PRE-MOVE
When is the best time to move?
The busiest times for moving companies are during the summer months, May 15
- September 15. At the end of these months, the volume of shipments is
extremely heavy. This is the case for all professional moving companies.
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 notice so that the movers can fix up a right
and acceptable schedule for you . If possible, be flexible with your
destination timeframe as well. Keep in mind that there could be some
unforeseen problem enroute due to weather and road conditions . If you stay
flexible, it should make a difference. Back
How do I find a local agent or
truck rental dealer?
In modern world just, browse through the search engine.
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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.
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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. Four 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 ten days 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
some cases. Back
How do I select which moving
companies will provide me with a moving estimate?
To learn more about each company, ask your neighbours, friends, co-workers,
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! Never trust the references provided by a mover.
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PRICING & PAPERWORK
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a contract that specifies, in advance, the precise
cost of the move based on the services requested or deemed necessary at the
time of the estimate. If additional services are requested or required at
either origin or destination, the total cost will increase. Ask your
professional estimator if unplanned events are charged COD to you. Unplanned
events can include delivery obstructions such as the truck being unable to
get close to the house because of power lines or low hanging branches,
elevator, or excessive flights of stairs. It is important that you
understand this in advance, as you will be asked to pay the difference,
often at time of delivery. Back
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 mover will weigh prior to
loading your shipment. All other charges will be calculated at your origin
address. If there are any additional charges that are incurred during the
delivery process, the mover will provide you with the an additional cost.
This is a rare event, but it may occur. Back
How is the cost of my shipment
calculated?
This depends on the goods you have and the services you ask for.
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How should I pay and what are the
payment methods?
This is normally decided between you and the mover. If the method of payment
is not established prior to load day, it can cause you problems on delivery
day. Back
What is an order for service?
This is the authorisation given to a mover to execute the packing job.
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What is the Bill of Lading
?
This is the shiping document which has the details about yours goods such as
container no., vessel no., port of arrival and departure.
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Inventory
It is detailed inventory of packed house-hold goods.
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PACKING
Can I pack anything in the drawers
of my dresser or desk?
All loose items must be packed in boxes to prevent loss or damage. It is
our's recommendation that you pack all items and leave the drawers empty.
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Will the mover carry all the boxes
that I packed?
Yes, as long as the mover deems them safe for transport.
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Can I move pack and move my plants?
Most moving companies will not take your plants However it can be
transported on your risk. We recommend 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.
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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.
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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. Back
VALUATION OF COVERAGE
Am I protected against loss or
damage while my goods are in transit?
Yes, provided you buy a Insurance policy through the mover, otherwise no
mover will cover you for the losses. 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.
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THE MOVE
How do I prepare my home and myself
for move day?
You mover may ask you to select from one to several consecutive days during
which your goods will be loaded. The amount of days in what is referred to
as a load spread depends upon the size of your shipment and the time of the
year when your shipment is loaded. Remember to try to remain flexible during
the busy season by allowing for extra days on your load spread to have a
better chance of securing a truck and driver to load your shipment.
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 crew to trip or
slip.
Have water, Gatorade or pop on hand for the crew, especially on a hot summer
day. They will come prepared but will be grateful for your thoughtfulness.
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How will I know where my shipment is
once it leaves my home?
Good movers will be able to provide details and status . Please be certain
to ask your estimator if their company has these capabilities.
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How will I know when my shipment is
going to be delivered?
You will be contacted few 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 mover 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 mover know. Back
CLAIMS
How do I file and receive my
settlement on my claim?
Claims are always unpleasant - no one wants to have to deal with the
problem but damage does occur and claims are a result. The best advice is to
understand the claims settlement procedure for the mover you select, very
clear prior to moving. It is important that you understand your coverage and
how to proceed through the claims process. 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.
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