The Moving Planner Blog

Dispose of flammables such as fireworks, cleaning fluids, matches, acids, chemistry sets, aerosol cans, ammunition, etc.

Drain fuel from mowers and other machinery, and discard partly used cans of oil, paint, thinner, or other substances that might leak.

Carefully tape and place in individual waterproof bags any jars of liquid you plan to take with you.

Refillable tanks must be purged and sealed by a local propane gas dealer. Discard nonrefillable tanks. Some carriers and the military do not permit shipment of any propane tanks. Check with your moving company first.

Have rugs and draperies cleaned. Leave both wrapped when they are returned from the cleaners.

Obtain a written appraisal of antique items to verify the value. Avoid waxing or oiling wooden antiques and fine wood furniture prior to moving because some products may soften the wood, making it vulnerable to imprinting from furniture pads.

Think twice before dismantling your outside TV antennae; a new one may cost less than moving the present one.

Third-party servicing will likely be needed before moving such items as hot tubs, large-screen TVs, and some exercise equipment.

Talk to your moving company about PRE and POST move servicing of washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, grandfather clock, satellite dish, etc.

Moving Appliances

AIR CONDITIONERS
Consult your authorized dealer or service man on your particular model. Some sealed units should be bolted down.
DRYERS (ELECTRIC OR GAS)
Check with your service man. Motors may need to be checked and secured.
FREEZERS
These appliances must be completely defrosted one or two days prior to moving. They should be dried and aired to avoid musty odor. Safety of contents cannot be guaranteed, so it is best to empty your freezer and plan meal that will use up perishable contents. Check with your service man to be sure the motor is bolted, if necessary.
REFRIGERATORS
Defrost and thoroughly dry your refrigerator before moving. This is very important. The doors should be left open several hours to air after defrosting. All pans, trays, crispers, shelves, or removable parts should be removed and wrapped individually. Have your refrigerator serviced. The motor may have to be bolted down before moving. Do not plug it in at the new home until it has been unbolted.
SEWING MACHINES
The do not need special servicing for local moving. For long distance, the driver should stuff paper in and around the machine and place paper between the lid and base to prevent rubbing.
STOVES
Stoves must be disconnected prior to pickup. Be sure gas lines are shut tightly and capped. For electric ranges, removable coils (and all other removable parts) must be packed separately.
TELEVISION SETS
Some set require that the be checked before moving. Some color TVs must be service both before and after moving. Television antennas should be removed from roof tops and disassembled (if necessary).
WASHERS
Washers must be serviced by an authorized service man. Motors should be checked and secured, tumbler action protected and fastened in place.
Source:http://www.moving.org/brochure/safety.html

 Most of us will own at least a couple of houseplants that we want to take with us on the move. Keen gardeners amongst us may also want to take garden plants with us. Plants are probably one of the Top 5 things we don’t think about much during the moving process. After all, we have a lot of bigger things to think about and plants often just get put on to the moving van at the last minute. But they are also very fragile things and get damaged very easily. Even if they survive the move the trauma of the process can kill them off later!

If you’re fond of your plants it’s therefore wise to put some time and effort into making the moving process as quick and painless for them as possible. The majority of moving companies will NOT cover plants in their insurance policies. They’re just too easy to damage. So, you need to take extra care yourself. You also need to bear in mind that certain movers will not carry plants or may have restrictions on those they carry according to your destination. Chances are you won’t be allowed to move any plants internationally. Talk to your movers to see if they have any restrictions.

As gardeners often claim, plants have feelings too! You can move a plant apparently successfully from one house to the next only to see it wither and die a couple of weeks later. To avoid this you need to do some preparations well ahead of your move to get them in peak condition. Firstly, you need to think about how you will transport your plants. Your best option is to get hold of some sturdy boxes - you should line these with plastic ready for your moving day.

Assess all the plants you want to transport a couple of weeks before you move. Prune them, feed them and administer any pest control treatments to get them into peak condition. Think about the pots they’re in - if you’re worried about transporting stone pots, for example, repot the plants into plastic ones. Also, take some time to check that all pots are whole and not cracked. A cracked pot stands more chance of breaking in transit and thus damaging the contents. Make sure that the pots aren’t too big for the actual plant - this can cause them to move about and damage themselves.

On your moving day (or the day before if you’re pushed for time) make sure that none of the plants are water-logged and drain away any excess water. Pack them snugly (but not too tightly) into the boxes you’ve set aside and put some packing in place to hold them firmly. Do tell your movers that these boxes contain plants - although you won’t have any insurance cover they will still take care with the boxes if you ask them to. Plants in large pots should be wrapped in plastic or placed in bags - you can also wrap the actual plant in plastic to avoid damage and to keep the plant together. If you do this be careful to make sure that the plastic is not tied together too tightly - they still need to breathe!

If you’re moving garden plants (in this case it’s always wise to tell the people that are buying your house in advance just to be polite) then the best time to dig them up is on your moving day. This minimizes disruption. You should dig up the plant so that you have a ‘root ball’ at the base. Wrap this in plastic and make sure that the earth in it is not too dry. If you want to move larger climbing type plants it’s wise to tie supports to the stem to avoid them snapping in the moving process. Plants can be quite successfully transported in a dustbin liner that is tied at the top. This will help them retain moisture - although you do need to be careful as this isn’t the sturdiest of solutions and you might want to put the bag in a box for extra security.

