If your plans
include a major move, do some advance legwork to save yourself
frustration, and possibly money.
- Start
planning your move at least six to eight weeks before your
targeted moving date. Start a Moving
Checklist.
- Ask friends
or neighbors to recommend companies they have been happy
with for past moves
- Check out
the companies' record with the Better Business Bureau.
- Contact each
company to ask about its charges and the types of services
it offers
- Compare
movers to determine which one best suits your needs and
budget
For regulations
concerning intrastate (within one state) moves, contact your
local or state government. Charges for interstate (state to
state) moves are determined by the weight and volume of the
load and the distance it is to be shipped. To determine
weight, the mover will weigh the van on a certified scale
before and after he unloads your shipment. The difference
between the two weights is the net weight of your shipment and
is the amount on which the final charges are based.
Companies
will offer estimates to help you approximate moving expenses.
Such estimates can be binding (the mover guarantees the price
prior to the move) or non-binding (the mover estimates the
price and provides final charges after the shipment is
weighed). To assist movers in calculating the cost of your
move, show them every item to be moved, including the contents
of your attic, basement and garage. Ask the mover to explain
the
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estimate in detail, and reach a clear understanding about the
amount of packing and other services you'll require. Also,
be sure you receive a copy of the estimate.
Before packing begins, the mover will make an inventory of
your household goods to be shipped. Since the inventory record
is one of your most important shipping documents, make sure
all copies are legible, and that all items are numbered,
listed and described correctly.
To save on packing charges you may want to pack part of your
belongings yourself. But keep in mind that movers usually will
not accept liability for breakage to owner-packed items, or
they may require that the driver inspect the carton.Moving
Checklist ->
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