Getting ready to move? If so, this is a "must visit" place! Although there are dozens of websites offering free moving quotes to their users, this one has been around since 1994 and has deep connections with the moving world and uses those connections with 500 moving companies to give you the information you need for a smooth, easy relocation.
You'll get access to a ton of moving tools and a library of over 150 moving "how to" videos. And when you're ready you can get competitive quotes for local moves, long-distance moves, interstate moves and international moves. In addition you can access small move specialists, self-storage solutions, truck rental centers, specialty movers and even auto transporters.
If you're one of the millions who will be moving this year, you know it can be a stressful time for the whole family. One of the things you don't want to have to worry about is your belongings remaining intact. With proper packing techniques, you can ensure your belongings stay safe.
Some 43 million U.S. residents -- 16 percent of the population -- moved to a new residence during the period from March 1999 to March 2000, the period in which most recent U.S. Census Bureau figures are available.
"Research tells us that moving is usually one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked as high as the death of a loved one or divorce," said Joe Harrison, president of the American Moving and Storage Association. "But with the right kind of planning and care, you can make your move a lot less stressful."
To begin, make sure you have the following items on hand: strong packing boxes, bubble wrap for packing fragile items, tissue and ink-free packing paper, scissors, knife for opening boxes, several broad-tip markers to label boxes, and rolls of packing tape.
Whether you're handling the move on your own, or are hiring a company to handle the actual move but are still doing your own packing, you should keep the following in mind:
Pack one room at a time and try to keep similar items together. Mark the room name on the outside of the box.
Pack boxes firmly to prevent shifting.
Don't pack flammable goods or heat-sensitive items.
Wrap items individually and place a layer of crushed paper or bubble wrap in the bottom of the box for cushioning.
Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on the top.
Put heavy items in smaller boxes so they're easier to carry.
Set aside a box devoted to things you'll need right away (change of clothes, telephone, toys, toiletries, etc.)
Use towels and linens to pad boxes filled with fragile items. Mark these boxes "fragile."
Drain fluids from power and yard tools so they don't leak.
Try not to exceed 50 pounds in each box.
Keep an inventory of all your boxes. This is most easily done by numbering your boxes and keeping a master list of what is in each box. Once the boxes are unloaded, mark off all the boxes that are moved into the house.
Most importantly, don't leave the feelings and needs of your kids and pets until the last minute. They should be your first priority.
If you have kids, the U.S. Postal Service recommends giving them extra love and attention during the packing process as they struggle with their fears about leaving familiar friends and surroundings. Pack their rooms last so the break in their routine is as minimal as possible and be sure you try to talk to them about the myriad feelings they're experiencing. Let them write their names on the boxes containing their belongings and let them pick out a toy or two to carry with them.
Pets are also susceptible to stress during a move.
The USPS recommends a pre-move visit with your veterinarian for a thorough physical exam, making sure all vaccinations are current, especially the rabies vaccination. While at your veterinarian's office, get copies of your pets' records and check to see if s/he can recommend another veterinarian at your new location. You can also call the American Animal Hospital Association at (800) 883-6301 for the names of AAHA veterinarians near your new home.
Each state has their own set of laws and regulations regarding the importation of animals and some counties and municipalities have their own ordinances. Check with a veterinarian in your new neighborhood. You should get this taken care of several weeks before your move to allow time for all paperwork to be completed.
Also, temperature extremes should be avoided. In most cases, it's best to transport your animal in a sturdy, insulated carrier to help regulate the changing temperature. Never leave a pet in a hot car during the summer time or a cold car in the winter.
Written by Michele Dawson
Secrets to a Successful Move
If you're planning to use a moving company, call now. As busy as they are, they usually need plenty of notice -- often at least six weeks or much more if you're moving a long distance.
Be sure to build in some overlap between the closing/possession date of your new home and the last day of the lease on your rental (or closing date of your current home). Moving always takes much longer than you think. If you want to make any changes to your new home -- for instance, paint some walls, put in new carpeting or refinish wood floors -- plan enough time to do it BEFORE you move in so your furniture and belongings are not in the way.
Pare down your belongings. There's no sense moving things you don't need or want. Look through your house for rarely used items. Discard anything that's beyond repair, have a yard sale to get rid of the rest, and plan to load unsold merchandise into your car right away so you can take it to the charity of your choice.
Make notes about your new house -- room measurements, door measurements, location of electric/cable/phone outlets -- so you can determine exactly where your belongings will go. Measure appliances to make sure they fit the space available. When I moved from Florida to Colorado, I measured my refrigerator's width but not its depth. I hadn't taken my new kitchen's floor plan into consideration, and my fridge stuck out so far that I couldn't open the dishwasher. I've also had friends who bought wonderful overstuffed furniture, only to find they couldn't get it through the doorways of their new house.
If the previous homeowners are taking their curtains and blinds, you'll want to measure windows in places you want privacy immediately (like bedrooms and bathrooms) and buy curtains or blinds before you arrive.
