Top 10 List for a Smooth Move
1. Get three written in-home estimates. Be wary of phone or internet
estimates.Show the mover everything that will be moved, including items in
attics, basements, garages, storage areas, sheds, etc. Typically two of the
estimates will be very close together in price, weight, and service. Select
one of those two estimates. The other bid will be very high or low. Avoid
that carrier.
2. Obtain and read the three “pre-move” required documents from your
carrier. These documents include: Your Rights and Responsibilities and
Ready to Move brochures, and information on the arbitration program that
the carrier participates in. These documents are all required for every
interstate shipment.
3. Avoid large down payments. Be wary of carriers seeking large down
payments to hold dates or to reserve service.
4. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving
business is complex and has its own language. If you aren’t satisfied with
the answers to your questions or if the carrier hesitates when you ask for
clarification, talk to another carrier.
5. Plan an Off-Peak Season Move (when possible). June to September is
the high season. If you can avoid moving during those months, you will
likely receive better service. If you must move during the high season, move
mid-month, mid-week, and avoid the end of the month.
6. Be Reachable by Phone. Make sure the carrier is able to reach you by
phone during your move. This can save time and storage costs if the driver
is ready to deliver and you ready to receive the shipment. Be sure to have
the driver’s full name, id and truck number to allow for fast and easy
communication.
7. Take Valuables with You. Valuables, such as cash, coins, jewelry,
photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or sent
ahead. Be sure to use a traceable service, such as FedEx and United
Parcel Service.
8. Segregate Personal Travel Items. The items traveling with you, such
as clothes and papers, should be put in one place or in the vehicle you are
taking with you. Avoid having those items loaded on the truck and having to
find them later.
9. Try to Relax. No matter how prepared you are things occasionally go
wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life. Take a deep
breath, be patient, and get a good night’s sleep before moving day.
10. Use an AMSA Mover. Make sure your mover is a member of the
American Moving and Storage Association. Visit AMSA’s consumer website:
www.moving.org and also visit the Department of Transportation’s web site:
www.protectyourmove.org.
estimates.Show the mover everything that will be moved, including items in
attics, basements, garages, storage areas, sheds, etc. Typically two of the
estimates will be very close together in price, weight, and service. Select
one of those two estimates. The other bid will be very high or low. Avoid
that carrier.
2. Obtain and read the three “pre-move” required documents from your
carrier. These documents include: Your Rights and Responsibilities and
Ready to Move brochures, and information on the arbitration program that
the carrier participates in. These documents are all required for every
interstate shipment.
3. Avoid large down payments. Be wary of carriers seeking large down
payments to hold dates or to reserve service.
4. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving
business is complex and has its own language. If you aren’t satisfied with
the answers to your questions or if the carrier hesitates when you ask for
clarification, talk to another carrier.
5. Plan an Off-Peak Season Move (when possible). June to September is
the high season. If you can avoid moving during those months, you will
likely receive better service. If you must move during the high season, move
mid-month, mid-week, and avoid the end of the month.
6. Be Reachable by Phone. Make sure the carrier is able to reach you by
phone during your move. This can save time and storage costs if the driver
is ready to deliver and you ready to receive the shipment. Be sure to have
the driver’s full name, id and truck number to allow for fast and easy
communication.
7. Take Valuables with You. Valuables, such as cash, coins, jewelry,
photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or sent
ahead. Be sure to use a traceable service, such as FedEx and United
Parcel Service.
8. Segregate Personal Travel Items. The items traveling with you, such
as clothes and papers, should be put in one place or in the vehicle you are
taking with you. Avoid having those items loaded on the truck and having to
find them later.
9. Try to Relax. No matter how prepared you are things occasionally go
wrong. Moving is one of the most stressful times in your life. Take a deep
breath, be patient, and get a good night’s sleep before moving day.
10. Use an AMSA Mover. Make sure your mover is a member of the
American Moving and Storage Association. Visit AMSA’s consumer website:
www.moving.org and also visit the Department of Transportation’s web site:
www.protectyourmove.org.
from the American Moving and Storage Association
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