Richard the Mover's HELPFUL MOVING TIPS:
Moving can be a very traumatic experience or an enjoyable adventure into a new home, new friends. It's a great time to get organized and clear out all that excess baggage you've wanted to get rid of for years. Remember...the less you move, the less you pay.
Here are some tips that will hopefully make this a pleasant adventure rather than a traumatic experience.
1. BOXES: Obtainable from liquor stores and groceries at no cost. Get some magic markers in different colors (6 to 8) and put circles on the sides of each box. Color coding saves both you and the movers time identifying where to place the boxes I.e. Pink - Master Bedroom; Green - Dining Room. Put S.O.S. on boxes you may want immediate access to.
Helpful Hint: Clothes in closets. By poking a hole in the bottom of a trash bag, placing the bag over a group of clothes and pulling the open end over the clothes. This will save your needing to by wardrobe boxes (price range +/-$21 for box and packing).
2. BUREAU DRAWERS: A common question is what to do with the items in the bureaus. Leave bureaus as they are normally packed in the home. If the bureaus are too heavy, the drawers can be removed and placed back in the bureaus in the moving van. This will save you considerable time packing boxes. Be sure to remove any valuables, loose jewlery, breakables or open containers (powder tins).
3. ESSENTIAL BOXES: Coffee pot, personal articles and medical necessities should be marked S.O.S. with the color code to ensure prompt location by you after the move. You may need these items first...especially the coffee pot and medical supplies. It is also a good idea to put the remote controls in a box were you can find them after the move.
4. ESSENTIAL SERVICES: Make yourself a checklist on a calendar to insure performance of important functions at specific times. Leave yourself plenty of time and be prepared for delays. The mover is usually the only one who shows up at the agreed upon time. Keep a record of times for gas, phone, cable, electric and tell them where to send the final bill.
5. KEEP A BAG FOR ESSENTIALS: House keys, checkbook, car keys, travel money, overnight essentials. Movers have packed these items in the truck and left many times. And stop buying food for in-house consumption. Forty boxes of canned goods is no bargain when they have to be moved.
6. ADDRESS CARDS: Get some small 3x5 index cards to notify magazine companies, friends, etc. that you have moved. Let the Post Office know too! 25 to 30 cards should be sufficient unless you have a lot of friends.
7. ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES: Be aware that the movers insurance covers only breakage. The mechanical functions are not insurable. As most appliances are solid state, there are certain precautions you should be aware of.
(A) Never plug an appliance in when it is cold...let it warm up to room temperature.
(B) Drain the washer pump of water which could freeze in winter and crack the pump.
(C) Stereo units should be bolted down with the screws in these units to prevent unnecessary movement.
(D) Dig out the grill and lawn furniture in the back yard snowbank before moving day.
8. SELECTING A MOVER: Moving companies are usually booked up 2 to 3 weeks ahead of time...so try to book as early as possible. Some require non-refundable deposits to prevent changes and/or cancellations. We do not require a deposit.
(A) Who do you pick? Friends, relatives, real estate agents can usually give you their recommendations. Other sources are the local Better Business Bureau, or the Public Utilities Commission in the state. They can tell you their experience with the moving company and if many complaints have been filed.
(B) Rates - Don't be afraid to call around as rates do vary but be sure to check out the quality of service. Like the old saying goes..."if it sounds too good, it can't be right." Be a little suspicious! And be prepared, to pay by cash as most moving companies will not take a personal check. We will accept a personal check within the New England area.
(C) Estimates - They are really just that, whether you are moving by the hour or by weight. Intrastate moves are charged by an hourly rate. Interstate moves over a state line fall under the Interstate Commerce regulations and must be moved by weight and mileage. Most movers can estimate fairly close on both types of moves. As a rule of thumb, hourly costs are usually figured on a basis of 1 hour per room; weight at 1,500 Ibs. per room. ALL MOVERS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A NON-BINDING ESTIMATE ON ALL INTERSTATE MOVES. THE AMOUNT PAYABLE AT DELIVERY CANNOT EXCEED MORE THAN 110% OF THE ESTIMATE UNLESS AGREED TO BY THE CUSTOMER BEFORE LOADING. HOWEVER, IF ADDITIONAL CHARGES HAVE NOT BEEN DETERMINED PRIOR TO LOADING OF THE TRUCK, DUE TO EXCESS WEIGHT OR OTHER UNFORESEEN FACTORS, THE ADDITIONAL CHARGES EXCEEDING 110% ARE PAYABLE IN 30 DAYS. ALL JOBS MOVING BY WEIGHT AND MILEAGE WILL BE WEIGHED AT A PUBLIC SCALE. THE CUSTOMER WILL BE NOTIFIED WHEN THE TRUCK IS TO BE WEIGHED. THE CUSTOMER IS REQUIRED BY THE US DOT TO ATTEND THE WEIGHING OF THE TRUCK UNLESS THE CUSTOMER HAS DECLINED THIS REQUIREMENT IN WRITING ON THE ORDER OF SERVICE.
9. PACKING BOXES: If you pack your own boxes, you will save a considerable amount of money on your move. Be aware if you wrap dishes and glassware with newspaper that the print does come off, so be sure to wash these items before using them. And do not roll them up on your nice white couch...the ink will come off on your nice white couch. Moving companies can sell you these cartons. You can obtain free boxes from your local liquor store or grocery store. WE SELL CARTONS AND PACKING MATERIAL AT VERY REASONABLE RATES.
10. BULKY ARTICLES: Certain items traditionally incur an additional charge and some require special equipment. Advise the mover that you have these and find out how much extra he charges, i.e. pianos, organs, side-by-side refrigerators, wood stoves, boats, motorcycles, pool tables, Jacuzzis, rigging, and autos.We do not move automobiles.
11. INSURANCE: This is probably the most confusing subject about moving. How much coverage and who pays? First of all the ICC and the state require the same coverage. They require $10,000 per cargo, or $0.60; per lb. while on the van. Secondly, your homeowners policy usually covers your contents while being moved but not on the van. This is usually already contained on your policy or can be added as a rider at less than a mover would charge you to provide this coverage. You may want to check into replacement costs coverage if this is a serious concern. Most people I've spoken to about having purchased this additional coverage from a van line have stated that it was extremely frustrating trying to settle a claim. Another positive reason to deal with your own agent. Our insurance covers each shipment to $20,000 at no extra charge to you.
12. PLANTS AND FLAMMABLES: Plants and flammable items are usually refused for shipment because of various state and federal laws. Lawnmowers, snowmobiles, and snowblowers should be drained of gasoline before shipment as should outdoor Gas grills. Plants can now be accepted for shipment up to 150 miles.
13. Take some pictures of your valuables before they are moved. This could help in the settlement of any claim for loss or damage. Do not be afraid to check the van. There are some unscrupulous carriers out there. I've heard tales of that antique desk with the cracked leg showing up in a second hand store. An inventory will be provided to all customers after loading by item number. A sticker will be affixed to each item corresponding to the written inventory.
14. Lastly, some companies refuse non-insurable items. These items are lamps, pictures, loose glass, slate, marble pieces and antiques.
15. All claims will be handled in accordance with page 49 and 50 of the federal booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When you Move", which is offered to every interstate customer.
16. Each customer will sign an order of service at the time of booking with this carrier as required by the interstate moving regulations.
17. A bill of lading will be provided at the time of the delivery or pickup explaining all costs.
Well, hopefully these tips will make you aware of some of the calamities you could incur on moving day. With a little care this will be a happy adventure for all.
HAVE A GOOD MOVE