Terminology

• Accessorial (Additional) Services - These are services Packing, Unpacking, Appliance servicing (connecting/reconnecting), etc.
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• Advanced Charges - These are services performed by someone other than the mover. (Craftsman for wooden crates), other professional. Mover pays for these services and adds fees in your contract.
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• Bill of Lading - A contract for transportation and receipt for your goods.
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• Carrier - Moving company transporting household goods.
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• Cash on Delivery (COD) - This means payment is required at the time of delivery, at home or warehouse.
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• Expedited Service - This is an arrangement made with mover (long distance) by a set date in exchange for charges based on higher minimum weight.
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• Flight Charge - A charge for carrying items up and/or down stairs (long distance only).
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• Guaranteed Pick up and Delivery Service - Guaranteed dates of pick up and delivery (long distance moves), mover will provide reimbursement for delays. This premium service has higher tariff or higher minimum wight requirements.
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• High value article (Article of extraordinary value) - Items valued at more than $100 per pound, or $220 per kg.
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• Household Goods - in connection with moving means personal property used, or to be used, in a dwelling. You must request these items to be transported and pay mover for the transportation charges.
• Inventory - a detailed descriptive list of customer's household goods showing the number and the condition of the item.
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• Long Carry - A charge for carrying article excessive distance between the truck and the residence. (Long distance moves only).
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• Mover - A motor carrier engaged in the transportation of household goods.
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• Order for Service - A document authorizing your mover to transport your goods.
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• Pick up and delivery charges - Separate transportation charges applicable for transporting your shipment between short term storage and your residence.
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• Reasonable Dispatch - The performance of transportation and delivery on the dates agreed upon by you and your mover and shown on your contract "order for service".
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• Shuttle Service - A use of smaller truck to provide service to residence not accessible by mover's regular truck.
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• Storage In Transit (SIT) - A temporary storage of your shipment, pending further transportation, with or with out notification to customer. If customer can not accept shipment on the agreed date, mover can place goods into warehouse (with out notification). In this case customer is responsible for SIT charges, as well as warehouse handling, and final delivery charges.
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• Tariff - 

  An issuance containing rates, rules, regulations, classifications or other provisions. California issued a Max 4 tariff for moves with in the state (contains of maximum rate, which movers can not exceed). Federal Department of Transportation, for moves across state lines, requires movers to post tariff. The tariff must contain 3 (three) specific items. First, description of services offered to public. Second, the specific applicable rates, (or basis for calculating rates), and service terms for services offered to public. Third, has to be arranged to that customer can determine the rates for services applicable to their shipment.

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• Valuation - the degree of worth of the shipment. The valuation charge compensates a mover for assuming a greater degree of liability than is provided in base transportation charges
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• Warehouse handling - A charge may be applicable every time SIT service is provided. 

Preparations for Moving

Two Months Prior to Moving Day

• If you use a mover, get 2-3 estimates from moving companies. If you move yourself, get costs from a truck rental company.
• Create a floor plan of your new home for furniture and appliance placement.
• Make an inventory of your household goods and begin to remove clutter (start with the basement, attic, garage, and other storage areas).
• Prepare to have a moving sale for your less valuable items, and have a net-auction for the more valuable ones – see QuikDrop.com
• Prepare current house for sale – upgrade lighting, lawn and paint
• Arrange to transfer school records.
• Choose a mover from the quotes and reserve your moving and delivery dates.
• Get your new home ready – Contact painters, carpenters, plumbers, roofers etc., so your home is ready when you arrive.

  Six weeks prior to Moving Day

• Make arrangements for storage if necessary.
• Ask your doctor or health plan provider for referrals, and obtain all medical records.
• Have antiques, pieces of art, and other valuables appraised.
• Start using foods and cleaning supplies that cannot be moved.

