Calculating the amount of insurance you require begins with taking into consideration the total weight of what you are moving, the number of rooms you are moving, and the contents of your move.

Make an inventory of all the items you are moving

• What you are moving (sofa, dining room set, other furniture, TV, refrigerator, etc.)
• Estimate the weight of each household item you are moving.
• The substitute value of each item you are moving.

Summarize your inventory

• Total number of items you are moving
• Total weight of the items.
• Establish the total replacement value of all your property.

You can take pictures of what items you are moving. This is important in establishing the condition of your belongings and it helps in confirming the inventory list.

There are different kinds of Insurance that pertain to moving:

• Released Value Insurance, the most basic coverage provided by moving companies. Estimated by weight it covers US$0.60 per pound of objects.
• Declared Value Insurance offers coverage of US $ 1.25 per pound, coverage is on the total weight of your movables. If any objects are damaged, the insurance is based on the depreciated value of the object to the maximum value of items shipped.
• Lump Sum Value, this insures based on the actual value of goods shipped and not by weight. The specific value of items must be declared on the bill of landing.
• Full Value Protection, covers all damage or losses. Objects will be replaced, repaired, or cash for value of object will be offered.

Should anything get damaged during the move, you’ll need to start the claims process, by which your moving company can reimburse you. Hopefully, you won’t have to ever go through that process. Still, it is important to know all about your options for insuring your goods and to find out what happens if something gets lost or damaged.

The first thing you need to do is create a household inventory as you go about packing your goods. This list should include every item you need to move as well as a description of its condition. This way, you’ll have a record of everything that should have been moved. You’ll be able to tell if any items didn’t arrive, and, since you will have noted each item’s condition, you’ll know if something was damaged during the move. You may also want to take a digital inventory of your goods by photographing some of your more expensive items or even all of them if you want. Doing so will allow you to have even more proof of the condition of your belongings prior to the move.

Household Inventory

Aside from creating the household inventory list, you’ll need to find an insurance company to cover your goods during the move. Here are two important things to keep in mind:

• Homeowner’s insurance companies may cover your goods during a move. Before seeking insurance from anywhere else, contact your provider and find out if your belongings will be insured for the move.
• Moving companies do not provide insurance themselves. Though they may provide a free, basic coverage, any reimbursement you would receive for lost or damaged goods is minimal. This cover age is called valuation and often will only cover $0.60 per pound of your goods.

So, if you have a homeowner’s insurance policy that will cover your move, go with that. If that’s not the case, though, you’re much better off finding a third party to insure your goods, rather than going with the moving company’s valuation coverage. Depending on the level of insurance you want, a professional moving insurance company can compensate you the full price of anything that was damaged or lost. You will also be covered against any potential weather-related catastrophes that could damage your shipment.

Upon arriving at your new home, you’ll want to inspect all of your goods to make sure everything that should have arrived did and that nothing was damaged. If any item is missing or damaged, you’ll need to start the claims process in order to be compensated.

In order to find the best self-storage facility for your needs, you should make a list of several facilities in your desired area (which may be closer to your new home, closer to your old home, or somewhere in between). It is a good idea to visit each facility in person, so you can personally see whether the facility is well maintained or not. If one were not in the best condition, then you probably wouldn’t want to keep your goods there.
As you check out potential facilities, ask staff members about their security policies. You’ll definitely want to know what measures they take to keep their storage units safe from theft. Aside from security, find out what other methods they use to protect people’s goods, like climate and moisture control and keeping vermin out of the units.
Prohibited Items

Before you settle on a particular storage facility, you should also find out which items are restricted. There are plenty of items that are considered unfit to be kept in a storage unit, as they can be dangerous or otherwise negatively affect the conditions of the facility. These prohibited items can include, but aren’t limited to:

• Any illegal objects or substances
• Explosive materials
• Medical items (includes drugs and medical equipment)
• AnimalsPlants
• Items with strong odors
• Hazardous materials
• Aerosols and pressurized materials
• Firearms

Keeping Your Storage Facility Clean and Organized

In order to find the best self-storage facility for your needs, you should make a list of several facilities in your desired area (which may be closer to your new home, closer to your old home, or somewhere in between). It is a good idea to visit each facility in person, so you can personally see whether the facility is well maintained or not. If one were not in the best condition, then you probably wouldn’t want to keep your goods there.

