RELOCATION RESOURCES

MOVING TIPS | MOVING GUIDE | PACKING TIPS | MOVING CHECKLIST

PETS -- If you take your pets in your car remember to take along Food, Water, A leash for letting your pet out of the car, and Newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals. To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a Health certificate which can be obtained from your veterinarian. A pet container and tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

MAKING AN INVENTORY -- Know what goes into each box and make sure the head of the moving crew legibly and accurately inventories each item as it's loaded. Review the list before signing the bill of lading. This is your contract with the mover, which sets out what services you are paying for. Read both documents carefully. Keep the contract and inventory to check off items as they come off the truck at your new home.

FILING CLAIMS -- Take pictures of major items before the move to prove their pre-move condition. When unpacking, take more pictures. Save the packing material and call the company to send an agent if you find damage after the movers have left. If you are not satisfied with the adjustment, contact American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). You have up to nine months after final delivery to make any claims, but you should make them as soon as possible. You have a right to receive your weight tickets; be sure you get them.

MOVING TIPS | MOVING GUIDE | PACKING TIPS | MOVING CHECKLIST

LOCATING A REPUTABLE MOVER -- Check on whether the moving company is a member of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and has agreed to independent arbitration of any claims. See if the Better Business Bureau or state consumer protection agency has a record of complaints on this firm. Ask if the company has been in business a long time. Find out what movers the corporate relocation companies rely on. Some states require moving companies to register before doing business, so check with state licensing agencies, too.

OBTAINING ESTIMATES -- You will want to get estimates from 3-5 companies. Have a walk-through with the company representative to point out exactly what you want transported and what you want packed. You can get an estimate over the phone but be sure it is backed up in writing as to whether it is a binding estimate or nonbinding. A binding estimate is guaranteed, while a nonbinding estimate may be lower but can drastically increase at the end of the move. The lowest bid may not be the best choice if the mover has intentionally given you a low estimate to get your business but may later hike the final price. Always get the itemized estimate in writing

UNDERSTANDING THE COSTS -- Moving charges are a combination of weight, distance, and services. Check to see if your bid includes extra charges for person-hours, packing materials, travel time, or waiting time. Be sure to find out what methods of payment the mover will accept-check, credit card, or money order.

OBTAINING INSURANCE -- The mover probably provides minimal insurance at no extra charge, but this may not be enough. This insurance is based on the weight, not the value, of an item. Thus, you might get only $30 for a damaged television console. Other insurance options should be available from the mover as an extra expense that may give you more protection. Before selecting any insurance option, understand whether you will be reimbursed based on the extent of the damage and the item's depreciated value, or on your cost to replace the item. Check your homeowner's insurance for any moving damage coverage.

MOVING TIPS | MOVING GUIDE | PACKING TIPS | MOVING CHECKLIST

APPLIANCES -- Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box securely and put down a layer inkless newsprint for padding. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Tape down any parts that could come loose -- the burners on your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Wrap the appliance with furniture pads and tie securely.

ART AND COLLECTIBLES -- Put Corrugated Corners on and wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pad the bottom of a large box with crumpled inkless newsprint. Give the items plenty of space, and make sure you add lots of packing material on the sides, between items and on top. Remember to label the box "fragile."

BOOKS -- Use only small boxes for books -- they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.

CLOTHING -- This is where wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.

ELECTRONICS -- Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble pack and pack in our heavy duty TV Box (25" x 25" x 25" DW).

FURNITURE -- If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Tape drawers shut where necessary. Wrap exposed legs (on tables and chairs) in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Wrap in furniture pads and tie securely.

KITCHENWARE -- Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap non-breakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box. Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long.

MIRRORS AND FRAMED ART -- Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use our shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.