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28Oct/090

Moving Glossary

If a deductible is applied, that value is stated next to the cost-per-$1,000 figure.First, you do not pay for any of the loading/unloading labor.Valuation only covers your goods for damage or loss if you can prove negligence on the part of the carrier.For example, 50/100 means that the consumer must pay $50 per $1,000 of assessed value to cover the load against loss, and the first $100 of damage is not covered.Covered appliances include washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators.If a particular mover does not perform this service or contracts with a third party, the field is marked "NA".Divider Installation This specifies how much extra it will cost a consumer to have a divider installed.Inter State: This is a move from one state to another and is billed by weight and distance.L Linehaul Charges Basic method of billing for long distance service.Individual pieces of furniture are wrapped in blankets to protect them during shipment.Some valuation policies are calculated on a sliding scale, where the price per $1,000 of coverage will vary depending upon the total amount of coverage.Hourly Rates: Customers are charged by the hour per man, per truck.See also Self-Service Mover and Full-Service Mover.Non-Binding: These estimates are based upon the movers previous experience of jobs similar to yours.The items are picked up from every room in your old home and delivered to the appropriate rooms in your new home.Packing Service Many full-service movers provide customers the option of having all of their possessions packed before the move and later unpacked at the destination.Valuation covers your property by assessing value in three different ways explained above (Assessed Value Coverage, Full Replacement Value Coverage & Standard Coverage).Agent A local moving company authorized to act on behalf of a larger, national company Appliance The cost of a complete disconnect of an appliance at the originating residence and a reconnect of the appliance at the new residence.Distinguished from local Move or Intrastate Move.Binding/Non-Binding Estimate Binding: The mover quotes a flat price based upon a given inventory.You then unload the trailer yourself and call the mover to remove the empty trailer.Assessed Value Coverage - This specifies how much money per $1,000 of assessed value, you will need to pay to cover your household items to their full assessed value.Loading Ramp Provided by services-help" class="kblinker" title="More about self »">self-service movers to help you load your household goods onto the trailer.Shuttle Service Occurs when a smaller vehicle is used to haul goods to a location that is not accessible to large moving trailers.For example, 50/100 means that the consumer must pay $50 per $1,000 of declared replacement value to cover the load against loss, and the first $100 of damage is not covered.Full replacement value is the amount of money it will cost to purchase a new replacement for a damaged item, regardless of how old the damaged item was.G Guaranteed Pickup and Delivery Service A premium service whereby dates of service are guaranteed, with the mover providing reimbursement for delays.Interstate Move - Any move which crosses a state boundary, regardless of the number of miles.Your items must all be boxed in advance, and your individual pieces of furniture will not be wrapped in blankets, as distinguished from full-service movers.D Depreciated Value Coverage See Assessed Value Coverage Divider Many self-service movers will place commercial goods behind your household possessions on the trailer.You may not exceed a total of 180 days of storage, and you are responsible for the added SIT charges as well as the warehouse handling and final delivery charges.P Peak Season Rates A premium rate that is charged at certain times of the year.All cost estimates are calculated based on information obtained from the listed moving companies during a signup interview.It also acts as a receipt.Storage-In-Transit (SIT) Temporary warehousing of your goods pending further transportation or transportation to your new home if it isn ready for occupancy.In such cases, carriers are requested to quote valuation prices based on $25,000 of coverage.See also Full-Service Mover and Freight-Service.Order Number Also known as the Bill of Lading.F Flight of Stairs This tells you the additional cost, if any, of a flight of stairs either at the point of origin or the destination.This type of move is regulated by the United States Department of Transportation.This number, typically 60 cents, refers to the amount of money you will receive per pound of damaged goods.Full Replacement Value Coverage This specifies how much money per $1,000 of value, you will need to pay to protect your household items for their full replacement value.Purchasing this protection requires that a cash value be assigned to the items you will be moving.It the number used to identify and track your shipment.Valuation offered by your moving company is a tariff level of carrier liability based on the weight of your goods.This charge compensates the mover for the physical placement and removal of items within the warehouse.Please note that most valuation policies require that the entire load be covered, not just specific items.Piano This specifies the additional cost to move a single 42 inch piano as part of the total household.Although every effort is made to gather the most accurate information, customers should be aware of the fact that many factors effect the cost of a move.Distinguished from local Move or Interstate Move.Advanced Charges Charges for services performed by a third party at your request.Stair-Carry Charge An extra charge for carrying items up or down flights of stairs.W Warehouse Handling An additional charge applicable each time SIT service is provided.This type of service is often subject to minimum weight requirements.V Valuation Valuation is not insurance.If a deductible is applied, that value is stated next to the cost-per-$1,000 figure.Please note that a third-floor walkup counts as two flights since you are starting on the first floor.Cost of Move All cost estimates are calculated based on information obtained from the listed moving companies during a signup interview.As the name suggests, these estimates are subject to change.Inventory The detailed descriptive list of your household goods showing the quantity and condition of each item.Ask your carrier for terms.IT DOES NOT cover any loss or damage due to Acts of God, (high winds, earthquakes, tornadoes, hurricanes) riots, strikes, civil commotion, etc.The cost here refers to the cost of packing the amount of household items as specified by the weight.It is given only when an onsite estimate is performed.O Order for Service The authorizing document allowing movers to move your goods.This rate is generally applied in the summer months.Distinguished from an Intrastate Move or Interstate Move.You load the trailer yourself and the company returns to move the trailer to your new destination.local Move A move within a state, typically 40 miles or less.Linehaul charges may not include fees for charges such as the ones noted above in dditional charges local moving local moving usually refers to moves of less than 100 miles within the same state.E Expedited Service This is an agreement to transport goods by a set date in exchange for a higher rate.This coverage is a bare minimum and should not be relied upon to cover you for any significant damage.Linehaul charges are calculated by mileage and the weight of your shipment.All listed information is based on weekday moves during the current season.Cash on delivery This is when payment is required at the time of delivery.This is not the cost to move the piano if that is the only item being moved.It is important to understand everything on the bill of lading before you sign it.Price This tells you how much the specific move will cost, not including the various extra charges and insurance.Serviceable elevators (an elevator large enough to transport the household goods) eliminate the need to pay this fee.Full service movers will also provide, at additional cost, full packing and unpacking services as well as appliance service.Additional Services Services such as packing, appliance servicing, unpacking, or stair carries that are needed due to either your request or building regulations may result in additional charges.Long Distance Intra State: This is a move of more than 100 miles within the same state.I Intrastate Move Any move which does not cross a state boundary, typically over 40 miles.Please note that most valuation policies require that the entire load be covered, not just specific items.See also Self-Service Mover and Freight-Service.