If you don’t want to empty your old garden of plants then you can always take cuttings with you instead. Put them in a bag on damp paper or cotton wool. This should keep them going through the move for a few days and you can transplant them when you’re ready.

Once you have packed up your plants for the move and transported them don’t forget them! It’s easy to get caught up with sorting out your new home and getting everything unloaded and unpacked but spare some time to sort your plants out early in the process - it’ll pay off. You don’t need to replant your garden plants straightaway - you probably won’t have time for this. You can just dig a quick hole in your new garden and put them in it. Cover their roots to protect them, give them a quick water if suitable and then you can forget about them for a while until you’re ready to plant them properly. Houseplants don’t have such urgent needs as they’ll still be in their pots but don’t forget about them either. Take them out of their boxes and any wrappings as soon as you can and leave them in a quiet corner while you get on the rest of your unpacking.

If your move will be a long-distance one you might need to think about moving your plants in your car. You’ll be able to manage the moving environment much better than if they are just stuck in the back of a van. This works just as well on short journeys if you’re particularly attached to your plants and you’re worried about the effects moving will have on them.

Your moving plant care doesn’t stop once the move is done. Plants are living things and are sensitive - keep an eye on both house and garden plants for a few weeks after the move and make sure they are well-watered and fed as necessary. Your garden plants may be transplanted into soil that is different to that they are used to and they may need extra help and attention. Give all your plants a bit of tender loving care and they’ll flourish in your new home!
 
 

Is there anything in common between your real estate realtor and relocation? “Moving your family to another town or state is a major event in your life! A professional Realtor can help you make your transition as smooth as possible” said Tami Rapaport from Coldwell Banker New Jersey. If you will be moving to a new area, your Realtor will determine what type of home, price range, and neighborhoods you are interested in. He’ll send you every home or property that is currently available that matches your criteria. Make sure when you visit, your Realtor will be ready! Ask to visit the neighborhoods and homes that interest you the most. In addition, talk about schools, sub-divisions, local market conditions, local culture… anything that is important to you. Remember: This is the Realtor job to know destination area inside and out, and make your transition as smooth as possible. To get started, ask your broker agent for a free relocation package with full of useful and important information about your new area. You should be under no obligation. Be prepared the broker agent will ask you these questions:
 

• About You: Your Name, Email Address, Street Address, City, State, Country, Zip, Phone
• About Your Move: When Are You Moving? Where Are You Moving? Why?
• About Your Home Search: Your Price Range? Number Of Bedrooms? Number Of Bathrooms? Home Size In Square Feet?
• About Your Present Home: Your Preferred Selling Price? Number Of Bedrooms? Number Of Bathrooms? Home Size In Square Feet?
• Additional Info: Concerns, Or Questions.

Is there anything in common between Real Estate Appraisals and Moving? This site tells you a lot about moving and movers so let’s try to learn something today about Real Estate Appraisals. I have found a great website explains what is an appraisal includes easy to watch video: http://www.homeappraisalsflorida.com/AppraisalVideo

As we’re speaking here about smart planning, your property appraising is vital if you buy a new house or selling your present house much before you want to think about moving.

Joseph from appraisals Miami told this BLOG that appraisal shall begin 6 months before moving.

Moving can be a simple and quick process - if you get it right. The following tips, tricks and insider secrets will give you an added edge to make sure your whole move is smooth and successful. Personally, I have used these tips and gained a lot, after all these tips are free, and they could possibly save you a lot of money.

Preparation

Use the move as an opportunity to have a clear-out. Have a yard sale or go to a car boot sale with anything you don’t need/want. Or give your local charity shop a boost. Either way it’ll make you move cheaper and easier and might actually make you some cash.
Think about the space in your new home before you move and start to imagine the best way to arrange your furniture in it. You can even make sketches if you like. This will make moving in much easier and help you feel at home.
Take any staples out of boxes before you pack them. Stray staples can scratch floors and surfaces, as they’ll probably move in transit.
Buy LOTS of packing tape (or get some from your moving company) . It’s great for strengthening boxes, won’t let them open in transit and can be easily opened when you want to with a knife.
If you have a piano think about how it’s going to get out of the house - your mover may need special equipment.
Plan where your movers can park to load and unload - the further they have to walk the longer it’ll take.
If you’re moving yourself hire something to help you move stuff in bulk such as a trolley or dolly. It’ll speed up the move and help make sure you don’t injure yourself!
Teach your kids your new address and phone number as soon as you have it.
Don’t use any special cleaning/maintenance products such as wax or oils on antique furniture for a couple of weeks before your move. They can make the wood softer for a few weeks and leave it more likely to get damaged.
If you unplug your TV a day before your move it’ll settle down to room temperature. Unplug it just before you move and it’ll retain heat - this can actually cause internal damage.
Write down instructions for any systems in your home such as central heating and air conditioning etc., and make sure the people moving in know any alarm codes. If you have brochures, guarantees or any paperwork relating to systems or appliances you’re leaving behind make sure to leave them somewhere obvious. This will make their move much easier for them.
If your new home has an alarm system ask for the code before you move!
Try to get a good night’s sleep before your moving day. Leaving things to the last minute so you’re up all night will just wear you out for the next day.

