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.
We 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 at our association's consumer Web site,
www.moving.org.
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. However, if you can arrange for your move in the
middle of the month, you will not only increase the likelihood of
getting a top-notch crew and the mover you want, but the exact pickup
and delivery dates you require.
Tip No. 2 -- Find a Professional Mover
AMSA does not recommend moving companies nor does it recommend
one moving company over another. However, when selecting a mover -
especially an interstate mover -- we encourage consumers to choose a
moving company that is a member of AMSA. The members of the AMSA are
required to abide by the terms of our published pricing tariffs, follow
federal government consumer protection regulations, and to participate
in the Arbitration Program sponsored by our organization.
We also recommend that you choose from among the many AMSA members that
also participate in the AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program. AMSA
Certified Movers and Van Lines 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 also have 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. Before you make your choice of movers, be
sure to find out if they are AMSA members and if they participate in the
AMSA Certified Mover and Van Line Program. Certified movers are listed
at www.moving.org.
To make your search easier, AMSA recently created a Web-based Referral
Service available on the www.moving.org
website. Simply type in your move profile information to obtain a
listing of professional movers in your area. Select from the list to
have these movers emailed your move profile. They will then contact you
for a free estimate.
If your shipment is to be moved within one state (intrastate), you may
want to consider contacting the state moving association for a reference
to their member movers.
Tip No. 3 - Be careful when using Internet mover referrals
You may have seen recent news stories about the proliferation
of scam movers who have been abusing customers across the U.S.
Typically, they come in with an estimate that is much lower than
legitimate movers. However, once these scam movers take possession of
your household goods, they significantly increase the price and refuse
to unload your possessions until you pay the higher price, usually in
cash.
Here are some ways to protect yourself from these rogue movers:
Never rely on a price estimate over the phone or over the Internet. A
legitimate mover will send a trained and experienced estimator to your
home; therefore, insist on an "in-home" survey of your household goods
in order to receive a more accurate price estimate.
If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most honest
professional movers are competitive, and there prices will differ but be
within a reasonable range. If a mover comes in with an estimate way
below all the others, that should be a red flag to examine the basis of
the estimate before accepting it.
Legitimate movers generally don't require a significant deposit before
moving you, and if they do it is a small good faith deposit. However,
scam movers frequently require large deposits even for the simplest and
least expensive moves
The majority of legitimate interstate moving estimates are based on the
weight of your shipment while some scam movers will attempt to bill you
on square footage your goods take up in the truck.
Many Internet moving sites are hosted by household goods brokers whose
names sound like real movers, which they are not. These brokers turn
over your shipment to a mover, many of which are rogue movers instead of
professionals. Be sure to ask if your shipment is being brokered and
insist that the identity of the licensed mover be provided prior to
doing business with a Web-based broker.
The principle governing industry tariff specifies that interstate
household goods rates (prices) should be based on the weight of your
shipment (and that weight should be determined on a scale that has been
certified by an official state agency). If the mover you are considering
tells you that he is going to base your charges on the number of cubic
feet in your shipment (which means there is no way for you to verify the
amount you will be charged), you may want to consider using another
mover.
Keep in mind that the pricing of local, intrastate and international
shipments can differ from interstate shipments. Also, intrastate
shipments are governed by state - not federal - regulations. Local and
relatively short distance intrastate moves are usually priced by the
hourly cost of labor needed to accomplish the move. International
shipments are priced on a rate per hundredweight times the total size of
the shipment for all services, which includes ocean transportation.
Tip No. 4 - Understand the basics
If you are moving from one state to another, you should read
and understand all of the information you will receive from your mover.
In addition to brochures explaining their various services, interstate
moving companies are required by law to give you a copy of a consumer
booklet titled Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move and
information regarding the mover's required participation in a Dispute
Settlement Program and information regarding movers' liability.
Review our Consumer Handbook at
www.moving.org for detailed information on calculating costs,
planning your move, estimates, liability, understanding paperwork and
terminology, and resolving claims.
Be sure you understand:
The rates and charges that will apply.
The mover's liability for your belongings.
Estimating requirements.
How pickup and delivery will work.
What claims protection you have.
Tip No. 5 - Get a good estimate
Ask movers to provide you with a written estimate, and have
them explain the services listed in the estimate in detail. Carefully
compare each estimate to see which company best suits your needs.
It is best not to seek a moving estimate via telephone or the Internet,
unless your circumstances are such that time constraints dictate this
method. A very general estimate of costs can be obtained by phone or the
Internet, but more exact and dependable estimates are best accomplished
by an in-house survey. A reputable moving company will send an
experienced, trained professional to your home and provide you with an
estimate in writing.
The cost of an interstate move is usually based on the weight of your
belongings and on the distance they are shipped, plus the amount of
packing and other services that you require.