This type of move is becoming increasingly popular with consumers because it saves money in two ways.A divider is installed between these separate shipments to keep them secure.No matter how long the job takes, the flat price is always paid.Standard Coverage Movers, by law, are required to provide a minimum amount of free coverage, listed in our tables under the Std.For example, if you have a priceless vase which weighs 2 pounds, you would only be entitled to $20 of compensation if this vase is damaged in transit.S Self-Service Mover Companies in this category will provide a trailer for you at your old home.Full Service Mover The most common form of moving company, the full service mover, will move all of your household goods from your old address to your new address.The charges for these services are paid for by the mover and added to the charges on your Bill of Lading.Although every effort is made to gather the most accurate information, customers should be aware of the fact that many factors effect the cost of a move.Second, the self-service mover will often load commercial goods on the trailer behind your household goods, to help defer the cost of the total shipment.Pickup and Delivery Charges This is an additional charge that is applied when you have to transport your shipment between the Storage in Transit warehouse and your residence.

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28Oct/090

Packing Tips

Don't get overwhelmed.What You'll Need Before you can start packing, you'll need to have the following materials: * Strong Boxes.Try to concentrate on one room at a time.Important items (such as photographs, wills, jewelry, home videos, and any other important documents) should be packed separately so that you can personally carry them with you on moving day.You can use old linens, blankets, and towels to wrap and cushion fragile items.Be sure that every box is clearly labeled by room and item.The boxes must be clearly labeled "FRAGILE", and finally you will want to stack them towards the top of your piles.In order to avoid unnecessary ironing later on, make sure you have enough wardrobe boxes.When possible, remove the legs.Another alternative you might want to consider is placing these belongings in a safety deposit box until after the move.Packing Tips Although the decision of moving your home can be exciting, packing is something most of us dread.Cover your tables with a blanket or old linen.Because your outdoor furniture may be too bulky or heavy to move in one piece, you may need to disassemble it.In order to keep the tub of your washing machine from moving around during the move, fill it with stuffed toys, blankets, towels, and old linens.Make sure that all loose parts in your refrigerator (including ice containers and drawers) are secure.You will want to make sure that they are not too heavy, and that they are at a weight you feel comfortable carrying.Bubble Wrap, Newspaper, Wrapping Paper, and Tissue Paper.When possible, small appliances and electronic equipment should be packed in the boxes they came in, and then taped securely.Remember not to pack rags that are soiled with fuel.