Packing

Packing starts out being fun but can soon get boring. Make yourself feel better about it by setting deadlines (i.e. a week to pack up the garage etc) and keeping to them!
Underpacking is almost as bad as overpacking and the contents of underpacked boxes are MUCH more likely to be damaged. Make sure you fill boxes with a mix of heavy and light. For more info about boxes: http://www.flatrate.com/nyc_movers/boxes.asp
 Don’t leave all your packing to the last day. You’ll be up all night and still not get it done right. But don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get everything done. The majority of us will run round in a flat panic as moving day approaches. If you’re pushed for time it doesn’t matter if you just box up non-fragile items quickly or even just stuff them in bags. If this happens to you do make sure you ask your movers to take extra care or just transport these last-minute packed things yourself.
Don’t use foam ‘peanuts’ to pack round a computer - they can generate static electricity and cause damage.
Try not to wrap fragile items in newspaper, as the print will come off on them. You’ll just have to wash everything before you can put it away. And, newsprint doesn’t generally come off well in a dishwasher so chances are you’ll be washing them by hand. If you don’t want to buy wrapping materials save up magazines for a few weeks beforehand.
Don’t use newspaper to wrap around lampshades - chances are you’ll not be able to get the newsprint off again!
Get one of your removal men to do a last walk-round your old house with you before you leave. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot things you’ve left behind.
If you’re in the habit of hanging clothes or stuff behind bedroom doors remember to check them as well. This is one of the most common places people forget stuff.
Write OPEN FIRST on boxes of essential items and DO NOT MOVE on boxes you’re planning on taking with you!

Moving

It’s easier to clean your new home before you move in. If you can’t do it yourself think about hiring professionals to whiz round for a couple of hours before your load arrives.
Try to move on a weekday. It’ll be less busy, may even be cheaper and you’ll be able to get hold of the contacts you might need if there is a problem such as utilities companies not connecting services etc.
Tell your movers if some of your boxes contain fragile items even if you have marked them clearly. They’ll take extra care if you warn them in advance.
You don’t need to take drawers out of chests of drawers for the move - even if they can’t be locked. To stop them falling out in transit place the item with drawers facing the wall of the moving vehicle or against a bigger item with a flat surface.
If you’re carrying heavy boxes bend with the knees and not with your back!
Have your stereo speakers loaded away from your TV - they can damage it!
Before your movers arrive try to make sure that all boxes and containers etc are stacked neatly in the room (ideally around the walls) and leave them room to maneuver. This will speed up the process.
Make sure someone is at your new home to meet the movers and to tell them where to unload stuff.
Moving is a weird mix of action and boredom. Prevent people flagging by taking regular short breaks. Feed people regularly - they’ll be using a lot of energy.
If you’re moving with kids let them loose on their new bedrooms with a couple of boxes of stuff they can unpack to keep them occupied. Alternatively give them jobs to do such as helping movers put boxes in the right rooms etc.
Don’t lay major appliances such as refrigerators on their sides - it can cause damage if they’re not kept upright.
Give your mover your cellphone number or that of your new home so they can keep in touch with you if necessary. Try and get a number for them too.
If you notice that your possessions or buildings get damaged by the movers on the day of the move tell the guy in charge immediately. make sure that the guy in charge saw the damage, and will take care of it.

After The Move

Don’t forget to tip your movers. It’s a nice touch to tip them all individually if they’ve been really helpful otherwise tip the guy in charge and he’ll sort them all out. Don’t feel you have to tip if you’re disappointed with the service they provided. (In my experience, you only tip if you are extremely happy with the service they gave you).
Give electrical items a chance to get to room temperature before you plug them in.
Expect to feel a bit ‘blue’ a couple of days after the move. It happens all the time and doesn’t mean you hate your new home - just that the move and the thought of unpacking has taken its toll on you a bit.
Call your friends and family to let them know you’ve moved safely.
If you feel up to it throw a housewarming party!
Keep your kids occupied and give them lots of attention - they’ll probably be unsettled by the move. Make time to have some fun!
Check for damage as soon as you can - some insurance policies only give you a specific time to make a claim. Miss it and you won’t be able to claim. 

 For more moving tips visit :http://www.themovingplanner.com/moving-planning-new-yorks-best-mover-offers-20-tips-for-sweet-summer-moves.html

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-tips.htm

Before Your Move

One-two months before….