Help the movers calculate the cost of your move by showing them every
single item to be moved. Don't forget to go into the attic, basement,
garage, closets and under beds. Reach a clear understanding about the
amount of packing and other services needed. Anything omitted from the
estimate but later included in the shipment will add to the final cost
of the move.
Most movers offer two types of estimates: binding and non-binding.
Binding estimates are written agreements that guarantee the cost of the
move based on the items to be moved and the services listed on the
mover's estimate sheet. It's important to make certain the binding
estimate inventory contains all of the items to be moved, along with any
additional services to be provided by the mover. Anything that is added
later will result in legitimate increased charges and may delay the
move.
Non-binding estimates, on the other hand, are not guaranteed. Instead, a
non-binding estimate is an approximation of the cost based on the
mover's survey of the items to be moved, with the final cost determined
after the shipment is weighed on a certified scale. A non-binding
estimate does not bind the mover. When you receive a non-binding
estimate, there is no guarantee that the final cost will not be more
than the estimate.
Another type of estimate used by many movers is the Not-To-Exceed
Estimate. These types of estimates are called various things by various
movers, such as Guaranteed Price or Price Protection, but the end result
is the same --- an estimate based on a binding estimate or on actual
cost (at discount, if applicable), whichever is lower. Like a binding
estimate, a not-to-exceed estimate must be provided to you in writing
and is binding on the carrier.
Not-to-Exceed estimates differ though in that the binding estimate
amount becomes the maximum amount that you will be obligated to pay for
the services outlined on the estimate. This maximum amount alternates
with the charges applicable based on the actual weight of the shipment,
with the customer paying the lesser of the two amounts.
When you accept a not-to-exceed estimate, the move is performed at
actual weight based on the discounted tariff rate levels, with the
binding estimate representing the maximum charge that a customer will
have to pay.
Not-to-Exceed estimates are viewed as an extension of binding estimates,
and, as such, are payable at delivery and are not subject to the 110%
payment rule.
Further, under federal regulations governing interstate shipments, if
you are given a non-binding estimate, your mover cannot require you pay
more than the amount of the estimate plus ten (10%) percent. You will
then have at least 30 days after delivery to pay any remaining charges.
The mover may, however, demand full payment for any added services at
the time of delivery if you have requested the mover to provide more
services than those included on the original estimate.
For example, if you received a non-binding estimate of $5,000 for your
move, and you did not request any additional services, the mover cannot
require you pay more than $5,500 to have your shipment delivered. The
mover is required to invoice you for any remaining charges.
If you want absolute price certainty and you can define what articles
you are going to move, then a binding estimate may be a desired option.
However, binding estimates may be more costly since the mover must build
into the price added revenue to protect them from variances in the
estimate. Most movers provide non-binding estimates, because the actual
charges are based on the actual certified weight of all the household
goods in the shipment. This protects both the customer and the mover
(charge based on actual weight of articles transported).
One important caution regarding estimating is to be wary of "low ball"
initial estimates that later are doubled or tripled. These tactics are
used by rogue movers posing as professional movers. If you receive an
attractive low price for your move and it seems too good to be true, it
probably is! Don't necessarily choose a mover based on price alone,
especially a price significantly lower than other estimates you may have
received. Many complaints from customers involve receiving a low-ball
estimate and later a demand for significantly more charges while the
shipment is held hostage by the rogue mover.
Tip No. 6 - Adequately insure your goods
There are several options for insuring your goods. All
interstate household goods shipments move under limited liability, which
is required by law. However, you may purchase additional liability
coverage from your mover, which is something that we recommend in most
cases.
The contract that you will sign with your mover provides two options for
placing a value on your shipment. The value that you select sets the
limit of your mover's maximum liability for loss or damage to your
goods. These optional levels of liability are not insurance agreements
that are governed by state insurance laws, but instead are authorized
under the Surface Transportation Board of the U.S. Department of
Transportation.
Before you sign the contract (bill of lading) with your mover, you must
decide how much your articles are worth and declare a value for your
shipment.
Option 1 - Full (Replacement) Value Protection is the most comprehensive
plan available for protection of your goods. When you select this
option, articles that are lost, damaged or destroyed will, at the
mover's option, be either repaired, replaced with articles of like kind
and quality, or a cash settlement will be made for the repairs or for
replacement of the articles at their current market value, regardless of
the age of the lost or damaged articles.
Under this option, you have two choices for establishing your mover's
maximum liability on your shipment:
You can declare a value based on the weight of your shipment times an
amount of not less than $4.00 per pound (some movers have higher minimum
values, e.g., $5.00 per pound), or
You can declare a higher lump sum amount (for example, $30,000).
