Easing into
a Move by Kathy Scott
Moving is considered one of life’s greatest stresses,
especially given that it involves leaving behind
the comfort of familiar surroundings, friends
and routines. While the emotional challenges associated
with a move are inevitable, planning out a careful
move can alleviate some of the discomfort. If
possible, try to make a moving plan at least six
to eight weeks prior to your actual moving day.
Obtain three different movers’ estimates. The
summer and the last few days of each month are
the busiest times for movers, and some charge
higher rates because of this. If you can be flexible,
try to schedule your move in the middle of the
month and avoid moving in June, July and August.
Moving companies provide varying degrees of service
such as packing household goods. Some clients
choose to save money and do the packing themselves.
Still others allow the mover to pack more fragile
items like mirrors or china.
Ask your salesperson if the company is a member
of the American Moving and Storage Association
(AMSA). Members of the AMSA abide by the terms
of the Association’s published tariffs (rates
for moving) and agree to participate in the Arbitration
Program sponsored by the organization.
The AMSA also offers alerts to individuals choosing
a mover. Never consider a mover that refuses to
provide you with an estimate without ever seeing
your home or your furniture. Beware of “low-ball”
movers. There are several factors that go into
the cost of a move – time of year, where you move,
weight of the items and distance of travel. There
may also be extra charges if the home has stairs;
however, companies may leave out these additional
charges in the hopes of getting your business.
Once you’ve interviewed several moving companies,
make sure you have the details of each estimate
and retain a copy. If you are moving out of state,
your mover is required by the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration (FMCSA) to provide you with
the consumer booklet, Your Rights and Responsibilities
When You Move, and information about its dispute
settlement program.
Understand the level of protection assumed by
the mover for your goods. Full value replacement
is an added option that will replace any article
that is lost, damaged or destroyed at today’s
prices. Released value is more economical, but
it offers limited protection of only .60 cents
per pound, per article. Deductibles may apply
in both instances so be sure to get specifics.
Once your goods are packed, write your name on
several sides of each box in order to make it
easier to identify above and beyond the inventory
stickers placed on it. The driver is required
to give you a copy of the bill of laden when your
items are loaded into the truck. This is your
receipt and the contract with your mover for transportation.
When your goods arrive at your new home, make
sure you are present to inspect them. Do not sign
anything concerning their condition until you
have inspected each box and every piece of furniture.
If there is some damage, write that on the inventory
list. Before the movers leave, make sure your
appliances have been hooked up. Then take a deep
breath and begin settling into your new home.
|