Four weeks prior to Moving Day

• Schedule disconnection of all utility services at your old home, and connection of them at your new one.
• Be sure to disconnect the day after you leave and connect the day before you arrive.
• If you have “last month” deposits with services, such as the telephone company.
• Change the locks on all the doors in your new home, if the new home is ready.
• If you are moving yourself, reserve a rental truck for your selected moving day.
• If you are packing yourself, obtain packing materials from uBoxes.com and start packing items you won’t need until after you arrive at your new house.
• Arrange for cleaning and repair of furniture, drapes, and carpeting
• Arrange for special transportation of your pets and plants if necessary.
• Check with your insurance company to see how your possessions are covered during transit.
• Make any travel plans necessary for your move.
• Collect your important records-Gather personal and family records, including medical and dental, veterinary and school records; legal and financial documents; birth certificates, passports and insurance documents.

Three weeks prior to Moving Day

• Hold your moving sale.
• Properly dispose of items that cannot be moved, such as flammable liquids
• Obtain and fill out post office change-of-address cards.
• Prepare auto registration for transfer (if moving to another state).
• Make child-care arrangements for moving day.

Two weeks prior to Moving Day

• Arrange for donation or disposal of anything not sold at your moving sale
• Service your car in preparation for the move. If you’re moving from a warm climate to a cold one, check your antifreeze.
• Return any borrowed items (including library books) and retrieve any loaned items.
• Transfer prescriptions and be sure you have an adequate supply of medications on hand.
• Assemble a file folder of information to leave for the new owner of your home.
• Change your address. One week before you move, send change-of-address cards to everyone who will need to contact you.
• Pack a travel kit: Put aside critical items like a checkbook, credit cards, personal phone book, ID, flashlight, keys, toiletries, paper plates, cups, towels, travel alarm clock, aspirin, bandages and games for the kids. Also, pack a suitcase with clothing and other personal items.

One day prior to Moving Day

• Close and empty your safe-deposit box.
• Settle any bills with local businesses.
• Drain power equipment of oil and gas. Drain water hoses.
• Find new homes for plants that will not be moved.
• Confirm any travel reservations.
• Defrost refrigerator & freezer, propping doors open.
• Let movers pack your belongings (unless it’s a do-it-yourself move).
• Disconnect and prepare major appliances for move.
• Set aside anything that will travel in your car so it will not be loaded on the truck.
• Pack a box of items that will be needed first at the new house. Clearly mark this box “load last.
• Obtain certified check or traveler’s checks for the trip and to pay the movers.
• Confirm arrival time of your moving van/truck.
• If moving yourself, dismantle beds and other large furniture.
• If using a mover, be sure someone is at the old house to answer questions and sign papers.

Move Day

• Note all utility meter readings.
• Read your bill of lading and inventory carefully before signing.
• Keep this paperwork in a safe place.

Delivery Day

• Be present at your new house to answer any questions.
• Check your belongings carefully and note on the inventory paperwork any damaged items.
• On an interstate move, be prepared to pay the driver before your possessions are unloaded.
• Be prepared to pay your mover with certified check or traveler’s checks unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
• With this last box checked, you’ll be ready to enjoy the fruits of your organization and your new home.

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Packing Boxes

If you wish to pack boxes by yourself make sure to take your time at protecting fragile items and not to overload boxes, but here are a few more suggestions:

1. Do Not pack hazardous materials
2. Pack one room at a time, label boxes discribing contents and room at destination (bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and so on)
3. Be as specific as you can
4. Keep weight of boxes reasonable to prevent carton from folding of its own weight and being too heavy to  carry.
5. Place heavier non fragile boxes on the bottom, stack fragile and lighter items closer to the top of the stack
6. Pack fragile boxes in dish packs, madedouble strong with double carton protection
7. Wrap items with plenty of bubble and use packing paper for cushioning.
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Hazardous Materials

Movers liabilities

Limited Liability

Preparation of Appliances

Moving appliances from one home to another requires a great deal of preparation.

Movers' responsibility

Movers are supposed to do the heavy work - the actual transporting of the appliances from client's home into the truck and then safely out of the truck into the new residence. Our movers will do anything possible to ensure that appliance gets to its destination safely.

However, the preparation of major appliances and other home furnishings is an important activity for you to schedule. Some of it needs to begin days before the actual move day.