Before you settle on a particular storage facility, you should also find out which items are restricted. There are plenty of items that are considered unfit to be kept in a storage unit, as they can be dangerous or otherwise negatively affect the conditions of the facility. These prohibited items can include, but aren’t limited to:

As you check out potential facilities, ask staff members about their security policies. You’ll definitely want to know what measures they take to keep their storage units safe from theft. Aside from security, find out what other methods they use to protect people’s goods, like climate and moisture control and keeping vermin out of the units.

Once you have found out all the appropriate information and have chosen your storage facility, you can get to work on putting your goods in your new storage unit. By organizing it right at the beginning, you can save yourself some headaches later on.

Before you start loading up your unit, you’ll want to make an inventory of everything you plan on putting in it. These items should be photographed so you have documentation of their conditions before going into storage. If you have a bunch of small items that you plan on putting in cardboard boxes, you might want to consider putting them into clear plastic containers. Doing so will allow you to see what is inside each container and better protect your goods.

As you pack up your belongings into your new storage unit, you’ll want do it the same way you pack up a moving truck. Large, heavy items should go in first, and lighter items should go on top of these. If you have finished furniture, you might not want to put anything on top of such items. Should you need the space, though, cover the furniture with moving blankets.

As you bring each item inside, check it off on your inventory list. This way, you’ll know that everything has been accounted for. You could even draw yourself a little map of your storage unit, showing where each item is located. By taking these little steps, you’ll have a very neat and organized unit. And, whenever you need to visit it, you’ll know exactly where everything is.

• Place plastic protectors on your doorways and any corners, which will protect your walls from getting nicked as your goods are carried out of your home.
• For tight corners or a stairway landing, you can attach moving blankets to the walls, so they won’t get Scratched.
• If you don’t want your floors and carpets to get dirty, lay out some runners or pieces of cardboard throughout the home for the movers to walk on.
• Should it rain on your moving day, you’ll want to have extra rugs and towels on hand, so you and your movers won’t track mud and moisture around the house.

While the above tips will help you prepare the inside of the home, you also may need to prepare the outside. You should determine the best way for the movers to bring your goods inside; the front door won’t always be the most accessible entry. At the same time, you’ll want to clear away any bushes that might get in their way as the bring everything into the home. An overgrown shrub can hamper their moving efforts, and result in extra charges.
ARRANGING FURNITURE

Perhaps one of the few enjoyable parts of the move is the opportunity to design your home by deciding where everything should go. It’s your home and your furniture, so you can organize your home however you wish. Like most aspects of the move, though, it’s best to have a plan for how you want to arrange it before moving day. Before you begin to plan where everything should go, you should have the measurements of all your rooms as well as the dimensions of your large furniture pieces. This will make it easier to figure out how you want each room to be set up. Once you have the dimensions, you can start planning. One way to do so is to use a number of online resources that allow you to create virtual rooms, letting you see what the finished product will look like.
For instance, with Autodesk’s Homestyler site, you can create a virtual replica of any room you choose, or even your whole house. For those who are less technologically inclined, you can create your own method for pre-designing your home. Simply cut out pieces of paper, replicating the rooms and objects of your home. Though this may take some more work, especially since you’ll need to get the proportions right, doing so will give you a hands-on method for designing you home.
Whichever method you choose, you’ll want to create a diagram before moving into the new home. Give this diagram to your movers, so they will know where to put everything. Since many moving companies have policies dictating that they can only place your large furniture pieces once, they probably won’t agree to moving everything around until your satisfied. By planning in advance, however, you can be sure you’ll get it right the first time. Thus, your movers can put each piece exactly where you want it, and you won’t get stuck rearranging furniture on your own.
UNPACKING

Unpacking is perhaps one of the least anticipated aspects of the move. At least when packing up your goods, you’ll have a deadline for when everything needs to be done. Once you are moved into your new home, though, you might feel that you have all the time in the world for the unpacking process. Unfortunately, this method of thinking often results in boxes that never get unpacked. However, if you have a solid game plan for unpacking, it will be done before you know it.
The first step toward a successful unpacking process takes place during the packing stage. As mentioned previously, you’ll want to make sure all of your boxes are clearly labeled with their contents and destination room on them. By doing this, you and your movers will know exactly where each box should go and what it inside each one.
When unpacking, you’ll first want to unload the boxes containing the items you’ll need right away upon moving in. Such things can include changes of clothes, snacks, soap, towels, etc. Once you have unpacked these important items (and freshened up, if desired), you can begin unloading all of the large and bulky furniture. On your floor plan, you should clearly label where your beds, sofas, tables, and chairs should go, so the movers know where to put them. Once the large items are out of the way, you can focus on unpacking the contents for your individual rooms.

