Selecting a Mover

Begin the process by calling several (at least two) movers and requesting, at no obligation, a free written estimate. You can expect professional movers to come to your home and discuss your move in detail prior to giving you an estimate. Before selecting any one mover, you should check their reputation, reliability, performance record, and claims settlement customer service.

TIP: If movers are wary of giving you an estimate, and give you reasons against providing one, be very cautious. Reputable movers will not hesitate to provide a written estimate. Without a written estimate, your price can be increased significantly.

Price alone should never be the determining factor. Interstate movers are required to provide information about past performance, complaint handling procedures, and your rights and responsibilities. To get a copy of the government publication entitled "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," contact the Federal Highway Administration, the agency that regulates the moving industry. You can contact the FHWA by calling (202) 927-5520.

Most movers will provide you with two types of free estimates - non-binding and binding.

Non-binding estimates, also known "guesstimates" are based on:

• Shipment weight;
• Length of travel; and
• The "extras" such as delivery and pick-up schedules, number of stairs, appliance installation, and large items like pianos.

TIP: Non-binding estimates afford you little price protection. Do your best to get a binding estimate.

Binding estimates involve taking a thorough inventory. They are in the form of a written estimate stating a firm price and are based on:

• Number of items being moved;
• Shipment weight;
• Services rendered; and
• Length of travel.

There are several factors that can increase your actual bill. They include:

• Intrastate moves (moving within the same state) versus interstate moves (moving from one state to another). Intrastate moves are typically priced at an hourly rate and you will get anywhere from two to four movers, the truck you desire and sometimes packing services and supplies. Interstate moves are priced based on weight and distance and there are minimums for each.
• Severe weather;
• Faulty packing (boxes are not taped or items are left unpacked)
• Unreserved parking at the origin or at the destination;
• Exceeding the estimate’s number of boxes on the inventory sheet (which lists each article and its condition that you are transporting);
• Timing of the move (demand is greatest at the end of the month during the months May through September; and
• Traffic and delay surcharges.

TIP: If the total weight of your move is lower than the actual weight on the day of your move, request in writing that the mover prorate your cost to reflect your "lighter load."

Once you have an idea of you moving costs, it becomes a simple matter to decide whether you want to take along an old washing machine, or give it away and replace it at the other end. If there are items that you don’t need, don’t bring them. Be sure to make your mover aware that these items are not to be moved.

TIP: If you do use a professional mover, you can save money by doing some or all of the packing on your own. Or if you’re short on time, you can always pay a little more and have the movers do all the packing and unpacking for you.

If you decide to move yourself, truck rental agencies can help you estimate the size of the vehicle you'll need. They usually have hand trucks and moving pads for rent. Find out what insurance they carry, and consult your own insurance agent about whether your present policy covers the move.

Moving companies are required to provide some level of insurance for your move, but you may need to buy more. The three most common forms are:

• Basic liability;
• Declared value protection or actual cash value; and
• Replacement value coverage.

TIP: Keep in mind that even though it may be for very small amounts, almost one in three moves results in the filing of a claim.

With basic liability insurance, the standard is about $.30 to $.60 per pound per item. For example, Item #1 weighs 100 pounds making the mover’s liability on that item $60.

With declared value protection or actual cash value insurance, you decide the value of your goods. The mover is liable for your "declared value," or the purchase price less depreciation. If all your items are lost or stolen, both you and the mover will rely on the pre-determined "lump sum" worth of your articles stated previously in the agreement.

With replacement value coverage, if your item breaks or is stolen, the mover is liable for a replacement, plain and simple. For example, if your computer is mishandled and breaks, replacement value coverage means you receive a brand new computer. In comparison, actual cash value coverage would give you the cash value of your three-year-old machine.

TIP: You should carefully check the accuracy of the inventory sheet regarding the number and condition before the move and once you arrive at your destination.

If you discover broken or missing items on the day of delivery, while the movers are still there, you should do the following:

• Leave any broken items in their original packaging;
• Create a list of damages and losses with the onsite delivery person in charge;
• File the list with both signatures with your driver; and
• Call the moving company the next day to make sure the driver filed your claim.

If you notice damage or missing items after the movers have gone, report it to the company in writing immediately. Moving companies have 120 days after receipt of your letter to render a decision regarding your claim.

TIP: Read all paperwork, including the bill of lading (the receipt for your belongings and contract for their transportation) and inventory sheet carefully before you sign them. Keep these, and all related paperwork, in a safe location until all charges have been paid and all claims, if any, have been settled.

Get practical tips and advice on packing for your move...

• Remove unnecessary items from your attic, basement, storage shed, etc.
• Use things you can't move, such as frozen foods and cleaning supplies.
• Obtain information about your new community.
• Secure a floor plan of your new residence and decide what household items you want to keep.
• Start a possessions inventory.
• Solicit estimates from at least three moving companies.
• Call your homeowners insurance agent to find out to what degree your move is covered.
• Create a file for documenting all moving papers and receipts.
• Arrange to transfer your children’s school records.

• Contact the IRS and/or your CPA for tax-deductible information.
• Evaluate your possessions inventory. Can you donate anything? Do you need it all?
• Notify your friends, relatives, professionals, creditors, subscriptions, etc.
• Subscribe to a local paper in your new community and familiarize yourself with local government, community, and social news and activities.
• Begin the off-site storage process (if applicable).
• Locate high-quality health-care professionals and hospitals in your new location.
• Complete a change of address via post-office cards or an online service for the following:
• Banks;
• Charge cards;
• Religious organizations;
• Doctors/dentist;
• Relatives and friends;
• Income tax bureau/Social Security Administration/union;
• Insurance broker/lawyer/CPA/ stockbroker;
• Magazines;
• Post office; and
• Schools.
• Clean your closets.
• Hold a moving/garage sale or donate items to charities.
• Choose a mover.
• Contact your mover to make arrangements and inquire about insurance coverage.
• If relocating due to a job, contact your employer to see what costs, if any, they will cover.