Owners' Responsibility

These preparations must be done by the customer, a professional technician, or moving company can set up their partner (Reputable Appliance Tech.) who will do it, in any case let your mover know which of these options you prefer ahead of time.

Preparing appliances to withstand handling during transit or while in storage.

This process can include bracing a washer tub, disconnecting an ice maker, capping off a gas line, and special handling of satellite dish components.

Most Movers do not:

1. Disconnect appliances (ice maker, washer, dryer, etc.) or reconnect them in the new residence;
2. Disconnect utilities;
3. Repair appliances;
4. Remove or install window air conditioners or television and radio antennas;
5. Perform wiring, plumbing, electrical or carpentry services.

6. REFRIGERATOR

   

   Cleaning

   • Use mild detergent to wipe off the exterior finish.

   • Before cleaning the interior, dispose of perishables and unplug the power cord.

   • Wash removable parts such as shelves and drawers with a mild detergent or in a solution of warm water and baking soda (about one tablespoon. of baking soda to one quart of water). Ice trays and ice storage bins should be washed in lukewarm water only.

   • Wash the interior walls and any non-removable parts with a mild detergent or baking soda solution.

   • Leave the door open for at least 24 hours. Allowing all moisture to evaporate. If your refrigerator is not a frost-free model, allow extra time to complete defrosting and drying.

   • Secure all loose plastic parts.

   • Glass shelves should be removed, cleaned and carefully packed in a carton for protection during transit.

   • Be sure the appliance is totally empty and clean. A refrigerator which is not cleaned before transit can develop an unpleasant, permanent odor, making the appliance unusable at destination.

   • After cleaning, place an odor and mildew preventative in your refrigerator.

   • At the bottom of the refrigerator, remove the base covering and vacuum the condenser or compressor.

   • Empty and clean the evaporator pan; allow time for it to dry.

   Servicing

   • Turn off the water and disconnect the water line if you have a cold water dispenser or automatic ice maker. You should also empty the water reservoir.

   • If your refrigerator is an older model, you may need to have the motor or compressor bolted down. The majority of refrigerators now are sealed units that do not require this service.

   • At destination, do not operate the refrigerator for at least 24 hours after delivery. This allows the oil time to settle, preventing possible damage to the compressor.

   • Ice makers and water dispensers must be connected to a water line. Installation service or parts can be obtained from an authorized dealer. Copper tubing, a shut-off valve and fittings may be required. Once the ice maker is in service, dispose of the first few batches of ice because of possible impurities from opening a water line.

   WASHER

   

   Cleaning

   • Use appliance cleaner to wipe off the exterior.

   • On the inside, clean lint filter and tub.

   • Leave the lid open so that any moisture will evaporate.

   Servicing

   • Turn off water faucets, disconnect and drain hoses.

   • Wrap the metal connector ends of hoses in a towel and place inside the washer.

   • To ensure the safe transport of the washer, it should be serviced to prevent swaying of the tub.

   • All water should be drained from the tub because shipments can travel through a variety of climates and terrain.

   • Ask our specialist about third-party appliance servicing. There are more than 20 different washer moving kits available from various appliance manufacturers. The cost for third-party servicing is nominal, especially for the protection it provides to your washer.

   • After your move, be sure to have the washer connected by a qualified installer.

   DRYER

   Cleaning

   • Unplug the dryer or turn off the electrical power to the appliance.

   • Remove any debris from the lint screen with your fingers or a dry paper towel. Do not use water on the screen.

   • Wipe off the exterior with an appliance cleaner and soft damp cloth.

   • You can remove dust from the interior with a damp sponge.

   • If the dryer drum is discolored, try a mild liquid household cleaner or a paste of laundry detergent and warm water. Rub the area until the discoloration is removed. Wipe thoroughly. Then reconnect to electricity and operate the dryer with a load of old rags to remove any soap residue and to thoroughly dry the drum. Remove the rags when finished.

   Servicing

   • Disconnect the electrical supply to the appliance.

   • For a gas dryer, the appliance should be disconnected and the gas line capped off before moving day by a qualified service technician.