An additional charge applies when you select this option, based on the
value you place on your shipment and on the deductible level of coverage
you select, but this higher level of valuation is more likely to cover
the value of the articles in your shipment. Ask your mover for the
details of his plan.
Option 2 - Released Value of 60 Cents Per Pound Per Article is the most
economical option available. This level of protection is provided at no
additional cost; however, it only provides minimal protection. Under
this option, the mover assumes liability for no more than 60 cents per
pound per article for loss or damage.
This means that claims are settled based on the weight of the individual
article(s) multiplied by 60 cents. For example, if a 10-pound stereo
component valued at $1000 were lost or destroyed, your mover would be
liable for no more than $6.00 (10 pounds multiplied by 60 cents).
Obviously, you should think carefully before agreeing to such an
arrangement. This value option is considerably less than the typical
value of household goods. There is no additional cost for this minimal
protection and you must make a specific statement on the bill of lading
agreeing to it.
Under Option 1, your mover is also permitted to limit its liability for
loss or damage to articles that have an extraordinary value, unless you
specifically list these articles on the Inventory of Items Valued in
Excess of $100 Per Pound Per Article form. An article of extraordinary
value is any item whose value exceeds $100 per pound. Ask your mover for
a complete explanation of this limitation of liability before you move.
It is your responsibility to study these provisions carefully and to
make the necessary declaration. (Not all movers use these special
provisions for articles of extraordinary value.)
Tip No. 7 - Ask about payment options
When you are discussing your estimate with your professional
mover, be sure to ask about the arrangements for paying for the move. It
is customary for movers to require that charges be paid in cash, by
certified check, or by money order. Most movers will not accept personal
checks. Some movers will accept payment by credit card. However, do not
assume that because you have a nationally recognized charge or credit
card that it will be accepted for payment. Ask your mover.
The regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
provide that when the mover arrives at your new home (or in some cases
if your shipment is placed into a warehouse), you must pay for your move
before your shipment is unloaded from the truck. Also, professional
movers don't require the customer to pay a deposit before your move. So,
if a mover you are considering using requires you pay a deposit before
your move to "hold your dates" or to insure "prompt service", you may
want to consider using another mover.
Tip No. 8 - Be present when your goods are packed
Proper packing by a trained packer using specially designed
cartons and materials is crucial to a good move. Schedule packing with
the mover a day or two before the moving van is loaded.
If you are packing yourself, it is never too soon to start. While
packing yourself can save money, movers will not usually accept
liability for damage to items packed by owners. If you want to save
money you might consider packing non-breakable items only, like clothes
and bedding.
Be present when your goods are packed. An inventory of your goods will
be made and it is important to resolve any disagreements prior to
signing the inventory. Make sure all copies are legible and all items
are numbered. Have valuable items listed separately. Some appliances may
require servicing prior to the move. Your mover can schedule these
services for you.
Your mover may ask you to select several consecutive days during which
your goods can be loaded and a second series of dates during which your
goods can be delivered to your new home. A spread of days gives you and
your mover the flexibility needed to keep your move on schedule.
Tip No. 9 - Moving day "must do's"
When moving day arrives:
Be on hand when the movers arrive.
Discuss the delivery arrangements fully with your mover.
Have beds stripped and ready to be packed.
Save your energy -- let the moving crew disassemble goods.
Read the Bill of Lading (the contract) before you sign it.
Tell your mover how to reach you at your destination.
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.
Tip No. 10 - Report loss and damage promptly
If any of your household goods are damaged or lost, report the
facts promptly and in detail on the van driver's copy (original) of the
inventory sheet before you sign it. If you notice damage after
unpacking, a claim must be filed within nine months after delivery.
However, it is to your advantage to report damage as soon as possible.
The mover must acknowledge receipt of your claim within 30 days and must
deny or make an offer within 120 days of receipt of your claim. When
making a claim or considering a settlement offer, keep in mind the
amount of liability that you declared on your shipment.
For example, if the value declared on your shipment was $10,000, the
mover's maximum liability for loss or damage to the articles in your
shipment is $10,000. Claims for more than this amount will be declined
because they are in excess of the mover's liability that you declared on
your shipment.
For additional information on arbitration services available or how to
register a complaint against a member of AMSA, visit
www.moving.org.
To file a complaint against a mover that is not a member of our
Association, you may also wish to contact the U.S. Department of
Transportation at: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Office
of Consumer Affairs - 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20590,
1-888-368-7238, or on the Web at
www.1-888-dot-saft.com (use the Commercial Complaint Form on the Web
site).
Relocation is a stressful experience; however, the actual moving
component of the relocation process can be a lot less stressful if the
actual move is planned in advance and an experienced AMSA professional
mover is selected to transport your household goods to your new
destination.
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