• Start packing!
• Send furniture, drapes and carpets for repair/cleaning as needed.
• Gather auto licensing and registration documents, medical, dental and school records, birth certificates, wills, deeds, stock and other financial documentation, etc.
• Contact gas, electric, oil, water, telephone, cable TV, and trash collection companies for service disconnect/connect at your old and new addresses. Also ask for final readings.
• Request refunds on unused homeowner’s insurance, security deposit with landlord, and prepaid cable service.
• Notify your gardener, snow removal service, and pool service (if applicable).
• Contact insurance companies (auto, homeowner's, medical, and life) to arrange for coverage in your new home.

• Make your travel plans.
• Arrange to close current bank accounts and open accounts in your new locale (if necessary).
• Notify your state’s Motor Vehicle Bureau of your new address.
• Arrange for childcare on moving day.

NOTE: For apartment dwellers, reserve the elevator for pickup and/or delivery dates.

• Arrange special transport for your pets and plants.
• Service your car for the trip.
• Contact your moving company and review arrangements for your move.

• Prepare detailed directions and an itinerary with emergency numbers for your moving company.
• Settle outstanding bills with local retailers. Pick up dry cleaning, and return library books and rented videotapes.
• Take pets to the veterinarian and get copies of their records.
• Drain gas and oil from power equipment.
• Give away plants not being moved.
• Cancel newspaper delivery.
• Buy two-weeks worth of medication and have your prescriptions forwarded to your new pharmacy.
• Buy traveler's checks.
• Make arrangements to pay for your move.

• If you’re not doing it yourself, have your mover pack.
• Defrost refrigerators and freezers.
• Consider gathering all valuables and giving them to family or friends to hold until the move is completed.
• Disconnect all major appliances.
• Contact your moving company for any updates.
• Pack first-night items and a survival kit. Keep them in separate boxes in your car.
• First Night Items: Sheets, Towels, Toiletries, Phone, Alarm Clock, Change of Clothes, and Flashlight
• Mover's Survival Kit: Scissors, utility knife, coffee cups, instant coffee/tea or a coffee maker, water and soft drinks, snacks, paper plates, plastic utensils, paper towels, toilet paper, soap, pencils and paper, local phone book, masking and/or duct tape, trash bags, shelf liner, and aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Be home to answer any questions your mover may have.
• Record all utility meter readings (gas, electric, and water).
• Stay until your movers are finished.
• Complete information on the bill of lading and carefully read the document and the inventory sheet before signing it.
• Keep your copies of the bill of lading and inventory until your possessions are delivered, the charges are paid, and any claims are settled.
• Take one final look around to see if you forgot anything.
• Give movers the directions to your new home, and an emergency number where you can be reached during the move.

• Be at the destination to welcome the movers and be on hand to answer any questions.
• After the job is completed, pay what is owed. The driver is obligated by law (a Federal requirement for interstate moves) to collect payment upon delivery.
• Scrutinize the unloading of your items and account for each one on your inventory sheet. Check promptly and carefully for any damaged or missing items.
• Place moving and other important documents in a safe place.
• Go to the post office and collect held mail.

Get practical tips and advice on packing for your move...    

Prior to packing for your move, it’s a good idea to clean out and dispose of all clothes, furniture and fixtures that you no longer need or want. Donating these items to local charities or holding a garage sale are great ways to dispose of these things.

Next, if you intend to save money by doing your own packing, you'll need boxes and other packing materials. Moving companies and overnight mail businesses can also furnish standard-size boxes and others specifically intended for clothing ("wardrobes") or china.

If you are a "self-packer," you should start collecting the following materials:

• Boxes of all sizes;
• Plastic bags;
• Non-shredded newspapers;
• Packing tape;
• Markers;
• Bubble wrap; and
• Tissue paper.

TIP: Liquor stores and computer stores are good sources for sturdy boxes. Before using them, check for support and cleanliness.

Some important packing tips are the following:

• Cushion the bottom and sides of boxes first;
• Packed items should not exceed 30 pounds;
• When packing, go room-by-room;
• Begin your packing as early in the moving process as you can;
• Label all boxes - by item, condition of that item, and where in your new home it should be placed;
• Pack heavy items in smaller boxes and light items in larger boxes;
• Thoroughly wrap your "breakables" in newsprint paper, paper towels, or clothes, placing them in dresser drawers, containers with lids, large cans, etc.
• Fill your refrigerator and washer/dryer with clothes, linens, and other light objects;
• Tape cords underneath all electrical appliances;
• Don't tape furniture doors and drawers as tape can cause damage - instead, use rope or elastic to secure furniture; and
• If you have children, let them feel they are a part of the process by helping them to pack their toys.

If you're using a professional mover, you may want to leave lamps, china and artwork for them to pack.

TIP: Fill one box with moving-day essentials like paper plates, coffee maker (and coffee), hand tools and extension cords, bucket, rags, soaps and paper towels. You may also want to set aside a few days worth of clothes, food and other essentials you’ll need prior to the movers arriving at your new home and prior to unpacking.

The following items should never be packed:

• Combustibles;
• Flammables;
• Corrosive liquids (including household cleaners);
• Jewelry; and
• Important papers or medicine.