The Moving Planner Blog

The moving industry is getting big and the competition is sky-high. So much it reaches the SUN,.. I mean the NY SUN  

 
“Starting Monday, October 30th, we’ll be advertising on the home page (main banner) of the New York Sun ( http://www.nysun.com/ ). This campaign will be enhanced with a few print ads in the real estate section (Thursdays)”. Dana Rahav, Marketing Director FLATRATE Moving.

More moving companies does not necessarily means more quality. Stick to our guidelines in this BLOG to maximize you moving experience. This is your starting point choosing the right mover: category-the-perfect-movers.html

You want to drive here Moving Companies Responsibilities to cover your base.

What Kind of Dispute
Do You Have With Your Mover? 
Disputed Claim for Loss Damage
To the Articles Transported

In Your Shipment
  A dispute with your mover regarding the settlement of a claim for loss or damage to the articles contained in your shipment.

 This type of dispute may be eligible for arbitration.

Click here for more information and a Request for Arbitration Form.
 
Dispute Regarding Additional Charges

Billed to You by Your Mover

AFTER THE DELIVERY 

Of Your Shipment
  A dispute with your mover regarding additional charges that the moving company billed to you after your move.

 This type of dispute may be eligible for arbitration.

Click here for more information and a Request for Arbitration Form.
 
A Complaint Regarding the

Quality of Service That You Received

Or

Other Complaints That Are Not Subject

To Arbitration
   A complaint with your mover regarding the quality of service that you received.

 Complaints are not eligible for mandatory arbitration under the Federal guidelines of the AMSA arbitration program. 

Click here for more information and a Complaint Form.
 
ARBITRATION – DISPUTED LOSS AND DAMAGE CLAIMS. 

The Arbitration Program ensures that our members comply with the federal requirement that they must have a formal arbitration program available to resolve their customers’ disputes regarding loss and damage claims.

If you have a dispute with your mover regarding loss or damage that occurred to the articles in your shipment, you should first file a claim with your mover.  Then, if your mover denies your claim or provides a settlement offer that you are not satisfied with, you may elect to use arbitration to have your claim resolved.

For more information about the Arbitration Program,

including a schedule of the current administrative fees, click here .

 Click here for a form to use to request arbitration.

The arbitration program operates under federal guidelines and is limited in the type of cases that may be arbitrated.  Under the program, disputed loss and damage claims up to $10,000 are subject to mandatory arbitration if no settlement can be reached; claims over $10,000 may be arbitrated if your mover agrees to do so.

The National Arbitration Forum administers our arbitration program. NAF is an independent, non-governmental organization that is not affiliated with AMSA or with any household goods moving company.  NAF maintains a panel of independent and neutral arbitrators that include law professors, attorneys and former state and federal court judges to resolve the disputes.  NAF will charge an administrative fee to arbitrate your case.  The administrative fee, which is divided equally between the parties (unless your mover agrees to pay all or a portion of your share of the fee), is paid to NAF; AMSA does not receive any portion of the administrative fee.  The parties to your proceeding will be you and your mover with NAF acting as the neutral program administrator.  Neither AMSA nor any of its employees takes any role in the arbitration proceeding or has any influence in the outcome of the arbitrator’s decision. (AMSA serves only as a clearinghouse to make sure that your mover properly addresses your initial request for arbitration as required by the Federal statute.)

 Click here for a copy of the NAF Arbitration Rules and Procedures.

The decision of the Arbitrator that you receive from the National Arbitration Forum will be kept confidential.  Federal law (Section 14908, Subtitle IV, Title 49 United States Code) specifically prohibits an interstate carrier or its agent from disclosing any information about your shipment without your permission, except in response to legal process issued under authority of a court of the United States or a State or to an officer, employee, or agent of the United States government.  Therefore, AMSA respects your right to privacy in such matters and will keep the results of your arbitration case confidential.

ARBITRATION – DISPUTED CHARGES. 

The Arbitration Program ensures that our members comply with the federal requirement that they must have a formal arbitration program available to resolve their customers’ disputes regarding certain types of disputed charges.

While most disputed claims for loss and damage are eligible for consideration under the mandatory arbitration provisions, only certain types of disputed charges are eligible.  Disputes regarding charges that your mover collected when your shipment was delivered are not subject to mandatory arbitration.  However, disputes regarding additional charges that your mover billed to you after your shipment was delivered are eligible for consideration under the mandatory arbitration provisions.

If you have a dispute with your mover regarding the additional charges that your mover billed to you after your move, you should first file a claim with your mover.  Then, if your mover denies your claim or provides a settlement offer (refund) that you are not satisfied with, you may elect to use arbitration to have your claim resolved.