Most of us think that when we hire a professional moving service, our job is done. But believe me, there is much more involved while moving even if you have paid for professional services.
Your movers are an integral part of the moving process. You may have never met them before and chances are you will not see them again. However, it is critical to maintain a good relationship with them to ensure a seamless moving process. In order to make sure that the relationship is smooth, it is important to know their responsibilities during the move so that you can clearly define what is required at your end. Here are some tips that I will definitely use for my next move:
Before the Move - Your movers will have several things to take care of well before moving day. First, they will go to your home to perform and in-person assessment of your household, in order to create an estimate for the cost of the move. They will also work with you to figure out the time and date of the move. Additionally, they should give you several documents regarding their various policies.

These documents may include:

• A well-defined summary of the company’s arbitration program
• An outline of its procedures for filing disputes
• A chart regarding all tariffs involved and a clear explanation of what they are
• Most movers will provide you with a booklet “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move.” This is ideally meant for long-distance moves.

During the Move – At this point, the movers will be doing their main task – transporting your goods from your old home to the new one. This involves organizing all of the belongings to create the proper loading order. As they do this, they will also create an inventory list to keep track of all of your goods. Under the supervision of the driver, the moving crew will then load everything into the truck. The movers will also be responsible for ensuring that your goods arrive at your destination safely and on time. During the delivery, your movers will be expected to maintain contact with you to let you know the status of your move. Additionally, the movers will be responsible for having you sign the appropriate contracts regarding the move.
After the Move – Upon reaching the destination, the movers will start unloading your goods off of the truck. They’ll bring your goods into your new home and place everything in the right rooms. Again, if you went with full service, the movers will unpack all of your boxes for you. After everything is moved, they still have to collect payment and make sure that you sign the proper paperwork. Throughout each stage of the moving process, you’ll want your movers to be happy and comfortable, so they can do their jobs well. Here are a few easy things you can do to keep your movers in a good mood throughout the day.

• Have everything packed and ready to go before the movers get to your home. This way, they won’t have to sit around as you finish packing.
• Make sure you keep the boxes you plan on taking yourself clearly labeled as such and stored away from the rest of your boxes.
• If you live in an apartment with elevators, make sure your movers will have access to these during the move.
• Provide your movers with all the appropriate information, such as the address of the new home, the time frames for when you need to be out of the old home and into the new one, and your phone number so they can remain in contact with you.
• Prepare to be at the new home (or have a trusted friend waiting there) before the movers arrive.
• Create a floor plan of the new home so your movers will know in advance where to put everything.
• Have your method of payment on hand, so you can pay your movers on time. You certainly don’t want to have them wait as you search your boxes for that checkbook.
• Perhaps one of the most important, yet overlooked, ways to keep your movers happy is to offer them refreshments. Providing them with beverages, or even snacks or lunch, is a small way to show your appreciation and keep your movers in a good mood.

These are some essential points that you need to keep in mind to avoid the end-time hassles that could become a nightmare. All the best for your move!

I have been using the same professional time and again and I love their services. Not once have I been disappointed but I still remember my toughest experience while moving. I had to move with my Labrador for the first time and boy it was difficult. The moving professionals I hired helped me out with the process but I learnt that I could avoid many things before the move, during the move, after the move, and help my Labrador adjust at the new place without any pains. I believe every move I made had given me an opportunity to learn something about my next move. And since I move a lot, I treasure each and every tip and feel it’s my responsibility to share it with others.

Moving with pets can present a much different challenge than moving with kids. Though pets can’t throw a temper tantrum and argue about your decision to move, they can still have a very rough time adjusting to a move. That’s because animals tend to grow very attached to their surroundings. On top of that, you can’t explain the move to them, so, with no warning, they are uprooted from their homes and brought to a new home.

Your pets will undoubtedly experience some stress when undergoing a move. There are, however, plenty of things you can do to make the transition easier on your beloved pets, before, during, and after the move.
Before the Move

When preparing a pet for a move, there are many things to take into consideration. You’ll want to be sure your pet is allowed to be brought into your new country or state, as some locations have restrictions on certain animals and breeds. Additionally, your pet should be taken to the vet to make sure it is healthy enough to make the transition. You should also have a folder containing the appropriate vaccination papers, registration, vet records, and other documents. On top of everything else, you should locate a vet in your new area before moving.

