• Don’t confront the
driver about the bill. Get your questions answered in advance with a
customer service representative or a manager of the moving company. If
you start the move with an adversarial tone, no one will have a good
day!
• Don’t micro-manage the
move. It’s a good idea to stay nearby and to monitor what is going on.
However, professional movers know what they are doing. They are
specially trained to handle your personal goods with care and speed.
• Don’t ship perishables
(anything requiring refrigeration) or hazardous materials (propane,
gasoline, aerosol cans, etc.) on any kind of move.
• Don’t be unprepared on
furniture placement at destination. The mover will re-arrange furniture,
but remember that you are being charged by the hour.
• Don’t forget to tell
the mover about all of the possessions they will move. Remember to
specify the conditions at destination (i.e. elevators, stairs, delivery
conditions for van placement) which could result in extra charges.
• Don’t expect the mover
to perform plumbing or handyman services. You are responsible for
unhooking your household appliances including ice makers. Television
sets can actually sustain internal damage if they are unplugged fewer
than 24 hours before a move.
• If more than three
rooms must be moved, ask for a representative from the moving company
come to your home, apartment or office. To provide an accurate estimate,
the mover must see your possessions and the layout of the location. This
will give them insight as to the type of personnel and equipment that
will ensure a smooth and successful move.
• Book a move weeks in
advance. This lead time will give the mover the opportunity to schedule
the proper equipment and labor to ensure a successful move.
• Use the free services
of the California Moving & Storage Association to find legal movers in
your area. The association includes an on-line profile and directory of
nearly 500 movers throughout California.
• Take the time to read
and understand the documentation. For local moves (up to 100 miles), the
hourly charges begin when the moving van arrives at origin and concludes
when the services have been completed at destination. The drive time
between origin and destination is doubled to compensate for the time to
deliver the equipment and labor to origin; and from the moving
destination back to the terminal. Distance moves (over 100 miles) are
billed by weight (per 100 lbs) and mileage.
• Keep a copy of all your
documentation in the event it is necessary to file a damage claim.
• Buy professional
packing supplies from the mover or another supplier. Your possessions
can be damaged in transit if they are stored in inappropriate boxes and
carriers.
• Use Styrofoam packing
chips, bubble wrap, and un-printed paper to protect breakables.
• When doing your own
packing, help your mover to be successful by packing heavy items, such
as books, in smaller boxes. Light items should be packed in larger
boxes. Visit your mover to see specific-use boxes for books, dishes,
lamps, paintings, clothing, etc.
• Be courteous and
professional to the crew. They are moving your possessions. While it is
not necessary to offer them water or sodas during the move, these acts
of kindness are important for establishing a positive relationship with
your moving team.