Take all the factors into consideration when deciding on the best time for you to move. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, provide the moving company with a five day window for loading your shipment. This will allow the individuals who schedule the drivers and crew members greater flexibility when scheduling your move. If possible, be flexible with your destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that you most likely are not the only shipment on the truck. If you stay flexible, it should make a difference.

How do I select which moving companies will provide me with a moving estimate?
We have partnered with the very best professional movers in the country. Ask your neighbors, friends, coworkers and family members if they can make recommendations. Investigate each of the movers you select with the Better Business Bureau. Good service is the best measure of a good mover!

When should I begin contacting moving companies for estimates?
Try to provide the moving companies with as much notice as possible, especially if you are moving during the busy season as noted above. Six weeks from the actual move date is not too early for estimators to come into your home to complete what they refer to as a “visual survey of your household goods shipment.”   Add even more time to make a decision if you are obligated by your employer to submit estimates for approval. Try to decide which mover you will use four weeks from your actual load day. Call the mover to confirm your booking and schedule your packing, loading and delivery dates. This timeframe can be shortened in the off peak season which is September 15 through May 15.

What happens when an estimator comes to my home?
The estimator will arrive at your home to complete the visual survey of your items. Once this is completed, the estimator will calculate the weight, packing cost and any other charge related to your move. Remember that the estimator must clearly see what you are moving in order to provide you with an accurate estimate. Crawl spaces, attics and cluttered closets can be deceiving, so organize your house before the estimator arrives.

Don’t be alarmed if the estimator goes through all your cabinets and closets or looks under beds and on top of cabinets. He or she must be able to see what is moving and possibly needs packing. If you know of items that are out of view, be certain to point them out to the estimator. If there are items you will be eliminating, be sure to point them out. One word of caution that can save you a great deal of trouble on loading day.

Get rid of all items you do not plan to move. Otherwise, there may not be enough space for your shipment. This will not occur on one or two small items, but if you anticipated eliminating an entire bedroom suite and do not do so, it is quite possible that this could violate the integrity of your binding estimate and/or cause the driver to run out of space.

What is a non-binding estimate?
A non-binding estimate charges you according to the actual weight of your shipment and the actual cost of the services that are performed. You will still go though the estimating process to determine what your shipment may cost.

To verify the weight of your shipment, the driver will weigh his trailer prior to loading your shipment. Once your shipment is on board, the drive will weigh his trailer again. All other charges will be calculated at your origin address. If there are any additional charges that are incurred during the delivery process, the driver will provide you with the additional cost. This is a rare event, but it may occur.

How is the cost of my shipment calculated?
If you are moving to a new state, the charges are based on the weight of your shipment and mileage. These are referred to as the transportation charges. There are a variety of different charges that could appear on your estimate, so be sure to ask your estimator to explain each item charge for you. Some of the additional charges that may appear include packing, crating, valuation or coverage, bulky article charge for oversized items and extra labor. Again, be certain you understand these charges so that you can accurately compare the estimates you receive.

How should I pay and what are the payment methods?
Tariff provisions require that all charges be paid before your shipment is unloaded at destination. Payments can be made using cash, certified check or money order. Other payment options such as a credit card can be arranged with your professional moving service provider. Discuss these options with the estimator and/or the customer service representative assigned to your shipment. In the event that your employer is paying for the move, the employer may pre-arrange to be billed via invoice. Whatever works for you is great. Just be sure to have this all worked out prior to packing and loading. If the method of payment is not established prior to load day, it can cause you problems on delivery day.

What is an order for service?
All movers are required to prepare an Order for Service before they transport your shipment. The order for service provides you with written confirmation of the services that you requested to be performed in conjunction with your shipment. It lists the agreed upon dates for the pickup and delivery of your shipment and the amount of valuation that you requested, along with any special services that you ordered and a place and telephone number where the mover can contact you during the move.

The order for service also shows the charges that you will be assessed for your move. If you are moving under a non-binding estimate, the order for service will indicate the amount of the estimated non-binding charges, the method of payment for the charges and in case the actual charges exceed the non-binding estimate, the maximum amount that you are required to pay at the time of delivery to obtain possession of your shipment (you will have 30 days following delivery to pay the balance of the charges due). If you are moving under a binding estimate, the order for service will show the charges that you will be required to pay at delivery, based in the binding estimate and the terms of payment. You and your mover must sign the order for service.