Put together a ‘moving list’ to keep notes of what you need do, what you’ve done etc.
Use this checklist to help you assess what you need to do and when and write out your own plan.
Buy a file to store all the documentation and paperwork associated with the move.
If you haven’t got a moving company yet, GET ONE!   For more info about how to find the right moving company for you visit:http://www.themovingplanner.com/moving-planning-choosing-a-moving-company.html
If you need to move vehicles, pets or specialist items and you need outside help start sorting it out now.
If you need to use storage facilities look at your options and book it.
Make a list of everyone you need to notify of your change of address.
Start contacting key financial providers such as your bank or other institutions to have your details changed and to start up the process of cancelling/setting up automatic payments and/or accounts etc.
Notify schools and employers of change of address. If moving out of the area you’ll need to register your kids for a new school.
Start packing non-essential stuff (it’s never too soon to begin!) whenever you have some free time.
Buy, hire, beg, borrow or steal suitable boxes and containers to pack your stuff into.
Talk to your doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc., to notify them of your change of address or to come off their books if necessary. In some cases you may need to get copies of your records to take with you. If moving abroad ask about vaccinations etc. If you or your family (or pets) have regular medical prescriptions, get them filled to cover you throughout the moving process. If you’re moving out of the area ask for referrals to new practices.
Contact all of your insurers (home, vehicle, medical etc) to notify them of your move. Ask your home insurer for details of your existing coverage for the actual and arrange new coverage or a transfer to your new home.
Get a lockable box and start putting in important documents as you come across them.
Give all service providers such as gardeners, domestic help and regular delivery services notice that you will be moving. Cancel or change any subscriptions or memberships you have.
Send out change of address notices to friends and family if you have a firm moving date now. You’ll have less time as the days pass so it’s good to get this out of the way.
Get a form from your local Post Office for their mail forwarding service, fill it in and send it off.
Start making an inventory of your goods and take photos/videos of valuable items.
Complete any repairs to your home that you are committed to.
Two-three weeks before……

Contact utility companies and service providers to arrange to have your appliances/services disconnected and, if necessary, reconnected in your new home.
Move your packing up a gear. Take a room a day and start packing up stuff you don’t use regularly.
Take back library books, pick up dry-cleaning and think about any other similar things you may have pending in the area.
Have your car(s) serviced.
Start living off your store cupboard and freezer and stop buying frozen or perishable food - you can’t really take it with you and it’ll make the move easier.
Put aside a box/boxes for personal/essential items that you want to take with you yourself rather than have the movers take. Start putting stuff in it as you come across it. Mark it DO NOT MOVE so your movers don’t load it by mistake.
Pack up your garage and any stuff that is stored in your yard, garden or sheds.
Empty your lawnmower and power tools of fuel etc.
Dispose of anything that is flammable or hazardous.
Think about what you’re going to do with the kids!

One week before…..

Call your mover and any other companies involved with the move (vehicle movers, storage facilities etc) and confirm all of your arrangements, times etc.
Carry on packing!
Start taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Check that your new home is still set to be insured.
Make sure all your outstanding bills are paid.
One-two days before…..

Defrost and clean your refrigerator/freezer and secure major appliances such as washing machines/cookers etc. Make sure that utility companies are confirmed to disconnect services/take meter readings etc.
Finish taking apart furniture that needs to be disassembled.
Sort out any plants you’re taking with you.
Check that all the paperwork related to your house sale/rental/purchase is complete.
Close bank accounts if necessary.
Finish your major packing.
Pack up your PC and other electrical equipment. Write down the serial numbers in your moving book.
Put together a box of essentials for the move such as tea, coffee, mugs, sugar, tools, paper and pen and cleaning materials.
Make sure all boxes are clearly marked/labelled.
Start cleaning the house as you go along.
Make sure you have all the documents related to your move to hand.

During Your Move

Moving day at your old home…..

Get up early and don’t panic!
Take bedding off beds and pack it up.
Walk your movers through the house, tell them what you need them to do and take their advice on the actual loading.
Make sure your movers know where they are going.
Give the house a final clean.
Leave a note of your name, new address and contact number for the new residents of your home so they can forward any mail that slips through the cracks.
Have a final walk round to check you’ve remembered everything - do this BEFORE the moving vehicle leaves!
Make sure you have keys to your new home and drop off your current keys as you’ve arranged.
Make sure you load everything you’re taking yourself in the car and lock it!
Switch everything off, lock up and leave!

Moving day at your new home…..

Check everything is working such as power, gas etc - if not, call the utilities companies to find out why not!
Supervise the unloading process to get everything where you want it.
Offer the movers a drink and snack!
Clean before you start unpacking.
Start unpacking essentials.

After Your Move

Unpack logically working down from essential to non-essential items.
Reassemble your furniture when you have time.
Don’t worry about filling wardrobes immediately if you have hired/bought special wardrobe boxes. They can hang perfectly well in there until you have time to put them away properly.
Get all of your major appliances ready for use again and hook them up.
Unpack all electrical items as quickly as possible and check for damage - you may have a limited window for insurance claims.
Register to vote and for any other local government purposes.
Check your mail is being forwarded to your new address.
Register with a doctor, dentist, veterinarian etc.
If necessary change your driver’s license and car details etc.
 
Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-checklist.htm

No matter how well you plan ahead the actual packing/moving process can sometimes turn into a last minute rush to get things done. Whilst it doesn’t really matter in the great scheme of things whether you pack your socks up carefully or cram them into a box at the last minute, some goods need extra time, special care and careful consideration. Your computer equipment is a prime example of this. Some moving companies will offer help (at a price!) with preparing and packing up your machine. Most of us will do it ourselves - this shouldn’t be a problem, as long as you proceed carefully.

But, no matter how carefully you pack your computer, you must be aware that accidents can happen and you should make every effort to ensure minimum damage in this eventuality. You also need to make sure that you have adequate insurance cover. If you don’t take special care you can cause serious damage to what is an expensive machine. And, all the insurance in the world won’t compensate if you lose valuable data and documents.

