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You may think that you just have to hire some
professional movers and throw your stuff in boxes before moving
day, but moving is a lot more complicated. A recent Realty Times
article offers tips on making moving smooth.
You have sold your old house and bought a new house.
The hard part is over, right? Wrong. You still have to move all
of your worldly possessions from the old house to the new house.
Whether you’re moving down the street or across the country,
this is a process that everyone dreads.
Moving can go smoothly, however. Keep in mind these
tips when moving, and you will be happier, and less harassed,
when it’s all over.
Before signing a contract with a moving company,
be aware of the terminology:
• Understand binding and non-binding estimates
with your moving company. A binding estimate guarantees the estimate
for the move based on what is listed on the estimate sheet. If
you add items or services later, you may have to pay more. With
a binding estimate, the movers cannot ask you to pay more before
unloading once they arrive at the destination unless you added
items or services not included initially.
• As you might guess, a non-binding estimate
comes with no guarantee of final cost. The final cost is determined
after your items are weighed and certified and may be more than
the estimate. However, the driver cannot ask you to pay more than
110 percent of the non-binding estimate before unloading.
• There is also a “not-to-exceed estimate,”
sometimes called a “guaranteed price” or “price
protection.” The “not-to-exceed estimate” is
based on a binding estimate or actual cost, whichever is less.
This estimate is binding on the mover and must be in writing.
The driver cannot then collect more at the destination before
unloading.
You can also make things easier for you and your
family if you follow these suggestions:
• If you choose to pack yourself, start soon.
It will always take longer than you think.
• If you choose to have professional packing,
make sure you are present when your items are packed. You should
also schedule the mover to pack a day or two before loading the
van.
• Be flexible with scheduling. You may be
asked to choose several consecutive days for loading and another
series of days for delivery. This gives your mover the flexibility
to keep on schedule.
• Make sure to resolve disagreements before
signing off on the driver’s inventory. You will need to
get legible copies of the inventory, with all items numbered.
It is also a good idea to make sure that valuable items are listed
separately.
• If you have anything of value, you might
want to buy extra insurance. Interstate household goods shipments
are moved under a very limited liability of 60 cents per pound.
With this coverage, if you have 20 pounds worth of computer equipment
worth $2,000 that is lost or broken, the mover will only be liable
for a tiny amount - $12 in this case. If you have a lot of valuable
items, full replacement value coverage is the most comprehensive
protection available.
• If any of your possessions are damaged or
lost, report this immediately and in detail on the driver’s
copy of the inventory. If you find that any items are damaged
or missing after unpacking, you have to file a claim within nine
months of delivery. Your movers must acknowledge receiving the
claim within 30 days and deny the claim or settle within 120 days.
Remember that the mover’s maximum liability is the amount
of liability you declared.
• Be present on moving day to discuss packing
and delivery arrangements. Prepare large items for disassembly:
strip beds, pack sofa throw pillows, etc.
• Stay in contact with your mover during transit
and most importantly, be present for their arrival. If the mover
can’t delivery your items, they may have to be stored, which
would add significantly to your cost.
The most important thing to keep in mind during
this stressful process is to keep calm. When necessary, sit down
and take a breather. If you are prepared and organized, the moving
process will be smooth and simple.
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