 For more information about the Arbitration Program,

including a schedule of the current administrative fees, click here .

 Click here  for a form to use to request arbitration.

Under the regulations, your mover is authorized to collect the following charges when your shipment is delivered:
         ·   100% of the binding estimate amount or 110% of the non-binding estimate amount, plus

·         Charges applicable for any services (i.e. waiting time, extra pickup or delivery, storage-in-transit) that you requested after the contract was executed that were not included in the estimate, and

·         In the event that shuttle service is required, the mover may also collect for the shuttle charges at delivery – provided that the shuttle charges collected at delivery do not exceed fifteen (15%) percent of the total charges due at delivery.

Any remaining charges must be billed to you – it is these additional charges that your mover bills to you (and are not collected at delivery) that are subject to arbitration.

For example, if you received a non-binding estimate from your mover for $7,000, you would be required to pay no more than 110% of this amount (or $7,700) at delivery for the services and quantities listed on your estimate.  However, if your shipment weighs more than the estimated amount, your mover will invoice you for the additional amount after your shipment has been delivered.  The amount of the additional billing is the amount subject to arbitration.

The National Arbitration Forum administers our arbitration program. NAF is an independent, non-governmental organization thatis not affiliated with AMSA or with any household goods moving company.  NAF maintains a panel of independent and neutral arbitrators that include law professors, attorneys and former state and federal court judges to resolve the disputes.  NAF will charge an administrative fee to arbitrate your case.  The administrative fee, which is divided equally between the parties (unless your mover agrees to pay all or a portion of your share of the fee), is paid to NAF; AMSA does not receive any portion of the administrative fee.  The parties to your proceeding will be you and your mover with NAF acting as the neutral program administrator.  Neither AMSA nor any of its employees takes any role in the arbitration proceeding or has any influence in the outcome of the arbitrator’s decision. (AMSA serves only as a clearinghouse to make sure that your mover properly addresses your initial request for arbitration as required by the Federal statute.)

 Click here for a copy of the NAF Arbitration Rules and Procedures.

The decision of the Arbitrator that you receive from the National Arbitration Forum will be kept confidential.  Federal law (Section14908, Subtitle IV, Title 49 United States Code) specifically prohibits an interstate carrier or its agent from disclosing any information about your shipment without your permission, except in response to legal process issued under authority of a court of the United States or a State or to an officer, employee, or agent of the United States government.  Therefore, AMSA respects your right to privacy in such matters and will keep the results of your arbitration case confidential.

SUBMITTING A COMPLAINT.

If you have a complaint with your mover regarding shipment delay or the quality of service that you received during your move or another type of complaint that does not fall within the guidelines for arbitration, you should first file a claim with your mover.  Then, if your mover denies your claim or provides a settlement offer that you are not satisfied with, you may elect to file your complaint with AMSA.

Click here  for a form to use to file a complaint.

If you have a complaint about your mover that you have been unable to resolve, you may submit your complaint using the form above to provide us with the information that we will need to assist you in processing your complaint.  After we receive your complaint, we will contact your mover to obtain a written explanation of the circumstances that brought about your complaint in order to attempt to bring the matter to a conclusion. 

AMSA is a non-profit organization that acts as a clearinghouse for matters relating to consumer complaints, information and arbitration.  AMSA is not a governmental agency and we do not have the authority to order your mover to provide refunds or reimbursements, force a settlement or to demand any type of compensatory payment from your mover; however, we do routinely remove movers from our membership that show a repeated pattern of consumer abuse.

There is no cost to you for processing a complaint through this AMSA program.

Accessorial (Additional) Services - services such as packing, unpacking, or shuttle service that you request to be performed (or are necessary because of landlord requirements or other special circumstances). Charges for these services are in addition to the transportation charges.
Advanced Charges - charges for services not performed by the mover but instead by a professional, craftsman or other third party at your request. The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to your bill of lading charges.
Bill of Lading - the receipt for your goods and the contract for their transportation. It is your responsibility to understand the bill of lading before you sign it. If you do not agree with something on the bill of lading, do not sign it until you are satisfied that it is correct. The bill of lading is an important document. Don’t lose or misplace your copy.
Binding/Non-Binding Estimate - a binding estimate is an agreement made in advance with the mover that guarantees the total cost of the move based on the quantities and services shown on the estimate. A non-binding estimate is the carrier’s approximation of the cost based on the estimated weight of the shipment and the accessorial services requested. A non-binding estimate is not binding on the carrier and the final charges will be based on the actual weight and tariff provisions in effect.
Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service - an additional level of service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays. This premium service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.
High Value Article - items included in a shipment that are valued at more than $100 per pound. These items should be disclosed to the mover to ensure that they are protected accordingly.
Inventory - the detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the number and condition of each item.
Transportation Charges - charges for the vehicle transportation portion of your move. These charges apply in addition to the additional service charges.
Order for Service - the document authorizing the mover to transport your household goods.
Pickup and Delivery Charges - separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between the warehouse and your residence.
Shuttle Service - use of a smaller vehicle to provide service to residences that are not accessible to the mover’s normal linehaul equipment (large moving vans).
Storage-In-Transit (SIT) - temporary warehouse storage of your shipment pending further transportation; for example, if your new home isn’t quite ready to occupy. Added charges for SIT service and final delivery charges from the warehouse will apply.
Valuation - the degree of “worth” of the shipment. The valuation charge that you are assessed compensates the mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than that provided for in the base transportation charges.
Source:http://www.moving.org/resources/terms.html