   • At destination, use a qualified installer who is familiar with requirements for gas and or electricity, as well as the exhaust system.

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Preparation of Pets

Dogs and cats are most popular pets in America. Each pet reacts different to a change of place of living. But this time as stressful for them as you. Here are some tips:

• Take your time. Stretch out your packing time over several weeks. Avoid panic in the last days, leaving moving day as relaxed as possible for you and your pets.
• Make travel arrangements. If your move involves air travel, contact airline carriers one month in advance. Ask about their pet regulations, and make reservations. Choose a nonstop flight to avoid extra handling and climate and air-pressure changes.
• Visit your veterinarian. A couple weeks before moving, request a copy of veterinary records, a rabies vaccination certificate, and a health certificate. Be sure your pets are up to date with their shots. If your pet is a senior or has health problems, ask whether a mild sedative would be advisable before travel. Can your vet recommend another in your new location? For out-of-state moves, contact the State Department of Animal Husbandry or the state veterinarian about entry regulations—almost all states have entry laws for most animals except tropical fish.
• Don't change much... Keep your pets' routines, such as feedings and walks, as normal as possible in the week before moving. Because dogs and cats need to feel in control, they might exhibit behavioral changes or even become ill when stressed. Treat them with the same level of attention you would ordinarily give them.
• Make a pet room. A few days before moving, choose a small room to be the "pet room." Tape a sign to the door that says "Pets: Do Not Open." Make the sign large enough that friends or movers can see it easily. Move food and water bowls, as well as toys, into this room. Provide dogs and cats with sturdy carriers equipped with litterbox (for cats), chew toys, or favorite objects that have a familiar smell. Leave carrier doors open so pets can adapt to them before travel day. On moving day, keep animals in their carriers. As an alternative, consider boarding dogs and cats, or ask a friend or family member to care-take your dogs during the last few days.
• Get tags and leashes. If you have a dog or an indoor/outdoor cat, buy or create identification tags with your new address and phone number. Be sure your pets are wearing them during travel.

Road Tips:

If you're traveling by car, keep cats and dogs in carriers large enough to accommodate food and water bowls plus a small litterbox for Fluffy. Stop about every two hours to give larger pets some fresh air. Be sure to use a leash if you let your cat out. Maintain a comfortable car temperature for all pets, and don't ever leave animals alone in a car on a hot day. Even with the windows cracked, this can be fatal. Birds and other small pets (hamsters, guinea pigs, and the like) are especially susceptible to drafts and heat. Cover cages to keep animals calm and well protected, and remove water bottles except during rest-stop water breaks.

Check list for pet travel:

• Veterinary records, certificates, and recent photos

• Medications

• Your pets' usual foods and plenty of water from the home you're leaving (changing their water source can be disorienting and upset their stomachs)

• Food and water bowls, a can opener, and resealable lids

• Toys, chew bones, and treats

• Leashes for cats and dogs

• Beds (pillows, towels, or other crate liners)

• Plastic bags and scoops for dogs

• Litterbox for cats

• Cage covers for birds and rodents

• Paper towels for messes

• Provisions for the first day at the new home

More information on traveling tips for pets.

And finally is your pet travel ready?

A lot more information on humanesociety.org

Keeping track of your items

On the day of the move our movers will take detailed inventory of all customer's items, place individual colored and numbered stickers on every item and record their names and their condition in the inventory report.

This report will be signed by both mover and the customer at pickup and delivery.

As items come off the truck make sure that they are checked off and the condition is compared and checked for any moving related damages.

Here is an example of the stickers and the inventory forms

Top of the inventory form has codes that movers use to describe condition of the goods prior to load and after delivery. Both customer and the movers sign the inventory forms and keep copies till the delivery date. It is important to be accurate. As if there are damages and potential claims the insurance company will want to see inventory forms to make decision of their liability.

Example shows:

Item 109: Mirror - SC, W - Scratched and Badly Warn

Item 112: Chair - SC, W, CH - Scratched, Badly Warn and Chipped