Preparing for a Safe Move.

Moving? A few tips to help!

Most of us at some point in our lives will have to pack up our belongings and MOVE! Those of us that have tackled a move know that it can be a time of great stress.   Not all moves are created equal, the university student moving home for summer is not equal to the Family of 6 moving after living in a home for 10 years…across the country.

If you are planning the big move, have you chosen your moving company carefully? Let’s talk about some dos and don’ts of finding a qualified mover.

When you begin your search for a Mover, referrals from a friend are a great place to start. There is great value in firsthand experience of a job well done. If your friends work colleagues have moved recently ask them about their experience.  Both good and bad experiences are valuable.  It’s good to know who NOT to hire, as well as the positive referrals.

Credentials matter when you are considering who to entrust with handling your possessions.  Is this company insured? Do they belong to the movers association? Do they have Better Business Bureau history? Are they licensed?  Are their trucks and facilities open for your inspection? Are they big enough to handle your job? Is the company and the workers bonded?  Have they been in business for at least 3 years?  All these questions and more require answers that satisfy your confidence.

Once the above questions are answered to your satisfaction the next step will be getting a quotation.  As a homeowner this can be tough.  Be realistic about how much you are prepared to do on your own or in advance.  If you are going to need help packing etc be honest and upfront about it and plan accordingly. If you have something of high value or that will need special handling, let the company know in advance.  Once you have decided on what is to be moved, many movers will provide you with guidelines or a survey that you can use to organize yourself in advance of a quote.   Once you have compiled all the information, ask for a quote in writing, preferably a binding quotation.  An onsite visit by a Moving company representative is the preferred method. Get all promises, quotes and contracts offered from the company and representatives in WRITING.

Even though this is a very busy time for you, take the time to read all the fine print on the quote and contract including liability details and potential extra charges such as storage fees etc.   Keep originals and or photocopies of the contract and receipt of all payments readily available to everyone that will have dealings with the movers.  This message is simply encouragement to do your homework and is not a guarantee of satisfaction.  Due diligence pays!

Once you have the dates set, make sure the home you are moving to is secure. Make arrangements with your local security company to have the alarm system installed and monitored before or upon the arrival of all your possessions.  When you are new in a community, especially in a brand new development you are vulnerable to burglars.   Let’s protect that new home!