Start arranging now for phone and utility hookups. Phone companies, especially, now need a few days (or even a week or more) to get you connected. Arrange now for the type of internet connection you want (if it's DSL or broadband rather than dial-up), and order extra phone jacks or cable outlets if you need them. Fill out a change of address form with the Post Office (www.moversguide.com). If you have automatic debits on your bank account, alert your creditors if you're changing banks.
You can buy boxes and packing material from a moving company or other sources, but that can be expensive. Instead, ask grocery stores, electronics stores and office supply stores for their discarded boxes. They usually are large enough, sturdy enough -- and free. Invest in a tape gun, and start saving up newspapers (ask your friends for theirs, too) so you'll have plenty of packing material if you don't want to buy bubble wrap.
Whether you use a mover or pack yourself, consider using a product like Pack-N-Label's moving kit (www.packnlabels.com). Your REALTOR® may already have these kits available for you, or you can purchase them yourself for about $37. Dozens of preprinted labels for every room of the house provide an instant checklist of items; no more writing each item on the side of the box yourself. Labels are color-coded by room so your movers will instantly know where to take each box. The comprehensive kit also includes the IRS form for moving expenses, preprinted lists for taking a household inventory, as well as a sheet of moving and packing tips.
Be sure to pack a box of essentials -- a telephone, a couple of changes of clothes, a few pots/pans/dishes/utensils, toiletries, medications -- to get you through the first few days. Also, if your mover is late and there are items you couldn't live without for a few days (like a computer, if you work from your home), consider taking that in your own car.
If using a mover, be sure to pack any small, nonbreakable, valuable items (such as jewelry) separately so you can take it with you in your own car. Large valuable items, such as artwork or electronics, should be clearly noted on the mover's inventory form in case of damage during transit. Do buy insurance to cover any damage that may occur. (Note: movers generally will not insure anything that you pack yourself unless the box itself is missing.)
Take the time to record the makes, models and serial numbers of your electronics and other items in a notebook or on a sheet of paper. Put this information, along with owners' manuals, extra keys, birth certificates, car titles, wills, insurance information, and other vital documents, in a special folder that you'll keep with you. In your new home, find a place for this folder (or put it in a safety deposit box), so you'll always know where these important papers are (and can easily grab it in case of a fire).
Clean as you pack. Unpacking is hard enough work without the added effort.
If you're renting right now, be sure to clean your apartment or rental house so you don't risk losing your security deposit.
Before you unpack, get a clean start by wiping out drawers and cupboards, sweeping out closets and solid-surface floors and vacuuming the carpets. Next, make up the beds and put towels in the bathrooms. Then you can take your time with the rest of the unpacking.
Enjoy your new home!
Written by Diane Benson Harrington
July 5, 2005
Mastering Moving Basics
It doesn't stop with what you need to know about selling one home and buying another. You also need to know how to move your stuff.
And the more you know, the smoother your move.
New rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will help you ease on down the road, and the American Moving and Storage Association also has some information that can help you master getting your move on.
There's a lot more to a move than selecting a mover and signing over care of your goods.
You must also:
Understand binding and non-binding estimates. Binding estimates guarantee the estimate for the move based on items moved and services listed on the estimate sheet. Items or services added later could result in higher charges. Once the mover arrives at destination, the driver cannot ask you to pay more than the binding estimate before unloading unless you added items or services not included in the estimate.
A non-binding estimate comes with no guarantee. Final cost is determined after your shipment is weighed and certified. Certified weighing could exceed the estimate. However, the driver cannot legally demand payment for more than 110 percent of the non-binding estimate before unloading. You then have at least 30 days to pay remaining charges.
The not-to-exceed estimate -- sometimes called "guaranteed price" or "price protection" -- is based on a binding estimate or actual cost, whichever is lower. Like a binding estimate, it must be in writing and is binding on the mover. The driver cannot collect more at destination before unloading.
You can also smooth the move if you:
Be present when goods are packed. Professional packing is crucial. Schedule the mover to pack a day or two before loading the van.
Be flexible. You may be asked to select several consecutive days for loading, and a second series of dates for delivery. This gives the mover flexibility to work to keep on schedule.
Start soon if you are packing yourself. Remember, movers aren't liable for items you packed but packing non-breakables, like clothes and bedding can speed things along.
Resolve disagreements before signing off on the driver's inventory. Make sure you get legible copies of the inventory and that all items are numbered. See to it that valuable items are listed separately.
Buy extra insurance if necessary. All interstate household goods shipments move under a very limited liability of 60 cents per pound. Without additional coverage, for example, if a 10-pound stereo component worth $1,000 is lost or destroyed, your mover is liable for a pittance -- only $6 (10 pounds times 60 cents). Full replacement value coverage is the most comprehensive protection available.
Report losses and damage immediately. If goods are damaged or lost, report this promptly and in detail on the driver's copy of the inventory sheet before signing. For damage found after unpacking, you must file a claim within nine months after delivery.
