Tips to Make Moving Easy

After all the stress of buying a new home and selling your old one, you may think that the hard part is over. Unfortunately though, you still have to move all of your worldly possessions from your old house to the new house, a task that no one looks forward to, whether it is down the street or across the country.

However if you keep these tips in mind, moving can go smoothly.

Know “mover” terminology before signing a contract with a moving company:

• A binding estimate guarantees the estimate for the move based on what is listed on the estimate sheet, although you may have to pay more if you add items or services. The movers cannot ask you to pay more before unloading once they arrive at the destination, unless you add items or services.

• A non-binding estimate comes with no guarantee of final cost. The final cost is only determined after your items are weighed and certified, and may be more than the estimate, although you cannot be asked to pay more than 110% of the estimate.

• A “not-to-exceed” estimate or “guaranteed price” estimate is based on a binding estimate or actual cost, whichever is less. This estimate is binding on the mover and must be in writing.

Suggestions to make moving easier:

• If you’re doing the packing yourself, start soon. It always takes longer than expected.

• If you schedule a professional packer, be present when the items are packed, and schedule the mover to pack a day or two before loading the van. Take photos of items to be packed- before and after delivery.

• Be flexible when scheduling days for loading and delivery, it gives your mover the flexibility to keep on schedule.

• Figure out disagreements before signing on your driver’s inventory. Make sure you have legible copies of the inventory, with all items numbered, and valuables listed separately.

• Buy extra insurance for anything of value, most shipments are only liable for 60 cents of every pound that they are moving. If you have a lot of valuable items, full replacement value coverage is the best protection available. Be sure you talk to your insurance company before moving your baby grand piano or other valuables.

• If any of your possessions are damaged or lost, report this immediately in detail on the driver’s copy of the inventory. If you find that items are damaged or missing after unpacking, you have to file a claim within 9 months of delivery. Your movers must acknowledge receiving the claim within 30 days and deny the claim or settle within 120 days.

• Be present on moving day to discuss packing and delivery arrangements. Prepare large items for disassembly. Take photos before loading and as the truck is being unloaded.

Remember, the most important thing during this stressful process is to keep calm. When necessary, take a breather. If you are prepared and organized the moving process will be smooth and easy.

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