Bill of Lading
Every mover is required to prepare a bill of lading for every shipment it transports. The bill of lading is the receipt for your goods and the contract with your mover for their transportation. The driver who loads your shipment must give you a copy of the bill of lading.

It is your responsibility to read and understand the information on the bill of lading before you sign it. The bill of lading identifies the mover and specifies when the transportation is to be performed. It also specifies the terms and conditions for payment of the total charges and the maximum amount required to be paid at the time of delivery if you are moving under a non-binding estimate. Information regarding the valuation of your shipment and the amount the mover will be liable for in the event of loss or damage is also shown.

Inventory
The driver will usually inventory your shipment as he or she loads it (but it's not required by law). When completed, the inventory provides a detailed, descriptive listing of your household goods and the condition of each item when received by the mover.

Be sure that everything listed on the inventory is correct. This is not always the easiest task, as you will find things written on the inventory like PBO, which means packed by owner. The contents of this carton can’t and won’t be listed because the driver is not able to see inside each and every box. You will also find CP on a line item in the inventory. This means Carrier Packed container. These are two important listings.

You will also notice that in the middle column on the inventory form a line that has many letters and numbers associated with a specific item but it may make no sense to you. This is where the driver uses inventory code to make note of the condition of that particular piece. To understand this code, look at the top of the inventory sheet for the legend that explains what that code means. SC – scratched, C   - chipped, 3 – right side if piece and 8 for the top of the piece. This is a simplified way for the driver to make note of any irregularity or existing damage.

Remember, this inventory is for you to keep track of what is loaded and the condition of each item. If damage occurs on a particular piece during the loading process, get the inventory tag number on that item and make a note in the far right hand column on the line that corresponds with that piece. This is the document that will be scrutinized when the claims process is initiated so it is important to have the damage clearly noted.

This inventory should be also used at destination when your shipment is delivered. Use the inventory to verify the articles that are delivered and again note an exception to the condition of the items as they are brought into your home. Point out the damage to the driver.

What often occurs is that a piece of furniture has been in your home for many years and you grow accustomed to looking at it in a certain place and in a certain light. When you bring that same piece into your new home, you may notice damage that may have been there for a long time. The driver will have noted the scratch or chip at your origin residence. If you are not sure if it was existing damage or new damage, ask your driver to explain the condition of the piece as he noted on the inventory during the loading process. This is the quickest way to clear up what is new damage and what was there all along.

Most drivers are very careful about the way they handle your items and the inventory is their safeguard against felonious damage claims. Use this inventory as a positive tool to make sure that you are protected just as the driver will use it to protect him or her.

Will the driver load all the boxes that I packed?
Yes, as long as the driver deems them safe for transport. A good example of a box that often needs to be repacked is the box that most people keep their Christmas tree. It is often the box that the tree came in from the manufacturer and has been dragged out of the attic or up and down the stairs, year after year. This box has seen better days but the condition of the carton will not be an issue until it comes time to move. Accept that old, fragile, town, punctured or basically worn box will need to be replaced.

How should I pack my waterbed?
Waterbeds need to be drained completely. Fiber-filled waterbeds need to be professionally vacuum-drained in advance of your move date.

Can I move pack and move my plants?
Most moving companies will not take your plants. The stress and heat of being inside of the moving trailer usually causes them to die. Many states do not allow the entry of plants while other states will admit plants under certain conditions. There are some states that have no regulations at all. Be sure to understand your state’s regulations prior to moving the plants in your own vehicle.

It is recommended that you leave your plants behind. Consider keeping the pots for new plants at your new home. Perhaps buy some plants that are indigenous to your new area, and if you are fortunate to live in a warm climate, put the plants outside.

What should I do with my jewelry and other valuable items?
Items of extraordinary value such as jewelry, money, antiques and stamp collections can be included in your shipment, provided that you notify your local moving representative of these items before packing and moving day. It is strongly recommended that you carry irreplaceable and expensive article with you or make other arrangements for their transport.

In the moving industry, items worth more than $100 per pound are considered to be articles of “extraordinary” value. To be assured that a claim involving these articles is not limited to minimal liability, complete and sign your mover’s version of a high value inventory form. Also be sure to sign the “Extraordinary (Unusual) Value Article Declaration” box on the Bill of Lading.

