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| Whether you’re moving domestically or internationally, being prepared is probably the best advice that anyone can give you when it comes to moving. Being prepared will save you time and money, and will substantially reduce your anxiety and level of stress during your move. By being prepared, you will know what to expect and you will be able to better handle surprises should they arise. |
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 When To Move
If you have a choice in terms of the time of year or time of month when it comes to scheduling your move, moving during off peak times is recommended. The summer is generally the busiest time of the year for the moving industry, since many families need to relocate while school is out of session
Furthermore, the end of the month also tends to be busier due to generally excepted business practices which often finalize the sale of a house or conclusion of a lease on the last day of the month.
Choosing A Mover
When it comes to choosing a mover, you have a lot of options. If your move is arranged through your employer, you may be provided with a list of approved moving service providers. If your move is arranged privately, you may want to ask friends and/or coworkers for recommendations and find out what experiences they have had. We also recommend that you check with industry trade associations to narrow your search.
It is recommended that you obtain at least three separate written estimates for your move. This gives you the ability to compare price, services provided, and schedule availability. It is important to mention here that you should not only consider price when choosing your mover, reputation, years of service, and services provided should also weigh heavily in your decision. Carefully compare each estimate and choose the company that best fits your budget and service requirements. Once you obtain your estimates and you have chosen your mover, contact your mover and inform the company of your intended moving dates.
Packing Your Belongings
Adequately packing your valued belongings is essential in assuring that your shipment arrives at its destination in the same condition as it was loaded. While we recommend that you have your belongings professionally packed, you may choose to pack less valuable or less fragile items yourself. However, you need to keep in mind that your mover will not usually accept liability for damage to items in boxes that have been packed by the owner.
You should be present when your belongings are being packed, so that any issues that arise during the compiling of your inventory can be resolved prior to you signing it. Make sure that the inventory is complete and that all copies are legible. All valuable items should be listed separately for insurance purpose. Check with your mover for information on adequately insuring your shipment.
The Day of The Move
Depending on the size of your move, it may take several days to prepare your goods for loading. As mentioned previously, being prepared will reduce the time needed to complete that process. While your mover makes every effort to be available on the agreed upon dates, equipment availability may occasionally affect your loading date.
Once the loading crew arrives at your home, you should attempt to be available to answer any questions that may arise and address any problems. Carefully read any paperwork provided to you before signing. Provide your mover with contact information, so that you can be reached at destination to arrange for the delivery of your goods. If available, ask your mover to provide you with contact information for the agent that will be handling your delivery. This way, you will have a back-up in the event that the contact information you provided to the mover gets lost or changes.
After The Move
Should you have any issues after the move is completed, make sure to contact your mover as soon as possible. While you do have some time to file a claim in the event that there is any damage, the sooner you do it the easier it is to follow up on any lost or misplaced items. Check with your mover for specific procedures and/or regulations governing the filing and processing of claims.
Household Goods Forwarders Association of America, Inc.
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