Once you have taken care of all the details above, you can focus on planning how you’re going to move the pet. This will largely depend on how you are getting to your new home. Whether you are driving or flying, you’ll likely be taking your pet with you. Both options require different methods for getting your pet ready for the trip.

• If taking your pet by plane, you’ll need to purchase a pet carrier approved by the International Air Transport Association. Carriers that meet these standards are designed to allow for maximum airflow and to let your pet move around comfortably. You should also contact the airline you’ll be flying with to find out more about their policies regarding animals. Thus, you can find out which documents you should bring and any other important information.
• If taking your pet by car, you won’t need to comply with the strict standards for your animal’s carriers. However, you should still get a carrier that is comfortable for your pet and gives it plenty of room to move around in. If your dog or cat isn’t accustomed to traveling in a car, you can take it on short, practice trips before the big dayAfter you’ve decided how to get your pet to its new home, you can work on preparing it for the trip. If your cat or dog has never been inside a carrier, you’ll need to acclimate it to one. You can do this by placing the carrier out in the open and putting your pet’s blankets, toys, and treats inside. This will encourage it to explore the carrier and become acquainted with it.

During the Move

With all of the craziness that usually takes place on moving day, it might be easy to neglect the needs of your pet. However, by following the suggestions outlined below, you can be sure that your pet receives the care and attention it needs on your moving day.

• Since your home will be pretty hectic, it makes sense to have someone watch over your pet as the movers go about your house. Doing this can free you up to take care of other things, and it will keep your pet safe and out of the way.

• If you can’t find someone to watch your pet, you can set up a room for it to stay in as your goods are loaded into the moving truck. Simply designate a room, and, after everything has been removed from it, keep your pet inside, along with its toys, food, and water. It is a good idea to put up a “Do Not Enter” sign on the door, so no one will open it and disturb the pet.

• While you should give your pet the necessary food and water before the move, you’ll want to hold off on doing so 2-3 hours before you depart. This will help to prevent the pet from getting carsick and from having accidents.

If you have a long drive to your new home, plan to make several stops along the way. This will allow you to walk your dog, clean up any accidents, and give it some food and water every now and then.These tips can help you keep your pet safe and secure during the hustle and bustle of your moving day. However, you’ll still have another challenge on your plate: getting your pet adjusted to life in a new home.
Helping Your Pet Adjust

Your pet will probably be pretty stressed out by the move. What complicates everything is that it is impossible to explain to your cat or dog why it is being taken to an unfamiliar home and neighborhood. One of the most important things is to make sure your dog or cat is wearing a collar with your new address on its ID tag. Whether you have a dog or cat, your pet may try to run away to find its old home. Since the pet will not be familiar with the new neighborhood, it might not be able to find its way back.

When moving into your new home with a dog, walk it throughout the entire house to get it acquainted with its new surroundings. It is also a good idea to put your dog’s bed and food and water bowls in places similar to where they were in your old home. Of course, you’ll want to provide your dog with its usual blankets, toys, and treats. These familiar items can help the dog deal with the extreme change. Another important part of helping your dog adjust is to take it for walks around the neighborhood. This will allow it (and you) to become more familiar with your new area.

If you are moving with a cat, it is advisable to put it in a quiet room with the door closed as everything is brought into the home. Be sure to include the cat’s litter box, bedding, food, water, toys, and anything else that will keep it calm and occupied. Once things quiet down, allow the cat to explore its new home on its own. If you have an outdoor cat, let it out for a small amount of time, supervised, until it gets to know its surroundings better.

I recently moved from Aurora to Colorado and everything went wrong. I was so upset with what happened to me and I wish I could just prevent someone else from getting the same kind of treatment.

My wife and I hired a famous moving company based out of Colorado after finding an ad on Craigslist. I was bowled over by the low rates and the great package. But at the end of it, i was disappointed with the results.

When my furniture arrived at our new home, there were scratches on the dining table, scuffs in the entertainment centre, and gouge in the bedroom furniture. I felt awful and disappointed. Another neighbour of mine used the services of the same moving company from Colorado and just like me; he experienced scratched furniture, gouged appliances, and broken lamps.

I did notice that when the moving company was packing their van, they packed a bunch of our big furniture and all of their furniture padding was left unused on the sidewalk. It did alarm me but I did not question thinking the company is good at what it does and I may be wrong with my observation.

