for example a chandelier or a piano. Some moving companies do not handle very large or fragile items. Find out if the mover has experience with these items and the equipment available to move them.
Some good questions to ask:
· Can they provide you with recent references from other customers they've moved?
· Will a supervisor be on-site to lead the movers?
· What services are not listed on this bid, and what do they charge for them?
· Is packing included in the bid?
Once they've satisfied your questions and you've chosen a company, schedule an appointment.
Start to clean out things you won't bring. Have a yard sale and donate unwanted clothing or household goods to charity. Obtain receipts showing their approximate value for potential tax deductions. The closer it gets to the move, you may want to use up your supplies of canned goods, frozen foods and other household items that won't make the move. Only buy what will be used before moving.
It is very important to make an itemized list of all your personal property.
If you are currently renting, don't forget to give your landlord or property manager written notice in advance. Call your utility companies and schedule your disconnect & connect dates. If you have children who will be changing schools, you'll want to be sure to have your child's permanent school record so you can avoid registration problems. You may also consider transferring current prescriptions to your new location. Call your Homeowners Insurance to update your policy.
Be sure to collect any valuables you may have hidden around the house before leaving, including any spare keys. Also, don't forget to pick up any belongings from the cleaners. As you are packing up, leave some cleaning supplies handy for final touches and remove the garage opener from your car. Have your new address written down for the change of address form at the post office.