Moving tips

Moving Tips

Verify a mover's identity to know who you're dealing with.

Look for red flags that something may not be right, such as:

• No physical address or phone number online, just a "Contact Us" feature



• You're quoted a very low price that seems too good to be true


• No federal motor carrier (MC) number is shown; or if there is an MC number, it doesn't match with the searchable database available on AMSA's website or the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) website

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We make verification easy for you with our ProMover program, so always choose among companies displaying the ProMover logo for interstate moves. Or if it's a move within your state, look for companies which are a member of your state's moving association (where they exist).California. Florida and Michigan also have state-level ProMover programs.

1. Get at least three written in-home estimates. Be wary of any "guaranteed" estimates offered over phone or online; instead, ask to have someone come over in person. Get more than one written estimate. If a mover insists that he can provide a "final" estimate over the phone without ever seeing your home and your furniture — choose another mover.


2. Check the company's ratings with the Better Business Bureau. or other consumer websites such as Angie's List, and ask family and friends for referrals.


3. Know your rights. Your rights for an interstate move are spelled out in two federal government publications. Federal regulations require your mover to give you a copy of the first brochure, Ready to Move?. with all written estimates for interstate moves. When you agree to hire a mover, you must then receive a copy of Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. a second booklet that goes into more detail. You must also receive information on the arbitration program that the mover participates in.


4. Most state governments regulate movers who operate within that state, so for a local move, check with your state moving association or your state consumer affairs office for details.



5.  Understand the level of liability, or valuation. that your mover would be responsible for in case of loss or damage. The cost of full-value protection must be included by law in interstate estimates — so you must "opt out" to get the minimum coverage of шестьдесят cents per pound, which we don't recommend. This is a different product than traditional insurance, which is written by a third party.


6. Avoid large down payments. Although some movers may ask for a small "good faith" deposit to hold a date (especially during the busy summer season), be wary of carriers seeking large down payments, or payment in advance for any reason.


7. Make sure all agreements between you and your mover are in writing, and get a copy of everything you sign, especially the most important document, called the bill of lading. Never sign any blank forms.


8. Take valuables with you. Cash, coins, jewelry, photographs, and important papers should be taken with you or sent ahead separately.


9. Be reachable by phone. Make sure the mover has your cell phone number and is able to reach you during your move, in case there is any unforeseen change in your delivery schedule. Be sure to have the driver's full name, ID and truck number to allow for fast and accurate communication.


10. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask. The moving business and has its own terminology and can be complex. If you aren't satisfied with the answers to your questions or if the mover hesitates when you ask for clarification, talk to another carrier.

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Tips for a Smooth Move

Take our moving advice and utilize this checklist before and after you have moved.Make a note of your shipment registration number and keep it with you in case you need to call your mover with questions about your shipment.Designate one drawer of a dresser for sheets and towels so that you won't have to rummage through boxes for these essentials the first night in your new home.After you've thoroughly cleaned and dried the inside of your refrigerator, put a handful of fresh coffee, baking soda or charcoal in a sock or nylon stocking and place it inside to keep the interior smelling fresh.Please take advantage of our moving tips and moving advice. Print this page and carry it with you before and several days after the move. Moving tips that may seem obvious can be easily over looked.

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• Know how to Pack Plates and Records


• Plates and record albums should be packed on end vertically, rather than placed flat and stacked.


• Toilet paper, telephone, toiletries, snacks, coffee (and pot), soap, flashlight, screwdriver, pliers, can opener, paper plates, cups, utensils, a couple of pans, paper towels, and cleaning supplies are some of the essentials you may need upon arrival at your new home. Pack a box with these types of items and ask your van foreman to load it last so that it will be unloaded first.


• Remove bulbs before packing your lamps.


• For your garage sale, tag all items and be prepared to wheel and deal. Garage sale gurus love to haggle.


• Have children write their names and new address on the cartons from their rooms so they can become familiar with their new street and town.


• Keep your pet calm and away from all the activity on moving day by arranging for a friend to watch him at their house.


• When moving plants to your new residence via your car, try not to let foliage rest against the windows, as the leaves will scorch.


• Upon arrival at your new home, let your computer "acclimate" itself to room temperature before plugging it in.


• Leave the rest to the professionals, sit back and relax, and look forward to the new opportunities, friends and experiences that are part of any move. Be sure to get a good night’s rest before the pickup and delivery days!

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Moving and Packing Tips

Packing tips

• Make your reservations for movers two to four weeks before your move day.


• For large appliances be sure to check your owner’s manuals to see if there are special instructions for moving.


• Don’t try to get rid of your children’s favorite things before the move – even if it makes it easier. Kids sometimes have a hard time dealing with the change of the move itself.


• By law, a moving company can’t transport hazardous materials such as gasoline, bottled gases and other flammables, ammunition and explosives.


• Pack a box of essential items that you will need immediately after the move and make sure it’s the last thing added to the truck.


• Clean out closets, the attic, and the basement as soon as you decide it’s time to move.


• Make a “survival closet” of things for the last cleanup before you move out – broom, dust cloth, dust pan, mop.


• Remember to get snacks for move day.


• Schedule disconnect times for about a week before your move day -- you don’t want to have to pay for cable, phone and utilities when you aren’t even there!


• Cancel newspapers, cable, pest control, cleaning help, lawn services about a week before the move.


• Mail in your change of address forms about week before your move date.


• Clean your stove before you move out.


• The day before your move, defrost the fridge.


• Make sure to get enough cash to get you through move day.


• Take time to say goodbye to friends and neighbors before your busy move day.


• If you are depending on friends and family to help you move, have a back-up plan if they don’t show.


• Avoid mixing items from different rooms in the same box.


• Use wardrobe boxes to make closets easier to pack. Clothes in drawers can be placed in suitcases.


• Use only small boxes for books. They get very heavy, very fast.


• Never use printed newsprint to wrap fine china.


• Always stack dishes upwards when packing.


• Pack important and sentimental documents separately to be easily accessible including: children’s health records, passports, family records, insurance information and photo albums.


• Remember: the heavier the item, the smaller the box.


• Don’t pack with food or supermarket boxes. You never know what little critter is hiding – or if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.


• Don’t use used boxes. You don't know if the box will be strong enough to support your possessions.


• Never use duct tape – use packing tape.


• Clearly label all boxes on top and side.


• As you take apart furniture and other items make sure to tape all parts to the main base.


• Try to pack all electronic equipment, like stereos in their original boxes. Otherwise use bubble wrap when packing these items.


• Start packing items you will not need ahead of time.


• Always pack and unpack breakables over a padded surface.


• Always tape boxes. Don’t interlock the tops.


• Don’t use boxes without tops. No tops make it impossible to stack properly in the truck.


• Use custom-designed boxes when packing fine china and clothing.

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