Movers must acknowledge receiving the claim within 30 days and deny the claim or settle within 120. When making a claim, keep in mind the amount of liability that you declared on your shipment. If the value you declared was $10,000, the mover's maximum liability is $10,000.
Be on hand when movers arrive on moving day to discuss packing and delivery arrangements. Have beds stripped and ready for packing, but let the moving crew disassemble items.
Sit down, take a breather, read the contract before signing.
Stay in contact with the mover while in transit and tell the mover how to reach you at the destination. If the mover can't reach you at the destination, your goods may have to be stored adding to your cost.
Moving can be stressful, and the last thing you want to worry about during your move is whether your belongings will arrive, and if so, in what condition.
An estimated 1.4 to 1.6 million household moves take place each year. Most go smoothly but a significant number don't. In fact, the U.S. Department of Transportation receives about 3,000 to 4,000 complaints each year from consumers who contend moving companies victimized them.
Here's what usually happens. Someone hires a moving company through the Internet because of a low estimate. Once the truck shows up and loads everything, the estimate is increased to two, three or four times the original bid. The consumer is then told that unless the new bill is paid, their possessions will be sold at auction.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says in other instances moving companies will fail to deliver or deliver damaged goods, then refuse to compensate them for loss and damages claimed. Some may not even be legitimate carriers at all, but will prey on those who can least afford it - the elderly and uninformed.
The horror stories are chronicled regularly in newspapers across the country.
In a May 2002 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article several moving horror stories are profiled, including:
Jon and Tammy Marsh, who moved from Sacramento, California, to New Berlin, and paid $8,000 more than the moving company had originally bid. Every piece of furniture they owned was damaged in the move, including priceless family heirlooms.
Larry and Elaine Youngerman, who moved to La Crosse from Holland, Michigan, using a Plantation, Florida, company that wanted more than $15,000 ¾ instead of the $3,300 originally bid ¾ before delivering. Only legal intervention was able to get the company to release the belongings, after the Youngermans paid $6,500.
Tim and Angela Alsum, who moved from Sioux Center, Iowa, to Escondido, California, are suing Advanced Moving Systems, of Sunrise, Florida (the same company that moved the Marshes). The Alsums say Advanced forced them to pay four times their estimate.
Bill Pokorsky, who moved from Brown Deer to Denver, received a bid from a Hollywood, Florida, company that was originally $1,200. The bid increased to more than $2,100, once Pokorsky's belongings were on the truck, he said.
Ellen Goerke, who moved from New Berlin to Naples, Florida, and had to pay nearly $5,000 to a Hollywood, Florida, company whose original estimate was $1,200.
In addition, television news shows like Dateline NBC are profiling this growing problem.
Among Dateline's stories was that of Tyrone and Regina Kelley, who moved from Massachusetts to Las Vegas, Nevada. The Kelleys had found New York-based U.S. Movers on the Internet.
Their original estimate, based on weight, was $1,482. The movers arrived in Las Vegas a week late, claiming the shipment weighed more than the original estimate, therefore wanting $3,600 or they were not going to unload the truck.
U.S. Movers claimed they Kelley's belongings weighed 4,650 pounds, but ultimately the shipment weighed 3,460 pounds.
U.S. Movers had been trying to charge the Kelleys for 1,000 pounds they didn't have.
So what can you do to avoid falling victim to a scam like this?
The American Moving and Storage Association, the national trade association representing the nation's moving and storage companies, has a Certified Mover Program that identifies elite members, and a web-based mover referral service. Both tools are located on the AMSA web site.
Their tips include:
Make moving arrangements in advance.
Check all companies with your local Better Business Bureau.
Get at least three bids.
Inform each company of the destination and timing of your move.
Ask about the types of services they offer, and rates and charges that will apply.
Ask what their liability is for your belongings and what claims protection you will have.
Ask how pickup and delivery will work.
Ask them to explain their estimates in detail and give you a copy.
If you get a non-binding estimates, actual charges may exceed the estimate, so be sure you should have enough cash or a certified check to pay the estimated cost of your move plus 10 percent more at time of delivery.
Specify pickup and delivery dates in the order for service.
The Bill of Lading is your contract with the mover, so read it carefully. If you have any questions ask your mover.
You have the right to be present each time your shipment is weighed, and you may request a reweigh of your shipment.
Unresolved claims for loss or damage may be submitted to arbitration.
If you are moving interstate, moving companies should give you a copy of a consumer booklet entitled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and information regarding the mover's participation in a Dispute Settlement Program.
After you've gathered this information, compare bids to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.
If you're one of the millions who will be moving this year, you know it can be a stressful time for the whole family. One of the things you don't want to have to worry about is your belongings remaining intact. With proper packing techniques, you can ensure your belongings stay safe.
If you're planning to use a moving company, call now. As busy as they are, they usually need plenty of notice -- often at least six weeks or much more if you're moving a long distance. 
Moving can be stressful, and the last thing you want to worry about during your move is whether your belongings will arrive, and if so, in what condition.
