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Moving can be very stressful. In fact after marriage or the death of a loved one, moving is the 3^rd most traumatic experience in life. This guide was written with you in mind. Easy and very simple steps to take to make you’re moving far less stressful.

Finding a Mover:

Always try to ask friends or family first if they know of anyone that they have used who had made their moving easier. As a consumer it is up to you to ensure that you hire a professional company to do your moving. Do Quick search www.look4movers.com or www.freemovingcompanies.com and check who is in your area. Jot down their names and keep it as a list.

Check the names firstly against the Bureau for Better Business. See if they have ever had a complaint lodged against them. Those that have strike them from your list of moving agents or movers.

Secondly check which ones are listed with the Department of Transportation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), now also has a website Protect Your Move setup to ensure that you do not get a “rogue” mover. Check on their website under “Check Mover Registration”, and it will tell you if the mover is registered in your state and what level of insurance they carry.

Those moving agents or movers that are left on your list, those are the ones to call. Try to narrow your moving companies down to 3 or 4 for quotes.

Now should anyone of the movers require the following, scratch them off your list:

They provide you with a quote over the phone without even seeing your house; Do Sent you Quote in writing or via email. The quote should be BINDING. Therefore, it will not change on your moving date.

They demand large upfront cash deposits; Playing small deposit is ok!

The company claims that all goods are insured by their insurance, yet the price remains the same.

Now call the movers and start asking for quotes. Now don’t forget, they will need to know:

Who is packing what goods;

Do they pack everything? Ask them if there will be any additional costs for the use of carton boxes for your goods;

Now try to remember that many will not insure boxed goods, unless they packed it themselves;

Always try and get mobile phone numbers should you need to get a hold of them either during or after the move.

Insurance coverage, check with them that your goods will be covered during the move. All reputable movers have insurance.

Are all the goods going from Point A to Point B or are you having certain goods dropped off at a warehouse or by someone else.

Movers will not move pets, so check for an Animal Transportation company to move your animals by air cargo if it is interstate.

Also try to keep in mind that moving is not always cheap. If you choose a cheaper moving company, remember you might have to sacrifice certain things.

Congratulations, you should have found your mover by now.

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Packing:

This is a very important task as it could either cost you money or save you money. A mover is a professional so always try to only pack things that are replaceable. Here is a list of things that you can do:

If you are buying your own boxes, see what it is you are moving and buy boxes in different sizes. Larges ones and some small boxes also always market the boxes with what is in each one. “Clothing mother”, so that when it comes to unpacking the movers will know in which room to place each box;

Books:

(a) Try and always pack your books into the small boxes. They do become very heavy; also don’t forget to always tape the boxes on the underside and try and pack in such a manner that the box is not heavy. A good gauge is to feel it yourself. If it is too heavy it might get dropped during the move. This might be a good time to also get rid of the books you no longer read or need;

Clothing:

(b) Moving your clothing can be very easy if you buy “Wardrobe” boxes. These are cardboard boxes with a pole running down the centre. They are easy to pack as you can take your clothing from the cupboard and hang them in the box. This will not only save your on ironing time but will also allow you to add extra items such as shoes at the bottom of the box.;

Electronic Equipment:

into its original box. This not only saves space but will also protect the goods better during the move. Smaller items, such as a modems, telephones or a scanner. See if you can place these items into a much larger box together. It avoids loss or theft.

Small Appliances: (Blenders etc)

(d) Place a lot of newspaper down at the bottom of the box, which you should have tapped on the underside to give it added strength. Tape down any loose parts. Items which have lids. Place newspaper between the lid and the item so that it does not damage during the move.

Large Appliances: (Washing Machine etc)

(e) The Fridge:

1. Defrost your fridge at least 2 days before the move. Don’t close the doors; let it stand open so that the mildew smell does not build up. Try and leave some Bicarbonate of Soda in the middle of the fridge to get rid of any smells;

2. Empty the drainage pan at the bottom of the fridge;

3. Remove the inside shelves and place them in a box;

4. Tape the electric cord to the rear;

5. REMEMBER: When arriving in the new house, not to turn of the fridge for at least 6 hours to allow the gas to settle in its tank again.

Washing machine:

1. Empty the washing machine. Turing it on its side to let the water out of its sump;

2. Place some linen around the spinner drum if it is a top loader. This prevents it from hitting the sides during the move;

3. Tape electric cord to the rear.

Movers will not move items which are still connected. This includes both electrical or gas appliances. Ensure that these are disconnected before hand.

All other goods should have their electrical cords tapped up against the rear and all removable parts removed and placed into a separate box. Bubble Wrap any mirrors.

It is very important that you and not the movers pack any valuable items. Things that are not replaceable such as photo albums or jewelry. Take that with you in your car.

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Insurance:

This is an important issue that you need to check before your move. Some household insurance will cover your move as goods in transit, others will not. So you might want to check out:

Short term insurance for your move;

Don’t forget, unless the mover packed the boxes, they will not be responsible unless the box is physically damaged on the outside;

You have 9 months after the move to file a claim; and

The mover has to respond within 30 days thereof and to resolve it within 120 days.

There 3 types of insurance with moving:

1. Limited Liability - This especially pays by weight. 30c per pound or 60c per pound long haul. This is set to a maximum of US$ 2,500. So if the truck runs off never to be seen, you will be offered the payout of US$ 2,500.

2. Lump Sum Value – This is based on the value of your goods. This type of insurance is generally less than 1% of the value of the goods. So if your goods are worth more than $1.25 per pound, you will on average fork out $8 for every $1,000.

3. Full Value Insurance – This pays out the full replacement value of the article that is lost or damaged beyond repair.

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Moving Day:

On moving day ensure that you are at the house. Count all the boxes leaving your house and make sure that it is accounted for on the inventory sheet.

Don’t leave the house before them! Always make sure that everything has been removed. Provide the driver with the location and if it is a local move, follow them to your new house.

Before leaving the now empty house. Check that your telephone has been disconnected; the electrical mains are turned off; unless there is an alarm system that needs to be activated. Also ensure that the gas has been turned off.

You are now on your way!

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Moving In:

Check the items on the inventory sheet, as they unload;

Check the condition of each item including the boxes and look for any damage. If you do find damages write it down on the inventory sheet.

If there is external damage to any of the boxes that you packed yourself, write it down. When you check for damages later, you can always show the box to validate your claim. Even though you packed the box yourself, you can still claim from the insurance as the box was physically damaged;

Make a list of any missing items;

Don’t try and fix any damaged items, remember you have up to 9 months to claim.

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Glossary:

Appliance Service by Third Party

The preparation of major electrical appliances to make them safe for shipment. Charges for these services may be in addition to the moving charges

Force Majeure

A defense protecting the parties in the event that a part of the contract cannot be performed due to causes which are outside the control of the parties and could not be avoided by exercise of due care.

110 Percent Rule

Movers are required by law to deliver your goods for no more than 10 percent above the price of a non-binding estimate.