How to Take the Stress Out of Moving
by Joe Harrison, President, American Moving and Storage Association

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Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, ranked by researchers as high as the death of a loves one or divorce. But with the right kind of planning and care, you can take the stress out of your move.

While the advice in this article primarily covers interstate moves (a move between two or more states), many of the tips apply equally to local and intrastate (within the same state) moves and international moving as well.

The biggest mistake most people make is failing to plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute — especially during movers’ busy summer season — limits your options and can result in disappointment when it comes to securing the services of the mover you want at the date of your choosing. It also causes people to be less careful in selecting a mover - leaving them open to become victims of criminals who pose as movers to rip people off.

We suggest you begin making arrangements at least four to six weeks before the moving date. A planning checklist and planner, called Countdown to Moving Day, and other useful advice, is available at the American Moving and Storage Association consumer advice website, www.moving.org.

And here is an inside tip from someone who knows the moving industry. Most people want to move during the summer, when the kids are out of school. This means that from May to September movers are extremely busy. If you can arrange for your move at another time of year, you have a much better chance of securing a high quality move from the company of your choice. Also, most movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April.

Similarly, most people want to move at the beginning or end of the month, because most rent and mortgage payments are due on the first of each month. However, if you can arrange to move in the middle of the month, you will not only increase the likelihood of getting the mover you want and a top-notch crew, but the pickup and delivery dates you require.

How to Find a Professional Mover

AMSA does not recommend one moving company over another. However, when selecting a mover - especially an interstate mover — we encourage consumers to choose a moving company that is a member of AMSA. Members of AMSA are required to follow all federal consumer protection regulations and participate in the loss and damage Arbitration Program sponsored by our organization.

We also urge you choose from among AMSA members that participate in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program. AMSA Certified Movers and Van Lines have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct that requires complete disclosure of moving information to consumers, timely service and prompt response to claims and complaints.

Not all movers participate in this program. Certified movers are listed at www.moving.org.

To make your search easier, AMSA has a Referral Service available on the www.moving.org website. Simply type in move profile information to obtain a listing of professional movers in your area. If you wish, your move profile can be emailed to these movers to contact you for a free estimate.

If your shipment is to be moved within one state (intrastate) or you are moving out of the country (international move, many AMSA members perform this service as well. Also, you can contact your state’s moving association for a reference to their member movers.

How to Avoid Pitfalls - And Criminals Posing as Movers

You’ve probably seen news stories about the proliferation of scam movers who have abused customers across the U.S. These are criminals who pretend to be movers. Typically, they offer an estimate much lower than legitimate movers. Then, when they arrive at destination, they significantly boost the price and refuse to unload the truck unless you pay the new, much higher price, usually demanded in cash.

This is against the law. Most local law enforcement agencies will not intervene in these cases because they believe they involve private, contractual disputes. Federal officials responsible for enforcing the law will take your complaint, and eventually investigate and will try to help you get your possessions back, but it is a difficult process.

As a result, the best way to protect yourself from these rogue movers is don’t get involved with them in the first place. Here are dead giveaways to look for - along with good advice on how to make sure that a move handled by a legitimate mover goes smoothly and with the minimum of stress.

The website looks very professional, but you’ve never heard of the recommended movers.
Today, the Internet is the favorite tool of rogue movers for luring victims. Typically designed to look like professional and legitimate, these websites are operated by rogue movers or brokers who assign your shipment to a mover, which can be a rogue mover.

If you use one of these sites, be sure to ask if your shipment will be brokered and insist on learning the identity of the licensed mover. Although some sites are legitimate, few bother to weed out rogue movers from who they work with. To be safe, avoid Web-based brokers and deal directly with known, well-established movers that either are located in your area or movers (agents) in your area that represent established van lines.

