Moving is not something you can stand back and watch. Nor can it be done alone. The responsibilities of relocating need to be shared...among you, your spouse, children, friends, and last but not least, your moving company


Planning and Organization

Plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize, plan, organize...There. We probably haven't said it enough. But if you can master those two concepts, you are well on your way to an efficient and painless move.

Make a list of what you need to do, and when you need to do it. One approach is to make a calendar of events for your moving timetable.

If you anticipate requiring storage at destination, identify items you may need before your shipment is delivered. Those belongings should be clearly marked so that they can be kept separate from the balance of your shipment, and readily available to you.


Compiling Personal Records

All the time you have been living in your current home, you have been building important records of your personal history. Medical, dental, financial, and legal information will take on increased importance in your new community. Information gathering should be a simple process that you can begin working on several months before your actual move.

Contact your family doctor and dentist - and all of the specialists you may have been to like pediatricians, obstetricians, and eye doctors and get copies of your medical records. Your new physicians and dentists will need your history.

Notify your bank of the planned move and arrange to transfer funds to a new bank or branch. If you make a house hunting trip to your new city, it's a good time to find a bank, discuss mortgage arrangements if you are buying a house, and open an account, all before your move.


Time to be Practical - Do you Really Need It?

Now is the time to consider what you really do or do not need. Like the sofa your mother-in-law gave you that's been in the basement for two years. Chances are, if you haven't used it in the last year, you probably never will!

Consider your appliances. If you have been wanting a new refrigerator with an icemaker, you may not want to incur the expense of moving the old one. And if your washer and dryer are getting old and battered, consider selling them.

The houseplants you have carefully nurtured may appreciate adoption by a friend rather than a rigorous journey in your car. If they must go with you, your mover will not take liability for them, and certain states do not allow the import of plants or produce. In some cases you may be able to arrange transportation through a florist or nursery.



Things that Simply Cannot Go

There are two categories of things that cannot go with the mover, and you probably will not want to drag them around yourself; namely perishables like frozen foods, and hazardous materials.

Plan your meals to use up the contents of your freezer at least a week before you go. Defrost the freezer and allow it to stand with the door open for three or four days so it will dry out and not mildew in transit. It's a good idea to do the same thing even with automatic defrosting refrigerators. Be sure to block the door so it cannot close accidentally on small children.

Hazardous materials include anything flammable or corrosive, like paint, cleaning products, antifreeze and oil, and of course, gasoline. Also, if you have a gas grill with a tank, be sure the tank is completely empty before either you or the mover takes it.


Use Common Sense

DO NOT pack up watches, jewelry, money, or important documents.

DO NOT leave these items in dresser drawers or laying on top of furniture. Take these articles with you.

Perishable Articles or Articles of Extraordinary Value

  • The carriers will not assume any liability whatsoever for: documents, currency, money, jewelry, watches, precious stones, or articles of extraordinary value including accounts, certain antiques, bills, deeds, evidence of debt, securities, notes, postage stamps, stamp collections, revenue stamps, letters or packets of letters, articles of peculiarly inherent value, precious metals or articles manufactured therefrom which are not specifically listed on the bill of lading.
  • When perishable articles are included in a shipment with or without knowledge of the carrier, responsibility for condition or flavor will not be assumed by the carrier.


Before You Move

  • Separate goods you wish to move yourself.
  • Have all appliances to be moved, disconnected prior to your move date. Movers are not electricians, plumbers, or appliance service technicians. Any disconnections other than simple hoses or plugs cannot be performed by the mover. Under no circumstances will the mover disconnect any gas or propane appliances. Your sales associate can arrange for appliance servicing and disconnection/reconnection at an additional charge. Defrost and dry your freezer and refrigerator the night before if they are to be moved.
  • IMPORTANT - Be sure that you understand your carrier liability coverage and have placed adequate valuation on your household goods.

Please advise your moving representative in advance if you desire optional coverage so we may issue a certificate of coverage and prepare the bill of lading. It is important that you purchase enough valuation for your shipment. Under valuation can lead to underpayment in the event of a claim. If you have any questions, again, please ask your moving representative.


On Moving Day

DO NOT HAVE YOUR PHONE DISCONNECTED UNTIL AFTER LOADING DAY. It is important for us to be able to have contact with yourself and our crew.

Plan your day so that you will not leave your old residence until the moving company leaves, unless you have a reliable person to act on your behalf and sign all necessary documents. Whenever possible, avoid scheduling non-cancelable travel plans on the scheduled move date.

When all goods have been loaded, make a thorough check of all rooms, attics, basements, closets, cupboards and behind doors. It is your responsibility to make sure that nothing has been overlooked and to make sure nothing has been loaded into the van in error.


Upon Delivery

  • Make a physical count of your goods as they are brought into your new residence.
  • Make appropriate notations of any missing items or damages on the bill of lading or delivery receipt at time of delivery. The best proof is always a written notation at the time of delivery.
  • Be sure the delivery papers are signed by both you and the driver and includes notations of any damages or losses. Failure to sign the delivery documents may void any claim for losses or damage.
  • Contact the mover as soon as possible to report any damaged or missing items. DO NOT dispose of any damaged articles without prior approval from our claims office.

Please advise your moving representative in advance if you desire optional coverage so we may issue a certificate of coverage and prepare the bill of lading. It is important that you purchase enough valuation for your shipment. Under valuation can lead to underpayment in the event of a claim. If you have any questions, again, please ask your moving representative.