What came as a shock to me was that the company has been in business less than a year when I checked for their information at the Secretary of State Office’s website. Moreover, as per the PUC, their permit with the PUC was revoked in April due to cancellation of their insurance. The owner of the company even conferred that his license had been revoked and that he was not aware of all the rules when he started his moving company the last year.

As per the company, it was a fair mistake but the damage had been done. Learning from my experience, the bottom line is to do your homework before you jump to low prices. Things may not be what they seem. And here is my advice to people who are looking for professional moving companies for relocation.

Finding a moving company to carry out your move can be challenging. Since you’ll count on the movers to transport your entire household from one home to another, you want to make sure you hire a reliable moving company with a solid reputation.

Many websites can help you with free quotes from multiple moving companies. Rather than worry about finding a moving company on your own and hoping for the best, you can depend on them to connect you with the very best moving companies in the country. They prescreen all of the listed moving companies to make sure they have the proper licensure and insurance and that they have good reputations with the Better Business Bureau.

Once you receive the quotes, simply look over the estimates and then pick the three that you are most interested in. Remember, the lowest estimate isn’t always the best. After receiving your estimates, you can then call the three companies to get more information.

It is also advisable that you have each company under consideration perform an in-home evaluation of your household. This will allow them to provide you with an even more accurate estimate. You can also use this time to ask the movers any questions you may have about how certain items will be handled. You should also ask each moving company about any extra charges you might face. These would include such things as having a long walk between your front door and the moving truck or having to carry your goods up or down a few flights of stairs.

Of course, it can get overwhelming keeping track of all the important aspects of each moving company. To keep all the details straightened out, and to help you make your final decision, you should prepare a handy worksheet. Write down the relevant information for your three top movers to compare their offerings. Before you know it, you will be able to pick the moving company that best matches your needs and avoid a painful relocation like me.

Before the Move

One of the best ways to prepare your kids for the move is to get them involved in it as much as possible. Try as best as you can to explain why you need to move. Though they may not accept the reasons right away, it is still worth it to convey that the move is in the family’s best interest. The following are some other tips to prepare your kids for the move:
• Make sure your kids understand that just because they are moving away, they don’t have to forget about their friends. They can keep in touch by phone, e-mail, instant messaging, and, even through old-fashioned, hand-written letters

.• Another way to try to get your kids on board for the move is to let them participate in the home-finding process. Bring them along and ask for their input. By letting them have a say in where you move, they will feel more in control of the situation.
Although it may be a tough sell no matter what, you really need to stress the benefits of your relocation. Your kids might not like the idea of moving, but, by following the tips above, the move might be somewhat easier for them.

During the Move

Getting your kids excited about your move can be quite a challenge; keeping them safe, entertained, and in good spirits on moving day might be just as challenging. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep your children safe and happy throughout the move.
As you will have plenty of other things to worry about, you may decide to leave young children under the care of someone else as you pack up and get ready. You can drop them off at the home of a friend, relative, or trusted babysitter. If your kids are older, then you can let them help you with the move. They can help in packing the stuff in their rooms. Depending on their age, you may even let them help in lifting the boxes and bringing them into the moving van.
Before you get into the car to drive to your new home, create a box that will be traveling with you. This should include all of the things your kids will need, especially if you’re undergoing a long journey. Pack some of your kids’ favorite toys and games, a few snacks, any medications, and a change of clothes. Having these items on hand will be helpful as you drive to the new home, and this will allow your kids to have their favorite things on hand as you move in.
As you drive, you’ll want to make several stops along the way. Aside from the usual bathroom and food stops, you might want to stop at local attractions. Your kids will probably be excited about the prospect of a special side trip or two as you drive to the new home. If you have an infant or very young children, you’ll want to consider their feeding and sleeping schedules and keep this intact, if possible. Also, remember to build in extra time for diaper changes!
After the Move

Even after you get to your new home, the challenge of relocating with kids isn’t over. Since they will be in an unfamiliar home in a new town, you’ll want to do everything you can to help them get adjusted. Below are some tips for doing just that.
• Setting up the Bedroom – Since the decision to move is mostly out of their hands, you can let your kids decide how they want their bedrooms to look. Since your kids’ rooms are their refuges, letting them have a say in decorating them can help them adjust. Of course, using the same bed and other furniture from their old rooms may make the transition easier as well.

