Tips to Make Your Move Easier

Prior to your move:

• Get rid of items you don't need or haven't used in a year.
  
  
• Dispose of hazardous materials according to your city's guidelines.
  
  
• Move jewelry, money, coin collections, or other valuable items yourself and keep them in your possession.

• Confirm dates and services to be performed with your move coordinator.

• Notify carrier as soon as you know your move date, preferably 2-3 weeks in advance.
  
  
• Make a list of items in offsite storage locations, including boxes and furniture.
  
  
• Make a of items from attic, crawl spaces, closets and any other storage areas not readily available for viewing by the moving consultant.
  
  
• Make a list of items that will need special handling. This includes glass table tops, marble tops, taxidermy and heavy mirrors or pictures that may need wood crating.
  
  
• Check the access for loading and unloading at each stop of the move. Can an 18-wheel tractor-trailer moving van legally and logistically park within 75 feet of your front door? If it cannot, long carry and/or shuttle charges (loading and unloading a smaller truck) will be incurred. Are there elevators or stairs? These can add additional costs at both origin and destination.
  
  
• Do not have the phone disconnected at origin until after the house is empty. Communication is important. Provide phone numbers at your new home, cell phone, and temporary lodgings.
  

During Loading and Delivery:

• Your shipment will be given a window of dates for loading and delivery. The size of that window depends upon the weight and distance of your shipment.

• Make sure you are present when loading and unloading occurs to ensure that all services are performed to your satisfaction. If you are not available in this time frame, waiting time charges may be incurred.
  
  
• Make sure at the time of loading that you check the inventory sheet before signing it. Check the entire residence at origin before the truck leaves to ensure that nothing was left behind or was taken by mistake.
  
  
• At unloading, make sure to check off each item as it is delivered and make notations for loss or damage before signing the form.
  
  
• Tour the new residence before the driver leaves to ensure everything is in the right place. Ask the Driver to assemble anything that has been disassembled and ensure that all parts are there.
  
  
• If part of your shipment will go into storage, be sure that items are clearly marked for the temporary placement and check these items off at destination.
  
  
• If you are moving an auto, you must inspect it immediately at destination and file a claim, if necessary, within 24 hours of receiving the vehicle.
  
  
• Damage to household goods must be reported within their specified time.  Check your mover's claims policy.
  
  
• Payment for your relocation is due upon delivery. You must have a cashier's check, money order or cash. The mover cannot accept personal checks. Your move charges, however, can be put on a credit card. To do this you must sign a credit card form from your mover in ADVANCE of the relocation. The charges will be put through on your credit card 2 days prior to your loading day. For further information regarding your relocation, read the documentation provided by your mover.