The first thing you should do is to make copies of all of your data on either flash drives, CD-ROMs etc. This may seem like a boring and unnecessary job but it isn’t! Just think how you would feel if all of the documents you have ever created on your machine were lost forever. Don’t pack up these copies with your computer - keep them safe and separate, ideally in a special lockable box. It’s a good idea to get together all your system, program and other disks for the machine at the same time and pack them up together. It’ll make things much easier for you at the other end when you’re setting up again.

Before you start getting your computer ready to pack, think about what you’re going to pack it in. If at all possible, use the box(es) it came in. These were specially designed to transport the machine in the first place and will do the best job for you, especially if you also kept the original packing inserts. If you didn’t keep the packing, then use boxes of as similar a size as possible and make sure you have adequate padding material to keep it sited firmly and securely. Your equipment should never be able to slip around inside its box but should always sit snugly. You can also talk to your removal company, as they may be able to sell/hire special computer boxes that will work really well too.

Check that your disk drives don’t have any disks in them. It’s worthwhile putting an old floppy disk in the relevant drive for the transport process. Make sure all disk drives are closed. In many cases your computer will allow you to ‘park’ your recording heads - this gives you extra protection against damage to your hard disk. This isn’t as complex or technical as it sounds so don’t worry! Basically your computer has a system of moving the recording heads out of harms way when you tell it to. In some cases your computer will be able to automatically ‘park and lock the system’ and in others you will need to run a special program to get this done. If in doubt, consult your original manual, the manufacturer, your local computer shop or search on the Internet for the best solution for your machine. Many computers need to run a program called SHIPDISK.EXE to park the recording heads. This should have been supplied with your original disks (most likely on a diagnostic disk). If you have this option you can either run the program from the disk or copy it to your hard drive and then run it later. Once you’ve called up the program you will probably see a red blinking light on the disk drive telling you that it is parked safely. It’s simply ‘unparked’ when you next turn the computer on. For this reason it’s best to do this stage just before you dismantle the machine for packing.

Once you’ve parked your recording heads, you’re ready to start taking the computer apart. DO make sure you turn off the system and disconnect it from power sources first! Your first step should be to disconnect all the cables to your computer components. If you have a good understanding of setting up a PC then you needn’t worry too much about what goes where but if you’re a bit of a novice then pay attention to the cables you removed and their sources. Either write down what went where or mark the cables in some way so you can put the machine back together again. You can either bag up all your cables together or in individual boxes with their relevant equipment.

Try to keep your computer base unit flat or on its side as appropriate - turning it upside down might alter the position of interior parts which may affect the way it works when you set it up again. Whether you’re using original boxes or not, make sure that every component is firmly and securely packed with plenty of packing material to hold it in place.

You should pay as much attention to your other computer equipment as you do to the actual machine. Printers, monitors, scanners and so on are also fragile pieces of machinery. They may not be as valuable as your computer but it’ll still be a pain if you damage them and it’ll still cost money to replace them! Once again, try to use original boxes if at all possible. Remove print cartridges as appropriate from your printer. Remember that it is easy to scratch/break your monitor and you might want to wrap it in bubble wrap or other protective material before packing it up.

Finally, once everything is packed up, seal the box(es) securely and write: FRAGILE - COMPUTER EQUIPMENT on every available surface. You really do need to avoid having theses items knocked around and should also tell your movers that these particular boxes contain computer equipment before they load them. You should have told them you have a computer to move before you hired them and should also remind them when they first arrive to load up. They’ll then be able to assess best positioning on the vehicle etc. If you’re worried about having your computer on a vehicle with the rest of your possessions and will be traveling to your new home by car, then you can always opt to take it yourself if it makes you feel better.
For more info visit: http://www.flatrate.com/nyc_movers/residential.asp 
 

 Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-computer.htm

Moving home is often quoted as being one of the most stressful experiences we ever go through in our lives. The whole process of packing up our belongings, leaving our home and moving to pastures new is bad enough - add to that the fact that we have to entrust our possessions and their transport to complete strangers and it’s no wonder our stress levels soar!

The problem is we don’t tend to move often enough in our lives to make it a process we get used to. We’re generally all novices when it comes to moving and it shows! But, like any process, moving is all about being smart and knowing what you’re doing. You’re about to find out more about the hardest part of the process - choosing a moving company. You’ll find more information on the other ins and outs of moving on the menu on the left of the page.

Choosing a good moving company is difficult. We’ve all heard horror stories from friends and families about disreputable companies and it’s vital to sort the good from the bad as soon as you can. Wherever you live, you can guarantee that there will be various moving companies just waiting to help you out. Your hardest task is choosing one that’s right for you - it’s vital that you get this choice right. Getting it wrong can cost you time, money and heartache. Choosing a moving company is very much an individual choice and your decision should be tailored to your actual needs.

Nowadays, moving companies can offer you a wide range of services on top of their basic removal competencies. These can include packing, the sale or hire of packing materials, unpacking and storage facilities. Some companies will even pack your possessions, transport them, clean your new home, unpack your possessions and arrange them at the other end according to your instructions. These additional services will obviously cost you more money.

As a guideline you should have chosen your moving company at least 4-8 weeks before your moving day. Leave it too long and you’ll find that the good companies are fully booked and you’ll have less choice in the matter. It’s far better to choose and book your company as far in advance as possible. You should be talking to your shortlist as soon as you have an estimated moving day. Bear in mind that movers are often busy at the end of the month, on Fridays and at weekends and may charge more for these premium times. Many will tell you that they have certain quiet days - such as Mondays - they may even be prepared to offer you a discount to move during their less busy periods. It’s always worth asking!