Power tools should be packed with plenty of cushioning.Check your owner's manual for any special moving instructions of appliances and other electronic equipment.It's also wise to make a note of the serial numbers on your electronic equipment.If so, be sure to place the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and attach it to the furniture.Be sure to tie or tape your tool chests securely closed.They should be properly disposed of to avoid spontaneous combustion.Non-breakable items should be packed snugly in smaller boxes.A very important reminder is to carefully dispose of the gasoline and oil from your lawnmower and other machinery, as well as any flammable or poisonous household products.Wrapping sharp edges on any tools or attachments will help prevent injury.Wardrobe Boxes with Hanger Bars.Notes for Wrapping * Wrap all your breakable items in bubble wrap, wrapping paper, or tissue paper.Packing Tape.Tricky Things * Bicycle handlebars should be loosened and turned sideways.Don't forget to photograph or videotape any unique or valuable belongings.Get Packing * It always makes good sense to begin packing well ahead of the move.These hints will help you pack like a pro: * Any items that you don't need for your daily living routine should be packed first.Get Things in Order Your move will be easier and smoother if you do a good job of pre-planning.Once your moving boxes are filled, they should be placed in an area close to your front door.Fragile items should be packed loosely with plenty of wrapping.Because newspaper may leave ink smudges on your items, it should only be used to cushion items that are already protected.Always create a thorough and complete inventory of what you will be moving to your new address.Here are several handy tips to help you get started.Carpets and rugs should be rolled up and carefully secured with tape or rope.Always wrap the nuts and bolts in a plastic bag and secure them to a leg.Magic Markers.Ziploc bags can be used for small odds and ends that usually clutter your drawers.Entire drawers should be covered with a blanket or old linens.Bulky Things * When disassembling your bed, use tape or rope to bind the frames together.When possible, these items will be kept safe in wardrobe boxes.Any exposed coils should be padded to protect them during the move as well.Don't forget to pack your books flat, alternating the bindings so they will stack evenly.By using our guide, you will feel more secure in knowing that your possessions will get to your new address in one piece.Your drawers should be filled with wrapped items or clothes.Don't forget to keep the chains and pedals covered, otherwise grease and oil might rub off on other items.You shouldn't tape the drawers shut - the finish on your drawers may be damaged.Cardboard should be used to cover large paintings, artwork, or wall mirrors.We strongly recommend that you use good quality, strong moving boxes, and always be certain that the bottoms are fully secured.Once you're there, you'll be able to find everything when the time comes to unpack and get settled.Ziploc Bags.

Small mirrors should be carefully wrapped and packed in boxes.

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28Oct/090

Long Distance services

In fact, all long distance moving services are custom-tailored to each customer's needs.It requires skill for a long distance moving company to move a piano up flights of stairs and not hurt your property or the piano.A long distance moving company must have proper licensing from the Department of Transportation.You can find out by going to safersys.And, of course, a long distance moving company should have their own trucks and their own uniformed movers to move it all — plus the usual blanket wrapping and padding to protect your valuables.There are also special insurance requirements for long distance moving companies.And, like any other standard long distance moving company, we do not charge extra for blankets or padding.A long distance moving company should be able to perform 2-men inside pick-up and delivery to any destination in the 48 states.The long distance moving company personnel should have years of practice in all the different kinds of situations that moving companies can run into.If they are specializing in small moves, a long distance moving company are experts at one and two-room moves, single pieces, antiques, pianos, motorcycles, packing, crating and custom moves.Does your long distance moving company meet these requirements?As a long distance moving company for small moves – we can!For small loads, you'll get all the benefits of a large load — without the normal 1,000-pound or 2,100-pound minimum!Our Long Distance Moving Services What to look for in a long distance moving company when moving small loads: * A long distance moving company should be able to give you a guaranteed price for the items you want to move so there are no surprises.If you're looking for a long distance moving company, we can help.As a long distance moving company, we provide full service for long distance moving, 2-man inside pickup and delivery to any destination in the 48 states.Above all, a long distance moving company should have experience.

