Relocating might not crack the Top 10 all-time stressors, but it should. Uprooting your family presents difficulties in every facet of your life, from switching schools and communities to making new friends and business networks.
“Some people are thrilled to be moving to a new place while others just can’t stand it,” says Garold Brewer, sales manager for Berger Allied Moving Company.
It’s certainly an adjustment, but the strain can be eased with a positive experience. That starts with your move.
The first thing to know is that it’s best to hire a company in the city to which you are moving. That company will select a qualified moving coordinator who will be able to help you resolve any problems that arise, such as contesting an item on your bill or submitting a claim for broken china, and deal with them at the local level.
Finding a Mover
Horror stories about shady movers abound, but the serious players in the
moving industry have tried hard to clear their names. You could start with the phone book and look at the ads, but that’s just the first step. “Call the Better Business Bureau to make sure they’re reputable, and check in both cities, where you’re coming from and where you’re going,” Brewer says.
He also highly recommends hiring a company with an established record of good service. Word of mouth carries a lot of business in the moving industry, so ask your friends and associates who they’ve had good experiences with. Brewer warns against going through brokers because they generally don’t own the trucks and equipment and will hand off your move to various companies, with no one taking responsibility for your belongings. Bad deals can include low-ball estimates
that double by the end of the deal or even theft. Claims with these companies often go nowhere.
“Big-name moving companies have a lot invested in trucks and equipment,” Brewer says. “We do our best to protect our reputation and give the customer the best service we can.”
Ask the companies you call if they are brokers. Or better yet, look up reputable movers on the American Moving and Storage Association’s website, www.moving.org.
Getting it booked & Moved
Most reputable companies offer free estimates. “They need to get a visual survey of what items are moving, if there’s any packing, or any special needs like crating,” Brewer says. A local rep will conduct this interview and work up a price quote.
If you hire the moving company to pack your belongings, that will usually take place the day before the move. Some luxury homes could take a week, especially if there are grand pianos or marble statues going. The average house won’t fill up an entire truck, so moving companies might double up with belongings from another family moving in the same direction. To prevent confusion in this case, every piece on the truck is inventoried and stickered, and crews will give you a copy to check off at your final destination.
Notify your driver if you have something particularly valuable. Brewer explains that this means items that you can generally hold in your hands that are expensive, such as a porcelain doll that weighs only 5 pounds but costs $10,000. You might want to take items like that and family heirlooms or jewelry with
you instead.
Do not move household poisons like Raid, combustible items that could explode in hot weather, candles that could melt, liquids like laundry detergent that could leak on your leather sofa or even water, which could harm your computer. Damages from improper or illegal packing on your part will result in an unpaid claim.
One of the best ways to stay organized is to prepare for your immediate needs. Designate a box for necessities, such as paper plates, a child’s favorite toy and toothbrushes. This definitely includes important paperwork and keys to your new house. Mark the box clearly and point it out to the movers so that it is the last box on the truck and the first one off.
Unloading the Truck
Brewer suggests finding someone to watch the kids or immediately setting up a TV so you can direct boxes coming off the truck. As the boxes stack up, check for damage to your belongings and also to your home. Did the crews put a dent in your wall? Dirty the carpet? These are issues your moving company can resolve, but you have to sign off on it while the crew is still there.
You should ask your moving coordinator if the company will do things like putting the bed back together. You’ll be exhausted and want a good night’s sleep. Brewer says this and hanging up clothes for the new job are most important for many relocators. The kitchen is another place most people want to set up first.
Paying the Bill
The cost for moving varies by weight, number of boxes and miles traveled. Once you have decided to relocate, find out what your company offers to transferees. Many companies offer assistance, especially if they are requiring your move, and might even help you sell and buy a home.
Making the Move
The actual move is where stress peaks. To make your move easier and avoid complications, follow these tips:
Before you make the Move
• Eliminate items you no longer want.
• Obtain change-of-address cards.
• Arrange transfer of jewelry and valuables.
(Do not move these in the van.)
• Obtain medical and dental records,
especially children’s immunizations.
• Transfer children’s school records.
• Have your antiques appraised for
insurance purposes.
• Service your car.
• Arrange utility service.
• Have your bank accounts transferred
and release safe deposit box.
• Discontinue regular home services.
the Day of the Move
• Go over countdown lists.
• Supervise packing and moving crew.
• Check inventory. Make sure everything
is accounted for.
• Be sure you and the driver exchange
destination phone numbers.
the Day of Delivery
• Decide on furniture placement before
the van arrives.
• Check utility service hookups.
• Check off all items on the inventory list
as it is brought in by the crew.
• Check the condition of each item. |
