Moving Tools

Moving Tips and Tricks

Stress Relief - How to Take the Stress Out of Moving

Research tells us that moving is one of the most stressful events in a person's life, ranked as high as the death of a loved one or divorce. But with the right kind of planning and care, you can make your move a lot less stressful

The moving tips outlined in this article are designed primarily to cover interstate moves (a move between two or more states), but many of the tips apply equally to local and intrastate (within the same state) moves and international shipments

Tip No. 1 - Plan your move date

The first step is to plan ahead. Waiting until the last minute -- especially during the busy summer season -- limits your options and can result in disappointment when it comes to securing the services of the mover you want at the date of your choosing.

Partner Van Lines recommend that you begin making arrangements for your move at least four to six weeks before the moving date. A planning checklist and planner, called Countdown to Moving Day, along with other useful advice, is available here .

And here is an inside tip from someone who knows the moving industry. Most people want to move during the summer, when the kids are out of school. This means that from May to September movers are extremely busy. If you can arrange for your move at any other time of year, you have a much better chance of securing a high quality move from the company of your choice. Also, most movers offer lower prices between the months of October and April.

Similarly, most people want to move at the very beginning or the very end of the month, because most rent and mortgage payments are due on the first of each month.

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Tip No. 2 - Moving day "must do's"

1. Be on hand when the movers arrive
2. Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover
3. Have beds stripped and ready to be packed
4. Save your energy -- let the moving crew disassemble goods
5. Read the Bill of Lading (the contract) before you sign it
6. Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination
7. Keep in contact with the mover at your destination while you are in transit

Generally, your belongings will be transported in a van along with those of other families in the same general direction. This helps to keep your costs down. Delivery is made on any of the several consecutive days agreed upon before the move began.

Make sure the mover knows how to contact you to schedule actual delivery. If you cannot be reached at destination, the mover may place your shipment in storage to avoid delaying other shipments. This can mean additional charges for storage and handling.

Upon delivery, check your goods for damage. Do not sign the inventory until you have inspected your furniture and the exterior of the cartons.

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Moving Tips From Our Pros

Here's a few ideas to keep you organized for your upcoming move:

1. If you must move during the "peak" summer season, then at least try to choose a date off the month end - the last few days of June and August are the busiest moving days of the year.
2. Never plan to move in on your "closing" day. Sometimes there are delays in the closing or the former owners may be later moving out. There's nothing worse than having the moving truck sitting idle running up extra charges.
3. Go through your home from top to bottom before the moving consultants come in to do their survey. Decide exactly what is being moved and what will be sold or discarded. Make a list so you can discuss it with the moving consultant. Similarly, make a list of any items stored or kept at another location including any items on loan to friends or family.
4. If some items on your "not to go" list are not sold or given away, inform your mover before loading day so that they can adjust your estimate . Remember you pay for "what you ship Not what you planned to ship".
5. If you are doing some/all of your own packing, arrange to get started well in advance of the move. Packing is much harder work than most people realize and unless you do it for a living it will take you longer than you expect.
6. If you are doing some/all of your own packing arrange to purchase cartons and other supplies from your Partner consultant. They are available at a nominal cost and are much stronger than discarded cartons from the grocery store. Do not "overpack" boxes.
7. Dispose of all flammables such as cleaning fluids, aerosol cans. Your Partner consultant can provide you with a list of "non-admissible" items. Drain your lawn mower and other machinery.
8. Use up food from your freezer and pantry.
9. Make sure you have /or obtain written appraisal for antiques, high value artwork etc. to verify their value prior to the move. Provide a copy to your Partner consultant.
10. Plan to clean your freezer and refrigerator at least 24-48 hours prior to the move in order to give these appliances time to properly dry. Put a charcoal filter, baking soda fridge pak or other such item inside to keep the appliance fresh. Leave lids and doors open until they are dry.
11. Appliances like washers and items like grandfather clocks need special servicing before and after the move. Make arrangements with a licensed service person or ask your Partner consultant to make the arrangements on your behalf.
12. Movers do not remove items affixed to ceilings and walls therefore if you are taking drapery track, curtain rods, blinds or other such items, remove them before the packers/movers arrive.
13. You can leave lightweight items in dresser drawers but do not put books, linens or other heavy items in them. Be sure to remove valuables like jewelers and fragile items including bottles of perfume.
14. Arrange for young children and /or pets to be cared for on packing, loading and delivery days.

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How to choose a Mover

Moving companies provide a variety of services for a range of fees. It is a good idea to talk with different movers to compare their services. To find out who the best movers are in your area, begin by asking friends about their experiences with the movers they have used. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau or other consumer organizations in your local area. AMSA does not recommend moving companies nor does it recommend one moving company over another.

When selecting a mover, Partner Van Lines encourage consumers to choose a moving company which is a member of AMSA. The members of the AMSA have all agreed to abide by the terms of AMSA published tariffs and to participate in the Arbitration Program sponsored by AMSA organization.

AMSA Certified Movers are companies that have voluntarily agreed to abide by a Code of Conduct that requires complete disclosure of moving information to consumers, written estimates of charges, timely service and prompt response to claims and complaints. They have also agreed to arbitrate disputes of up to $5,000 arising from loss or damage to the articles in your shipment. Not all movers participate in this program.

Once you have compiled a list of movers, inform them of the destination and timing of your move. Ask them about the types of services they offer. Also ask them to explain their estimates in detail and to give you a copy. Then carefully compare to see which mover best suits your needs and budget.

It is important to try to make arrangements for your move well in advance, at least four to six weeks before the moving date.

When you choose your mover, be sure you understand: The rates and charges that will apply. The mover's liability for your belongings. How pickup and delivery will work.

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Partner Van Lines Moving Calendar

Four weeks before moving

Three weeks before moving

Two weeks before moving

One week before moving

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Last Minute Reminders

Printable version of the moving checklist (new window)

Moving is a hectic time in any family's life. One of the secrets to helping keep things on track is to organize yourself with a check off list. As your moving date gets closer, print out this handy Last Minute Reminder Checklist to help make sure you remembered everything that needs to be done.

	Records & Documents		Valuables
	Moving Documents		Note: Never transport irreplaceable items on the
	Children's School Records		Moving Van or items not covered by mover's
	Medical Records Transferred		liability. Your Partner representative can give
	Dental Records		you complete details
	Veterinarian Records		Coin/Stamp Collection
	Passports		Jewelry
	Contents of Safety Deposit Box		Stocks or Bond Certificates
	Insurance Policies		Silver
	House Papers		Photographs
	Transfer Bank Account		___________________
	___________________		___________________
	___________________		___________________
	Preparing for your Trip		If travelling by car, consider taking:
	Sufficient clothing till your furniture arrives		Blankets & Pillows
	Medication/Prescriptions		Kids games for car
	Plane Tickets		Tapes or CDs
	Credit Cards		Pre-moistened wipes
	Duplicate Keys		Snacks & Drinks
	Toys for Children		Road Maps
	___________________		Flashlight
	___________________		___________________
	___________________		___________________
	Saying Goodbye
	Arrange to have dinner with friends		Take children on last visit to favorite places
	Let children invite friends to lunch at local restaurant		Allow children to take photos of friends & special places

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