Each mover has a slightly different procedure to follow as it relates to high value items. Ask your estimator to provide you with an explanation of  their process. This is a confusing but important task, so make sure that you clearly understand the rules prior to load day.

How do I prepare my appliances for moving?
Appliances such as washers, dryers and refrigerators must be disconnected, and the washer must have a stabilizer installed. Again, your estimator can help you understand how to these items are serviced. All local moving companies have business relationships with local service providers that handle this type of thing. Be sure you know who the local mover will be using as you will need to let these people into your home to provide the service.

The valuation option you choose determines the basis upon which any claim will be adjusted and the maximum liability of the carrier. The liability of a carrier for loss or damage is based upon the carrier’s tariffs, as well as federal laws and regulations that have certain limitations and exclusions. Valuation is not insurance. This is important to understand. It is the liability of the moving company. Check with the provider of your homeowners insurance to find out of you are covered for moving. Often times you will find that you are.

Released Value – This is the most economical as it is no cost to you. This option provides only minimal protection and is not sufficient coverage for almost all shipments. It will pay you $.60 per pound per article if lost or damaged. That means a piece of furniture weighing 75 lbs would receive a settlement of $45.00. You will asked to initial the bill of lading if you select this coverage. The only place this is applicable is if your insurance policy covers your goods for their entire value and this would be considered supplemental coverage for you.

Declared Value – Under this option, the valuation of your shipment is based on the total weight of the shipment X $1.25 per pound. A good example would be if you had a 4000lb shipment, the maximum liability value would be $5000.00 of the entire shipment. Any loss or damage claims are settled based on the depreciated value of the lost of damaged item, up to the maximum liability value based on the weight of the shipment. Unless you specifically agree to other arrangements, the mover is required to assume liability for the entire shipment based upon this option.

Full Value Protection or Coverage – This is your most comprehensive coverage. You may hear it referred to as “full replacement value” as well as “full value protection”. If you elect to purchase full value protection, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will be (at the mover’s option) either repaired, replaced with like items or a cash settlement will be made for the current market replacement value, regardless of the age of the lost or damaged item. Unlike the other options, depreciation of the lost or damaged item is no a factor in determining replacement value when the shipment is moved under full value protection.

The cost of full value protection may vary by mover and may be further subject to various deductible levels of liability that may reduce your cost. Ask your mover for the details of their specific plan.

The customer service representative and/or driver will contact you at least 24 hours prior to load day to let you know time of arrival. Be sure to share any changes that have taken place that may effect loading day. A good example of changes that may take place is that the street in front of your home is now under construction, preventing the large over-the-road truck to get near your home. You may have not completed the packing as something unanticipated took you away from packing. Contact your mover as soon as possible so that can send out professional packers to complete the job for you.

Make sure your home is ready for the crew. Move anything off the porch and walkways that may obstruct movement of your goods out of the home. Take doors of the hinges if you know certain items will not fit through. Remove all small throw rugs from traffic areas that could cause the driver or crew to trip or slip.

Have water, Gatorade or pop on hand for the driver and crew, especially on a hot summer day. They will come prepared but will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Ask the driver to prepare the home with runners, door jam protectors and railing protectors in applicable. This will help save on the little knicks that occur during the loading process.

How will I know where my shipment is once it leaves my home?
Many moving service providers network have satellite tracking capabilities that will allow to trace the whereabouts of your shipment and driver, many times over the internet. Please be certain to ask your estimator if their company has these capabilities.

How will I know when my shipment is going to be delivered?
Your driver will contact you 24 hours prior to delivery. The moving company may assign a customer service representative as your primary contact and they should be able to provide you with an update as to the date your goods will arrive.

Be certain to provide the driver with all your contact information. The phone number at the new home is only good if there is a person their to take the call. If you can be reached at work, a hotel or temporary residence or by email let the driver know. If you will be impossible to reach, make arrangements with a friend or family member to serve as the liaison between you and the driver and provide the driver with that contact information.

Claims adjusters are people with a difficult job. It is better to approach them with kindness than anger. Understand you coverage and be certain to have the proper documentation in the form of an inventory with the damage noted.