• Routines – Almost everyone, including children, takes comfort in routines. Try to reestablish the routines from your old home as much and as quickly as possible. After you have unpacked everything and things quiet down, try to return to normal mealtimes, bedtimes, and playtimes. Returning to a structured life will help both your kids and you deal with the move.

• Exploring the Neighborhood – Another way to help children get adjusted is to explore your new surroundings together. Search for places of interest in your new town, like restaurants, parks, ice cream parlors, and other at tractions and check them out as a family. You can also take your kids along on daily errands, as this will allow them to become more familiar with their new setting.

• Making New Friends – The process of making friends can be hard for kids, but there are steps you can take to make it easier. You may want to set up play dates for younger kids by getting in touch with other parents, either those who have children in the same school or through co-workers or other contacts. For older kids, en rolling them in local sports teams and other activities can be a great way for them to meet kids with similar interests.

In addition to the above tips, one of the best things you can do for your kids after you move is to communicate with them throughout the entire move. Be sure to ask them about their feelings and how they’re handling the adjustment. Since moving to a new home is a huge change for the entire family, you can share your feelings with them as well.

• RENTAL TRUCKS

If your mover shows up on the day of the move in a rental truck, this would not be a good sign. Professional movers use professional equipment. This includes their vehicles that should be painted with their name and van line affiliation if appropriate. The truck should have their DOT number on the side. The MC number is no longer required to be on the vehicle. There is one exception to this flag: during the busy season, many times professional movers are overbooked, and all of their equipment is tied up on other moves. Suddenly, they realize “you” are moving tomorrow! In order to take care of you, the customer, they will have to rent a truck to fulfill the move. Yet, the main idea here is to ask your mover if they have their own trucks, and make a trip down to their office and see for yourself.

• NON-UNIFORM

Moving is stressful enough for most people. It doesn’t help when you open the door and the moving personnel’s appearance actually frightens you! A professional company will take pride in the appearance of their business and their employees. They should be dressed in company uniform and have a neat, professional appearance. Courtesy and respect should be the very first aspect you encounter and foul language or inappropriate behavior should never be tolerated. NO PHYSICAL ADDRESSMany times a “mover” will have a great looking website and will appear very professional. Yet, their will be no address and sometimes, not even a phone number. This is another red flag. Many of these “movers” are actually “brokers.” Having no physical address is a sure sign they are a rogue mover, or at the very least, a “company” operating with very little assets.

• NO PHYSICAL SURVEY

A very good sign that the mover is perhaps a little “shady” is that they will give you a “quote” on the phone, without bothering to come out to your residence and perform an actual physical survey. I want to make this very clear to everyone: THERE IS NO WAY a mover can give an actual price of a move OVER THE PHONE! It is impossible! If your mover says they are too busy to come out for a survey, but because of their years of experience, they can give you the cost over the phone . . . RUN!CASH ONLY PAYMENTNO! NO! NO! Never pay cash for your move. Always pay with money order, cashiers check or credit card. When paying with cash, there is no paper trail. No legitimate moving company will tell you that you must pay by cash only. Many moving companies will ask for a down payment, but the key to this is that it will be a SMALL down payment. If the company is requesting a rather large down payment, then a red flag should go up.

• LOW PRICE/FLAT RATE

Well, we are back to the low price mover! I just cannot reiterate this enough! ALL MOVERS operate off of the SAME tariff. Moving for the company is very expensive also. The profit to the mover is really NOT your concern! I understand that. However, you must keep this in mind when you are receiving the “estimates” from your three movers. If you are doing this move, and one mover gives you a price of $4500.00, the other gives $4950.00 and the last one proudly shows you a price of $3500.00 . . . RED FLAG! Why would any business charge $3500.00 for a job that will cost them $3600.00 to perform? More than likely what will happen, is once you are in Boise, you will be told that the weight went “over” and you now owe $5300.00!

• CUBIC FEET PRICE

By law, all movers must have and subscribe to a published tariff. A tariff is “any schedule of prices or fees imposed by the government.” A mover does not have the authority to “move” unless they have filed an approved tariff. Most all movers operate off of the 400N Tariff. The cost of the move is based on “weight in pounds” and “mileage.” Movers will figure the cubic feet ONLY in order to convert it into pounds. A professional mover WILL NEVER charge a price based solely on cubic feet. Not only is this a red flag, but this is also illegal. The lists of charges for moving services are published and filed with the Surface Transportation Board. Visit them here: http://www.stb.dot.gov

• DOES NOT PROVIDE APPROPRIATE BROCHURES

Household movers are required by law to provide their customers with the “Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move” booklet. You can view this information by visiting the DOT at: http://www.protectyourmove.gov/documents/moving-rights-v9-final.pdf. If your mover does not provide you with this booklet, as well as other helpful “hints,” chances are they are not a licensed mover. In the world of business, there is a “form” for everything.