This is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration site where you can look up the status of your mover.How about moving a refrigerator through a smaller door way without harming the door way or the fridge?

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28Oct/090

Small Moves

All standard movers will figure out the pounds involved in your move.We are trained, professional movers, which means you receive door to door inside delivery with full blanket service just as though you had a large load Advantages of using small movers services Save money with our low weight minimum.What kind of moving companies do small moves?And, upon delivery, we will place your items exactly where you want them in your home.United States.Protecting your furniture.

As a small move expert we can offer two distinct advantages: Because you are sharing the space on a van with others you are "sharing the cost", the cost of moving a whole truckload is shared with other customers.

You can fill out our free moving quote form and we will do all the work or you can follow the example below.This saves you money.The standard formula used in the moving industry is seven pounds per cubic foot.How can I tell how much weight I have to move?Each piece of furniture will be wrapped in blankets and placed in our vans in such a way as to ensure its safe delivery to you.Unlike most moving companies, which want to move larger 5,000-15,000 pound loads and have a 2,000-pound minimum, does not require a high minimum poundage for small moves — in fact, our low required minimum is around 400 pounds.You will not be charged "extra" for protecting your items in blankets or using tape.Very few moving companies specialize in small moves.Since small moves are our specialty, we are experts at it.As an example, if you have 500 or 800 pounds to move, we will only charge you for the exact amount of pounds — again, unlike most moving companies, who will charge you for the full 2,000 pounds.We can be almost anywhere in the continental United States within 2 weeks.To calculate cubic feet, simply multiply length by width by height.We can handle everything from pianos, fine art, crystal and movers" class="kblinker" title="More about antique »">antiques to electronics and computers with full service door to door inside delivery and pick-up.

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22Oct/090

Self-Storage with Home Pick-Up : How It Works

When considering schedules, ask for a guaranteed delivery time frame on your selected delivery date.Access times vary from company to company and some facilities may charge for any related labor needed to retrieve your goods.Pricing Structures Most storage companies offering Home Pick-Up charge two basic fees.If you'd like more detailed information about a particular company, just click on the "more info" button on your results table.If, upon inspecting your belongings, you suddenly realize that you've been a closet pack rat for the past several years, take a moment to consider the benefits of a garage sale before storing your stuff.You can either load your containers on your own or arrange for professional loaders (for an additional fee).When you want them back, simply call or email the company and arrange for the time and place.Daily or monthly storage of the containers.But in a typical scenario, each company should: * Tell you immediately if they service your area.Since many storage users don't know their new address when placing items into storage, the broader the redelivery area, the better.If you anticipate an ongoing - or even infrequent - need to access your belongings during the period when you'll be storing them, make sure to check in advance with the storage company.The storage company with home delivery & pick up is handling many of the logistics of your storage and/or moving process.If loading them on your own, take a glance at our quick tips on how to properly pack your belongings.Extras such as insurance, moving blankets, professional packing labor and packing supplies are an additional charge.You simply select a provider from our Storage With Home Pick Up area.Discuss packing supplies (assuming that they deliver them) and any related fees for their purchase and delivery.And ask for actual studies of customer feedback on their service.But if you're moving within a similar radius, make certain that you ask your storage company if they can redeliver to your new address.After you've covered the basics, it's time to get to work.Choosing a Company that offers Self-Storage with Home Pick-Up It's best to select a company that guarantees your satisfaction in writing.Delivery Areas Usually, a fifty-mile radius in a city is a minimum.You'll want to make sure they will stand behind their work.Also, check to see if they'll ship your goods - in your current containers - to another city or state.Depending on where you live, the service may actually be less expensive than renting a truck and doing it all yourself!Don't settle for "our customers really like us.

Assist you in estimating how many containers you'll need (containers often vary in size between companies).Once you're all packed, make sure to lock the containers with your own padlock (for extra security), call back your storage company and they will pick up the containers and take them away.Arrange for a time for the containers to be delivered.Delivery and pick up of the containers.

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