If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
We’re trained as consumers to look for the lowest price. While honest movers are competitive and their prices differ, they will be within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in with an estimate way below all the others, that should send up a red flag that this is someone to avoid.
To put the typical cost of moving in perspective, the examples below show ranges of average costs of interstate moves between four major cities by approximate size of a household.

Source:http://www.moving.org/before/smartmoving.html

The following tips often help children get used to the move before, during and after a family relocates.

Tips

Include the children in making plans for the move. For example, take them house-hunting with you.

Help your child/ren learn about the new area.

Through play-acting with dolls, boxes and a wagon, children can get a feeling of “moving”.

Let the children help decide how their new rooms are to be arranged and decorated.

Encourage children to exchange addresses and phone numbers with their friends.

Prepare a package for each child containing snacks, some clothing, a few favorite toys and maybe a new toy,for the move.

Take a “family break” as soon as the major unpacking is done. Don’t try to do everything when you arrive, take everything slowly and let things get on track.

Parents should spend time after the move listening to each child about new schools and new friends.

Follow progress in new schools. Accompanying your child/ren to school the first few days may ease tension.

Any lingering abnormalities (loss of appetite, insomnia, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual disorder) should be reported to a doctor.

If your move involves suburban to rural, or vice versa, caution children about new situations they will face.
Source:http://www.moving.org/brochure/children.html

The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your belongings and the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of packing and other services that you require.

To help you anticipate the cost of your move, movers will give you an estimate of the price. Be sure to get written estimates from at least 3 different companies so that you can compare their services and prices.

The charge that you will be billed for your move is based on the weight of your shipment, the distance that you move, and the other services that you require. Your bill will be higher or lower depending on how much your shipment weighs and how far you move.

Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every single item to be moved. Don’t forget to go into the attic, basement, garage, shed, and closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the cost.

Most movers offer two types of estimates – non-binding and binding.

Non-binding estimates are not bids or contracts. Instead, a non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the mover’s survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined after the shipment is weighed. Since a non-binding estimate is based on the actual weight of your shipment (rather than the estimated weight), the price will usually be lower than a binding estimate. However, when you receive a non-binding estimate there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more than the estimate.

Under a non-binding estimate, the mover cannot require you to pay more than the amount of the estimate, plus 10 percent, (or 110% of the estimate amount) at the time of delivery. You are then obligated to pay any remaining charges for any additional services that you requested or that were required to accomplish your move that are over this 110% amount 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if the services or quantities were not included in your estimate.

Many movers also provide binding estimates. A binding estimate means that you are obligated to pay the price set forth in the binding estimate even if the shipment weighs more than or less than the estimated amount.

All binding estimates cover only the goods and services listed on the estimate. If you add items or request additional services, the mover may revise the original estimate before your shipment is loaded or, if you request additional services after your shipment is in transit, your mover will bill you for these added services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate. In addition, all movers reserve the right to charge for services necessary to accomplish delivery, even if those services are not requested by the shipper. For example, additional charges will apply if you are not prepared to accept delivery and the shipment is placed in storage, or if a smaller (shuttle) truck must be used to accomplish delivery because your new home is located on a narrow street. Again, your mover will bill you for these services 30 days after your shipment is delivered, if they were not included in your estimate.

Another type of estimate used by many movers is the Not-To-Exceed Estimate. This type of estimate is called various things by various movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result is the same — an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing and is binding on the carrier.

Not-to-Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for the services listed on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates with the tariff charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment, with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts. When you accept a not-to-exceed estimate, the move is performed at actual weight based on the tariff rate levels, with the binding estimate representing the maximum charge that you will have to pay.

To get an idea of how much your move will cost - log on to our www.moving.org web site and select the Mover Referral Service to get estimates from AMSA professional movers.

Our Mover Referral Service will help you find local professional movers who will provide you with free inhome estimates. That’s the best way to get estimates of what the price will be for your individual move.

Get more than one estimate and watch out for low-ball movers! If a mover you are considering tells you that he can move you for an unrealistically low price – be careful. It could mean he will suddenly remember some extra charges once your shipment has been loaded on the truck, the doors have been padlocked and he is ready to drive off into the sunset with all of your worldly possessions.

Or, if a mover you are considering refuses to provide you with an in-home estimate and tells you he can provide an accurate estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home and your furniture – choose another mover.

And remember, it’s not just the price; it’s the total value of a professional move.

When you are discussing your estimate with your mover, be sure to ask about the arrangements for paying for the move. It is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by certified check, or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal checks. Some movers will accept payment by credit card. However, do not assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover before your move.

Source:http://www.moving.org/before/estimate.html

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.