• CLAIMS THEIR INSURANCE COVERS ALL GOODS

One of the BIGGEST mistakes many movers make is referring to the valuation coverage as “insurance.” I have found moving web sites that are calling “valuation” insurance! Moving companies ARE NOT insurance companies. They cannot sell insurance! Valuation is simply an extra liability coverage that they can sell to you, in order that you will have additional coverage on your goods in the case damage results from the move. Legally speaking, “valuation” IS NOT “insurance.” Should a claim occur, the moving company forwards it to their insurance company. If a mover guarantees you that all of your goods are covered by THEIR insurance, it is a flat out lie.

• DOES NOT RETURN PHONE CALL

I know common sense would tell you if your potential mover has or does not return your phone calls, then this should be a red flag. When you see the movers taking the time to “prep” the house before the moving begins, then you can take a sigh of relief knowing you are probably in good hands!

Packing Your Clothing: Your hanging clothes can then be put onto the bar. You don’t want to put so many items into one box that you have to squeeze them in. For the clothes in your dresser, you have a couple options. You may want to leave the clothes in their drawers. Your other option is to put the clothing into cardboard boxes. Line a few large-sized boxes with packing paper.

Packing Shoes Though it may be tempting to just throw all your shoes into a box, this really isn’t the best way to go about packing your shoes. Instead, you’ll want to pack them into their original shoeboxes and then put those boxes into one larger box. If you don’t have your original shoeboxes, you’ll need to give your shoes a little extra care – mainly, by wrapping each pair in packing paper.

Packing Jewelry: Since each piece of jewellery can be fragile and easily broken (not to mention expensive and sentimental), it is important to pack your collection the right way. Anything that can be scratched, like watches, should be wrapped in tissue paper and put back into the box. If your jewelry box has a compartment for hanging necklaces, stuff plenty of tissue paper around the hooks, so the necklaces won’t fall off. You should then make sure everything is secure by putting more tissue paper into any gaps. Once the jewelry box is secure, you can work on protecting the box itself. Simply wrap your jewelry box in packing paper as though you are wrapping a present, and put it in a box along with your other belongings.

Packing Bedding: Prepare the boxes that are going to contain your bedding (blankets, comforters, pillows, sheets, and towels), by lining the bottom and sides of each box with packing paper. Place the heaviest items, like comforters and quilts, in first. As you put each item in a box, press down on it to remove air.Packing Mattresses and Bed Frames Since mattresses are pretty heavy, having a second or third pair of hands will help immensely. Firstly, you’ll need to have the appropriately sized mattress cartons assembled and ready to be packed. With the carton standing on its narrow side, opening facing you, lift up the mattress and carefully put it in the carton.

Packing Books You’ll want to pack your books in multiple small boxes that have been reinforced with tape along the bottom and sides. When packing books, you’ll want them to be packed according to size; put similarly sized books together in the same box. As you go about filling your book boxes, you’ll want to put them in standing up, as though they are still on a shelf.

Packing a Television A large television can be a little trickier to pack. Before you get started, remember that big TVs are heavy, so you should have help when packing them to keep you and your TV safe. First, put a few strips of double-sided packing tape all the way around the TV. Then ,wrap the TV in bubble wrap, pressing it onto the double-sided tape. This will keep the bubble wrap from slipping off. If necessary, secure the bubble wrap further with some more packing tape. Then, move the TV on to one side of an unfolded wardrobe box, the screen facing the rest of the box. You’ll come back to this in a minute, but, before you do, drape a moving blanket over the top and back of the television. Tape it securely in place. Next, pick up the far end of the unfolded box and fold it over the front and top of the TV. Tape it to the moving blanket. Then fold in the box on the sides of the TV and tape it all the way around, securing the cardboard in place.