To make the best choice, you need to think about what you want from a move - and the first thing you should do before contacting moving companies is to make a quick checklist of what you need them to do. This list will help you get the best quotes, as you’ll be able to be very exact about your needs. Examples include:

Your preferred moving dates
Are you looking to move locally, long-distance or, even internationally?
Do you want help with packing, want to hire/buy packing materials or simply want to pack up yourself?
Will you need the moving company to transport valuable or fragile items?
Do you just want to hire a vehicle to move yourself?
Do you need storage facilities?
How much stuff do you have?
How much insurance will you need?
The best way to find a reliable moving company is by recommendation or reputation. If someone you know has had a good experience then copy it! You do still need to be careful, however. If a local moving company successfully moved your mother-in-law across town, they won’t necessarily have the skills, resources and experience to move you internationally, for example. Talk to your Realtors or estate agents - they should be able to give experienced and knowledgeable recommendations. If you’re looking to move relatively close to home then a quick and easy way to spot local companies is to keep your eyes peeled on the street as soon as you start thinking about moving. You’ll see the vehicles of certain movers time and time again and you can take some comfort from the fact that they are busy.

Many of us will simply pick a moving company from a Yellow Pages type directory or from an Internet search. Some of us will simply choose a known name - i.e. a national company - and others may opt for a smaller local company. In all cases, it’s especially wise to choose companies that have taken the time and trouble to become accredited members of a moving association or trade body. You can assume from this that they take themselves seriously and you can probably do the same too. They will probably have to adhere to certain standards and you’ll have recourse to action if you do have problems. But you should still beware - if you are at all suspicious, check out their membership. You can even ask them for referrals from previous satisfied customers. You don’t have to follow up on this but, if the company seem less than keen to let you talk to people they’ve dealt with in the past, then you need to start thinking hard about whether they’re right for you.

When you’ve drawn up a shortlist of potential moving companies you need to start the negotiation process. You’ll find a wide variety of costs and services out there and various types of pricing. Some companies will charge you on an hourly rate, some by estimated volume based on the rooms of your current property, some by estimating what types of furniture and goods you need to move and others by the estimated weight of your load.

It’s wise to draw up a quick list before you start talking to people, as you don’t really want to be thinking on your feet here. Write down how many rooms you have, list big items of furniture and try to estimate how many boxes you’ll be packing. The easiest way to do this is to mentally go through every room in your house, list the big items and then work out how many boxes it’ll take to remove the rest of the stuff in the room. Don’t forget to think about garden furniture and the contents of your garage! Don’t worry about it being exactly right - the moving companies don’t expect it. But it won’t suit either of you if you get it completely wrong and they send a mini-sized vehicle for a juggernaut-sized job! If in doubt ask a couple of the moving companies for advice on how to estimate. You’ll be surprised at how helpful they’ll be - many will happily send estimators to your home to put together a quotation, especially if they price by weight.

When it comes to costs, you should be looking to get at least 2-3 quotes before you make a decision. Don’t just look at price but look at what they’ll offer you for the cost. It may be more cost effective to pay a little more to get more services. Don’t be afraid to ask them about how long they’ve been in business, their experience or for customer referrals. Talk to them about how long it will take to move you. DO ask them about their insurance cover and claims protection and how far it extends (and doesn’t!). You should NEVER choose a moving company that doesn’t have adequate insurance. It’s also important to get a quote in writing and to make sure that you completely understand how the quotation works. This is one of the times in your life when it really does pay to read the small print. For example, some moving companies won’t cover you for damage if you pack goods yourself unless they play an obvious role in damaging them. You must make sure that they not only explain your quote to you but that you get a full copy that includes any relevant terms and conditions, bills of lading etc. It’s also good to ask how many people will be assigned to your move - the more there are, the quicker it’ll go. Most people generally find that 3 is an ideal number - this gives you 2 people to do most of the loading/unloading and 1 to sort out the vehicle. It also means that somebody is with your possessions most of the time for added security.

You need to be particularly careful if your moving estimate is based on weight. This type of quotation has specific problems, as it is hard to estimate the weight of goods before you actually weigh them. In these cases, an estimator will generally work out the weight for you before you are given a price. But, your goods will be weighed once they are packed up and, if the weight is higher than the estimate, you might be liable for extra costs. In these cases always check first about how the moving company’s system works and establish how binding their quotation is or isn’t. If you run into problems here, you really will be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Refuse to pay excess charges and the mover will simply hang on to your possessions until you resolve the dispute. It’s vital to spend time here assessing the company. For example, you have the right to be present when your goods are weighed to check the accuracy of the process and you can ask for a reweigh if you aren’t sure - make sure that the company agrees to this upfront.

Once you have talked to your shortlist of moving companies and have read through their quotes, you’ll be ready to make your choice. You may simply choose on cost or may prefer to go with the company with which you feel most comfortable. Once you’ve made a decision you’ll probably be asked to sign some kind of confirmation that outlines your agreement. This is always a good idea, as all parties then know where they stand. All you need to do now is get ready for your moving day - just don’t forget to give your movers a call a few days beforehand to confirm your arrangements!
 

