When it is time to move, there are many things that need to be planned for. One of those things is arranging for either movers or a truck rental to move yourself with.
When moving yourself, it is best to ask the truck rental agency to help you estimate the size of the vehicle you'll need. There are many costs that you will need to keep in mind. There will be a truck rental fee, and you should be prepared to pay mileage rates and additional fees if you rent pads, dollies, blankets, packing materials, and boxes. It's also your responsibility to hire movers, pack, load, and unload the truck. And of course, if anything is damaged during the move, you pay. If your goods aren't insured during the move, find out if you can purchase a "rider" to cover them.
Avoid damages to your property by packing the truck tightly, loading from back to front and bottom to top. Properly packed and ready to move, keeping your property safe is made simple by driving slowly, especially if you are a new to driving a truck.
It's a good idea to hire professional movers if you are intending on moving over a long distance. The moving company will send you information on their services. As well as sending their own literature, the company should send you a copy of the "Interstate Commerce Commission" ("ICC") brochure, "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move," and a copy of the company's "Annual Performance Record."
Costs
When getting estimates, make sure you show the mover everything you plan to move; show the same inventory to each mover you interview. Charges for local moves are, usually, calculated on an hourly rate based on the amount of time that it takes to handle the loading and unloading.
Additional charges are added for packing and unpacking and disconnecting and hooking up appliances. You should expect to pay more if the movers have to contend with several flights of stairs or an elevator, and you can count on paying more to move large items such as a piano or an oversized dresser.
Once you decide on a mover, the company is required to prepare an order for service. You have the option of choosing either a binding or non-binding estimate. If you know exactly what you're shipping at the time of the estimate, you can avoid surprises and lock down exact costs with a binding estimate. This may cost you a little more in the end. Choose a non-binding estimate if the exact shipment is unknown. Keep extra funds set aside. If the cost of the move is greater than the estimate, you'll have to pay the original estimate plus 10 percent when your shipment is delivered to your new home. Regardless of the type of estimate you choose, be prepared to pay the driver in cash, money order, traveler's checks, or cashier's check before your goods are unloaded.
Before signing the bill of lading, read it carefully. It's important to keep it handy in case you need to file any claims against the mover.
Look over your homeowner's insurance policy before you pack up your possessions. This can help you to make sure that your household goods are covered for loss or damage during a professional move. If not, you can buy the coverage you need from your insurance company or the mover.
Although interstate movers are required to assume liability for any loss of or damage to your property, there are different levels of liability.
Packing Pointers
You can save money by packing some things yourself. Movers probably will not accept liability if the items you packed are damaged during the move. There's more to packing than simply throwing things into a box; it's best to let the movers handle fragile items.
As you pack, inventory each box and label the box accordingly. If you've packed properly, the sides of the boxes shouldn't bulge and the top shouldn't cave in when you close it. Pack heavier items in small boxes. Pack plates standing on their edges.
If possible, it's best to pack computers, printers, compact disk players, and other electronic equipment in their original boxes. If you no longer have the boxes, wrap the components in plastic to protect them from dust and place them in a sturdy padded box marked fragile.
If you plan to move appliances, make sure they're clean and dry, and don't forget to contact your utility company to disconnect any gas appliances. When the movers arrive, point out any concerns you may have about proper handling. Take your time unloading. Carefully check your inventory list. If anything is damaged or missing, indicate this by writing on the driver's inventory list before you sign it.
It's not necessary to unpack every carton before signing the inventory list, but do note any damage to the outside of any cartons. You can still file a loss or damage claim if an unpacked item is broken.
Just remember that it takes time to settle into a new house.