Packing a Sofa: Your main concern when packing a sofa is protecting the fabric from getting damaged during the moving process. Not only do you want to avoid rips, you want to keep stains, water damage, and dust from the truck and other items you are packing from getting onto it. One way to protect your sofa is to buy a couch cover.
Packing Glassware and Stemware: In order to pack these items, you’ll need to put them in a dish carton lined with crumpled up packing paper. A cell pack (pieces of cardboard joined together to act as dividers for your glassware) should be placed above the layer of paper. You can begin by taking one glass and laying it on its side on the corner of a stack of packing paper. Then, pick up two or three sheets of packing paper to roll around the glass. As you roll, the excess paper can be tucked into the open end of the glass to add some extra support.

Packing Cutlery: Your cutlery should be packed in a small box that has been reinforced with tape and lined with a layer of crumpled packing paper. Your forks, spoons, and table knives should be stacked together in bundles of four similar pieces. Wrap the pieces in a couple sheets of packing paper, and lay them down in the box. Repeat the process for the rest of these items.

Packing Food: In order to pack your cans and jars, you’ll need at least one small box (depending on how many cans and jars you have). You should reinforce the box with extra tape on the bottom and line it with crumpled packing paper. You can then place the items into the box, using packing paper to fill in any gaps. Dry goods, like boxes of pasta or cereal and bags of chips, are much lighter than cans and jars, so they can be packed into a medium-sized box. Anything that has already been open, including canisters of spices, should be placed into sealable plastic bags. As usual, use crumpled packing paper to fill in any gaps in the box.

• Protecting your home:

As you prepare to move out of your old home, the last thing you want is to cause some damage to the home on your way out. That is why it’s important to protect the floors, walls, and doors during the move. If you hired professional movers, they will likely do this for you. Find out in advance, so, if they will not take all or any of the proper precautions, you can take things into your own hands.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your home from sustaining any damage as you prepare to move everything out:

• Place plastic protectors on your doorways and any corners, which will protect your walls from getting nicked as your goods are carried out of your home.
• For tight corners or a stairway landing, you can attach moving blankets to the walls, so they won’t get cratched.
• If you don’t want your floors and carpets to get dirty, you will also want to lay out some runners or pieces of cardboard throughout the home for the movers to walk on.
• Should it rain on your moving day, you’ll want to have extra rugs and towels on hand, so you and your movers won’t track mud and moisture around the house.
• By taking the above precautions, you can feel more confident on moving day.
• If you don’t spend the time to prepare your home before the move, you might have to spend time during the move cleaning up soiled carpets or taking care of nicks in your walls and doors.

• Packing

Packing your belongings into cardboard boxes is only part of the process. As mentioned earlier, you will need to label these boxes appropriately. You should label the box on the top and sides, so your movers will clearly see the labels. Your labelling should include the following information:

• A description of each box’s contents
• A general indication of the box’s weight (light, heavy, or moderate)
• The location of where the box should be placed in the new home
• The word “Fragile” on any box containing delicate items

An additional measure you can take to ensure your goods are well organized is to assign each box a letter or number. As you assign the boxes, keep a list matching the designated number or letter with the contents of each box. By properly labeling your boxes, you can be more confident that they will arrive at the right place in your home.

• Making a Schedule

Aside from having your boxes properly labeled, you can ensure a successful move by having a schedule of the day’s events in advance. Your schedule should include a list of all the last-minute things you have to do, as well as the time frames for doing them. For example, your schedule should include time for cleaning your home and having all of your boxes near the front door and ready to be picked up by the movers. Be sure to include your movers’ quoted time of arrival in the schedule.Of course, you can’t always stick to a schedule. Although it is good to have a basic framework to guide your moving day, keep in mind that unexpected events can pop up. As a result, it may be wise to overestimate the time it takes for each step, just to prepare yourself for possible contingencies.
Although moving can be a stressful and hectic time, planning in advance can help alleviate some of that stress. By preparing your home for the move-out process, properly labeling your goods, and creating a schedule for the day, you can guarantee yourself a more successful move.

• YOU AND YOUR MOVERS

Your movers are an integral part of your moving experience. Sure, you likely have never met your movers before the big day and probably won’t see them ever again after. However, these people are the ones responsible for putting all of your goods (valuable or not) into a truck and taking them to your new home. Therefore, you’ll want to have a good relationship with them, even if only for a short period of time.
In order to foster a good relationship with your movers, it is important to know what their responsibilities are during the move. Keep in mind, though, that the actual duties they perform will depend on the services you require. For instance, if you hired full-service movers, they will do the packing for you. Aside from that, the responsibilities that your movers have should be the same for any type of move.