Moving Tips
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Moving Tips
Boxes
These can be purchased at a moving supply company (check your yellow pages). You can also go to the grocery store for their boxes, but keep in mind they will not be as strong as the new boxes made especially for moving household goods and not for fruits and vegetables.
Keep in mind that you do not need to get huge boxes, because they will be too hard to lift when filled. So keep them manageable.
Garbage bags:
A lot of people will probably recommend you to save the money of purchasing boxes and use garbage bags. It may be right but for a long distance move it is most definitely not recommended. You are being charged for the space your belongings is holding on the truck, you’ll want the movers to be able to stack everything in order to save some space, the bags are not stackable.
If you decided to use them any way buy the clear ones that you’ll be able to see through.
Important items (such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home videos, and any other important documents) should be packed separately so that you can personally carry them with you on moving day. (insurance money will not compensate you for the lost of it).
Bulky Things
- When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together.
- Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes. Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens. You shouldn’t tape the drawers shut – the finish on your drawers may be damaged.
- Cover your tables with a blanket or old linen. When possible, remove the legs. Always wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg.
- Check your owner’s manual for any special moving instructions of appliances and other electronic equipment.
- In order to keep the tub of your washing machine from moving around during the move, fill it with stuffed toys, blankets, towels, and old linens.
- Make sure that all loose parts in your refrigerator (including ice containers and drawers) are secure. Any exposed coils should be padded to protect them during the move as well.
- Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes. Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors. When possible, these items will be kept safe in wardrobe boxes.
- Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it. If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.
- Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.
- Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury. Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning. Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed.
- A very important reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products.
- Order preprinted address labels with your new address as soon as you know it. It makes the change-of-address process much easier.
- Keep a utility log to check service-transfer dates. you can leave the power and water on at your old address a few extra days so you can go back and clean up after your move.
- Mark each box with its contents and destination room. That way, you and your movers will know where to place each box at your new home.
- Pets – you may want to leave your pets with a friend during moving day. Animals can become confused and frightened during a move. Depending on the temperament and size of your pet, as well as the distance you’re moving, it may be make sense to enlist the help of a pet transporter. Reputable pet transporters can organize every aspect of moving your pet from beginning to end.
Long Distance Moving
Insurance
Occasionally, items can get lost or damaged in the moving process. So, in choosing the proper coverage to protect your possessions during the move, make sure to assess your needs before finalizing your protection.
Few points to remember:
- If the moving company moved your goods into storage or temporary resident and after a while someone else moved it to your new home, the responsibility on loss or damaged items will not be on the moving company. By law, you can file a claim up to 9 months from delivery date, but if you or a third party had moved the goods again, there is a chance it was lost or damaged while being transferred again. The moving company will not have to carry any responsibility.
- Movers will not be liable for damages to items packed or wrapped by you. No matter how good you will claim you packed it. Only items that were packed professionally by movers will be under their responsibility.
- In the event you have loss or damage as a result of your move you have nine months to make a claim however you are still responsible paying for the move in a timely fashion.
- The basic liability that every moving company must provide the client free of charge is called “Released Value”. This is the often called limited liability and is the minimum coverage required by law. This insurance is covered in the base price and does not cost you any extra money. It is the most economical option available however your goods are covered to no more than 60cents per pound per article. Loss or damage claims are settled based on the pound weight of the article multiplied by 60 cents. If you have a 100 pound dresser and it is destroyed in transit, you would be entitled to a total of $60.00 for the replacement of the dresser. Obviously this will not replace the dresser with this amount of money so consider carefully if to rely on this coverage only. If you agree to this option for insurance coverage you will be asked to sign a specific statement in agreement on the bill of lading.
- Additional insurance coverage – United Transportation Moving and Storage is also working with Baker Int’l insurance to provide you another option of insuring your goods while in transit. Since 1981 Baker International has provided comprehensive household goods insurance to meet the needs of corporate transferees and private individuals moving within the U.S. or overseas while concurrently “in-house” world class claim service. For more information about the coverage offered, you may check their website www.bakerintl.com or call toll free 800-356-0093.800.356
- Homeowners Insurance. Some homeowner’s insurance policies cover household goods while in transit. Check with your homeowner’s insurance company to find out what coverage you may have and be sure to check out when this ends. If the policy is void once you close on your old home it may be of little use to you as this is most likely when you will be moving. If you are fortunate enough to have coverage make sure you contact the insurance company and ask them to explain the level of coverage and what exactly is covered. In the event you need to file a claim with the insurance you will need to prove that the loss or breakage is due to mover’s negligence. No money will be paid out due to any items damaged due to poor packing by you.
Do not hesitate or feel uncomfortable to ask the movers any question you may have. Even if it will take 15 minutes that the helpers will not work, spend this time with the foreman and make sure you understand the procedure.
- If you decide to do your own packing or partial packing, remember that the moving company is not liable for damage to boxes packed by the customer. However, if there is obvious exterior damage on packing up your goods, make a note on the inventory sheet of your shipment. The driver has the right to refuse to accept any carton that may be improperly packed.
- Notify the post office that you will be moving. Provide them with a new address (permanent or temporary). Use the attached link to change your address online
https://moversguide.usps.com/?referral=USPS