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Organization is the key to a successful move. If you hire a professional mover, choose one with a good performance record, and get written estimates from several moving companies before you make your decision.
Breakage
Ask your mover about breakage policy. Standard moving company insurance usually only pays a percentage of the cash value of broken items. Full value protection will cost more but may be worth the added expense if you are moving fragile and valuable items. Tell your moving company about any special requirements your move will involve. | |
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Some moving companies charge you by weighing your belongings after they have been loaded into the van, plus charges for packing, insurance and other items. If the cost turns out to be higher than the estimate, you will be billed accordingly. Reputable moving companies are willing to give you a more concise estimate with a range they will not exceed after a thorough inspection of the household items that are to be moved.
Packing
Start packing two to three weeks before the move, one room at a time. You can save money by getting boxes from local stores—package stores are a great source. Begin with the things you use less frequently, like out-of-season clothes, knickknacks and old books. Heavy items such as books should be packed in small containers. If you've packed properly, the sides of the box shouldn't bulge, and the top shouldn't cave in when you close it. Remember, the boxes you pack may not be covered by the mover’s insurance.
It's best to pack computers, printers, stereos, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If the originals are gone, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy, padded box marked "fragile." Since tapes, records, CDs, and floppy disks can be damaged by heat, arrange for their safe shipment or take them with you, along with your other valuable items and legal papers.
If you don’t have a filing system, now is the time to start one. Invest in an accordion folder, file box, or fireproof safe. Rent a safe deposit box for vital records such as your deed, mortgage note, and will. Keep separate folders for tax files, including returns, receipts, and property tax documents, and one for all your new home product warranties and instruction manuals.
If the moving company is packing for you, they will usually arrive one to two days before the move, and you should supervise this and all phases of the move. If you choose a professional mover, it's best to let the experts handle antiques and other delicate or fragile items. The mover can provide you with special cartons and packing instructions for specific items like mattresses, dishes, mirrors, and clothes. Movers will not transport plants, firewood or flammable items.
Making a Floor Plan
Work out a floor plan for your new home so that the movers can place beds, tables and other heavy items where you want them in your new home. Organize your home from the beginning and don’t use storage space as a dumping ground for things you don’t need. Get rid of items you haven’t used in years before you move.
Discuss the inventory checklist with your mover. The inventory record is one of your most important shipping documents. You will need to refer to it at your destination and will be asked to sign it again after you have received and inspected your goods
Moving Yourself
If you do not hire a professional mover and prefer to move yourself, do a great deal of careful planning. Before you rent a truck and call your friends, figure out approximately how much you have to move, where you are going to put it in your new home and if any items will require special handling.
Pay careful attention to details. You don’t want damaged belongings to dampen the excitement of moving into your new home. Moving can be very tiring, so don’t feel you must unpack every box the minute the truck leaves. Before you move, pack as you were going to stay in a hotel for a week or so. Also pack a box with some bedding, eating utensils and cooking items. With careful planning, you should be able to survive comfortably amid the boxes for a week or two.
Eventually, all of the boxes will be unpacked, all of your belongings will be in their proper places, and you will be able to relax and enjoy your new home. |
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