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/

You might have heard the horror stories; damaged furniture, unreasonable fees, even entire trucks of personal belongings taken hostage by unscrupulous moving companies. Unfortunately, this is a disturbing real-life scenario that is not unique to any one area or country. Problems with moving companies are all too common.

Does this mean you should avoid using a moving company? Absolutely not. Like anything else in life, the negative incidents seem to stand out so much more than the positive experiences happening every day. Moving can be a physically and mentally exhausting venture; honest moving companies take much of the physical work and stress out of the event. Use this guide to protect yourself from the financial and emotional turmoil caused by a problem with the company in charge of moving your most precious belongings.

The First Step is Prevention

You can greatly reduce the risk of encountering a problem by doing some serious investigative work before hiring a moving company. Yes, it will be time consuming, but when you consider what is at stake it’s absolutely essential.

Begin by asking friends and neighbors if they have ever used the services of a moving company. What was the experience like? If it was a positive one, write the name of the company on your shortlist. Going through the phonebook, choose at least five other companies in your area to add to your list.

Call each company and ask about:

Prices – For time as well as mileage. Also inquire about special or additional rates for certain objects such as appliances or pianos.

Insurance or protection policies – Are they offered by the company? Is there a deductible? Are there certain conditions that would affect your being compensated if your belongings are damaged?

Handling procedures – What type equipment is used for heavy lifting? How are fragile items loaded onto the truck and stored during transportation?

Moving staff qualifications – How many years experience do the movers have? Are they bondable and have they completed a recent criminal record check?

General policies and procedures – What guarantee do you have that the movers will show up on time and deliver the furniture on time to your new home? What will happen if you are not at the home when they arrive? Does the company have a complaint process and how are disputes handled?

This basic list of questions will get you started. Before you call, go over your move in your head and ask any additional questions relating to your own personal items. Don’t be afraid to take ten or even twenty minutes of their time asking these important questions. If they are unwilling to answer or seem too busy or disinterested, do not hire them. Imagine how they will act when you are really counting on them!

Always Check References

You’ve called several companies and decided that two of them offer competitive pricing and terms that are agreeable. Call the Better Business Bureau in your area and inquire about the company. If they are not registered with the BBB, do not hire them.

Ask each company to provide FIVE, yes five, professional references. Make it clear that these references should be past clients of theirs. Call each reference and ask about their experience with the company, including punctuality, cooperation, care with items and price adherence.

TROUBLE SAVING TIP: Ask for a reference that is at least three years old, meaning a client they moved more than three years ago. Why? Many moving companies simply change their name and re-open if they are sued, charged, or reported to the Better Business Bureau. Ensuring that they have successfully been in business for more than three years is an added bit of protection.

Know Your Rights

Don’t… sign… ANYTHING without reading it thoroughly. Take the contract home and read every single detail before signing. If there is a single clause in the contract that you feel is questionable, don’t sign it. You may ask the company about it, but if they won’t provide an amended contract, you are agreeing to every word on that page by signing.

In most countries, the moving industry is highly unregulated. It is up to the consumer to protect themselves. Although organizations such as the Better Business Bureau do try to keep track of serial offenders, it is all too easy for a scam artist to simply open up shop somewhere else.

You are hiring the company to provide a service to you and in this situation the law considers any problems to be a civil matter. If a problem arises, it will be in your hands to file a lawsuit and prove your own case. In the worst case scenario - when the company will not release your furniture - you could be without it for years until the case is resolved in court.

You may be shaking your head in wonder; how is that possible? While it seems unbelievable that so little protection is offered, it’s the sad truth. Lobby your government for stricter rules and better enforcement in the moving industry. Until then, learn to recognize and avoid these common problems:

Storage for undeliverable items – This is a relatively common scam in the moving industry. If the company states that they will move your belongings into storage should they be undeliverable, you need to ask some very important questions. What is their definition of undeliverable? If they show up early and you are not at the new home, a dishonest company would claim that the goods were undeliverable and put them in storage.

Here is the real scam; often, the moving company owns the storage unit as well! So they will demand payment for the moving services, may even charge a fine for your “undeliverable goods”, and then charge you for storage fees. They would refuse to release the items from storage until you paid the entire amount owing to both the movers and the storage company. The amount would continue to grow as you unsuccessfully called police and eventually had to either cut your losses or sue the company.

Late or Missing Delivery – Ensure that your contract is signed by the company and includes a level of protection and liability suitable for late or missing deliveries. How will you be compensated? The pick up and delivery dates and times should be clearly defined.

Damaged Items – Again, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure in this case. Before hiring the company, you must be familiar with their handling practices, check references and have a written guarantee stating that they will pay for any damage caused to your property. IMPORTANT: Have it in writing that you will be compensated the Replacement Value of damaged items, not the depreciated value. Take a picture with a date-time stamp of each piece of furniture the day of the move. Be at the new location to check each item and box carefully after it is brought into the new house. Call the moving company owner or head office immediately if any of your belongings are damaged.

Unreasonable or Unexpected Fees – Always have a quote in writing before hiring the company. The contract you sign should not leave expenses and charges open ended. The company knows how far you are moving; you can expect a flat rate for mileage. Hourly rates for movers should be reasonable.

Inflated Weight – Ask the company if they charge per box or by weight. If you are paying by weight, you will be asked to provide an estimated weight for the items you are having moved. Have it written into the contract that the company will reweigh the belongings and provide you with an itemized list of weights should the actual amount be more than 10% greater than the estimated amount. Also ensure that they are using a certified scale.

Payment Terms – Payment terms should be clearly outlined within the contract. Is the deposit refundable? When is the balance due; upon successful delivery, or on a certain date regardless of whether or not your belongings have been delivered? Can the mover increase the final bill to more than 10% greater than the written quote without your authorization?

Complaint Resolution

With planning and research, you should have no trouble finding a reliable, reputable moving company in your area. While much of the responsibility of consumer protection rests on your own shoulders, there are actions that you can take if you encounter a problem.

Always contact the company first and give them a chance to fix the problem. Explain the trouble you are having clearly and state the action that you expect from them. For example, if a box of glassware was shattered during the move, call the company and tell them that you expect to be reimbursed for the replacement value of the glassware.

If this approach does not work, send the company a faxed or mailed letter. Again, state the problem and the action that you expect from them. Then outline the next action that you will take against the company, such as a complaint to the Better Business Bureau or other organization in your country. Set a clear and reasonable deadline for their response (seven days is reasonable). This letter should not be threatening or angry in nature; you are simply expressing the problem and your expectations for resolution.

Follow through with your next complaint action. This may include filing a formal complaint with a regulatory agency in your company, posting a blog warning other consumers about the company (it’s not libel if it’s true), or even contacting the media. Once contacted by the media, moving companies will sometimes snap to their senses with a reasonable solution to the problem.

Once you have exhausted other avenues, call your lawyer. They will inform you of the laws in your area and the procedure for filing suit against the company.

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-computer.htMoving

Unless you run a small office, the chances are you will employ a company of professional movers to manage an office move. Office moves are different to home moves - they generally involve more expensive equipment for example - and it’s a good tip to pick a moving company with a background of successful office moves. As always, if you don’t already have contacts with experienced companies, your best tip is to get referrals form other people. Ask the facilities managers at your current and future office for two-three names. They should be able to put you on to some reputable and reliable companies and to warn you away from the bad ones! You can also ask other companies in your building or neighborhood for referrals if they have moved recently themselves. You should always get at least three quotes and ask for and check testimonials. If the thought of managing your own move is just too much for you, you can employ a moves consultant to manage the process on your behalf. Their services don’t just cover the physical move but also all the other stuff you need to think about before and after the moving process

The services on offer from office movers aren’t that different to those you’ll be offered for a home move. You may even find that the company you hire does both. Office moves just tend to be heavier and harder. What you will find is that you need more moving personnel, as there tends to be more heavy furniture, boxes and equipment involved. You will, almost definitely, need to hire special crates or boxes from your moving company. The smallest offices can collect large volumes of paperwork and other stuff. This is extremely vital to the smooth running of your company. Pack it up in special crates in an organized way and it’ll be much easier to unpack at the other end and get up and running immediately. It’ll also be adequately protected during the move.

Costs will also vary from company to company. Some will charge an hourly rate and some on estimated volume/weight. You may also find that you’re paying a premium if you opt to move during non-working hours such as in the evening or at a weekend.

Office moves also generally involve the transportation of multiple valuable equipment such as PCs, copiers and other machinery. Chances are you won’t have kept every box for every piece of hardware in your office so you should hire suitable containers from your moving company to protect your property in transit. If you have a lot of PCs you may prefer to hire a specialist to disconnect them, pack them up and then set them up again if you don’t have these skills in house. If you lease equipment it’s also worthwhile checking your agreement in case they mention what you need to do to move it. Some leasing companies will not allow you to move equipment yourself and may insist that they do it for you (and they’ll probably charge for it!).

Also, take time to talk to your movers about how they load their vehicles to best protect your property. Ask them what they need you to do and what equipment they use that can help you. They may, for example, simply tell you to lock filing cabinets rather than empty them as they can use equipment to move them easily even when full. Some will insist that desk drawers be emptied even if they can be locked as the contents are generally easily damaged.

Time is a constant driver with an office move and you need to prepare well. Basically, the longer a move takes you, the longer it will be before you can get back to work. You will need to get moving companies into your office to assess how big your load will be and to talk you through what they can do and what you need to do. It’s always worthwhile planning out your new office space in advance and giving the company a copy so that they can simply slot desks and furniture in the right place as they are unloaded.

In-depth insurance is absolutely vital for office moves and you need to discuss the mover’s policy and check out your own before you come to a decision. With office moves, insurance isn’t just about equipment and furniture - it’s also about vital paperwork, records and the information stored on your computers. You’ll find that most movers won’t insure you for these items and you need to make sure you back-up data and make adequate provision for your paperwork during the moving process. If you need to pay extra to get the coverage you need, pay extra. If you lose something vital you’ll effectively be losing business. It’s also a good tip to get a policy that will pay you for lost business and time lost if something does goes wrong. This isn’t generally offered as standard. You also need to know about liability coverage. If movers damage your office building during the moving process (and it’s easily done!) you will generally be held responsible so you need to know you can claim the costs back. Read the mover’s terms and conditions CAREFULLY. It’s the exclusions and restrictions that will, as ever, tell you what coverage you may really need!

Source:http://www.moving-company-guide.com/moving-office.htm