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22Oct/090

First-Time Mover, Moving With Kids, a Downsizing Move

In each case, you face particular challenges.Karen Tooley, a certified moving consultant with over 3 decades' experience in the moving industry, tells you what to expect for each challenge, and how to overcome them.Especially plan well ahead if you're moving in the summer -- that's moving companies' busy time, and they quickly fill up their moving schedule.Once you get a quote, make sure you don't just take the lowest bid -- this could just be a moving company bidding low to get your move, and intends to raise the price later.Make it easier.Start planning early, especially since this is all new to you.If your mover is doing the packing, be sure you have the items separated before the packing begins so they can have them during the move.Moving With Children Moving's hard for kids.Inventory the items and determine what they need and don't need.Here are questions for your moving company.Know the type of move you have, and ask your moving company to explain how they come up with your estimate.Relocation.If you're making a long-distance move and/or between states, your moving costs will be based on weight.After you decide which items you want to move, get rid of everything else.This includes items a child might sleep with, or favorite toys.Seniors might have things that have appreciated much in value because they're now movers" class="kblinker" title="More about antique »">antiques.Downsizing the Nest * Moving cost is often determined by weight, and over the years a senior citizen might have collected many things they probably won't use at their new home.Combining Households * The big thing here is to eliminate duplicates in the two households -- it's one thing to have two beds, it's another thing to pay for moving both beds.Arrange for their packing and moving appropriately.

If you change your mind at the last minute on moving day, your pricing can be different.

Have at least three moving companies come to your house to give you quotes, so they can see exactly what you need moved and ensure the accuracy of your quote.The services will be outlined in their written estimate.People often tell the moving company what items need to be shipped, and say some items will not go.Make sure you have enough space at the new home.Any changes you make to those services or to the weight of your shipment may cause your pricing to be voided.Make sure the children are out of the way during the move -- if they get underfoot, they could slow things, and they could even get hurt in all the moving activity.Make sure you discuss changes with your mover beforehand.Always get moving quotes in writing after the movers see the items to be moved, and request a guaranteed price.Here are some tips for family moving: * Take care with packing, avoiding packing up something that's special to a child.When the goods are coming from two locations, it can be confusing where they go at the new house -- map this out for your movers so they don't have to guess.To be doubly sure, you might want to move them yourself.Moving is different depending on your stage in life -- maybe you're moving for the first time, or you're moving with kids, or you're downsizing your life after retirement.If you're making a local, intrastate move, you'll pay by the hour for your moving help.Moving for the First Time A move can be overwhelming the first time; here are tips to make it less so.Items to be moved from both locations should be inventoried and loaded so that unloading goes smoothly.If you're sharing a moving company, make sure they know they have to make two stops.

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22Oct/090

8 Mistakes People Make When Planning a Move

Changing Your Plan Things always come up that you'll need to change.If that's not possible, identify a room in the new house that they can be in until the move is finished -- be sure you know which boxes have the toys so they get opened first.Pets and Kids They're great, but they get in the way, and moving day for pets and children can be dangerous.Ask your moving company about more moving insurance coverage, or talk to an insurance company.

Terms you might not be familiar with include your order for service, which the movers give you after you hire them for the move; a bill of lading, which you sign after the movers load your items; and the inventory, which details all the things the moving company has loaded on the van -- it's crucial to check this list before signing.The remedy is simple: get a packing plan.These includes extra items you want to bring, or different move dates or times.Often these policies don't cover you or don't cover you fully, so ask your agent.Planning for moving is complex -- there are lots of changing parts, and one missed detail can derail an entire move.It'll feel good to get them out of the way so you can concentrate on the other details of your move.Especially crucial if you're moving with family.Buried in Paper Moving companies have all sorts of special terminology -- know these so you know exactly what to look for as you plan your move.This includes having all of your supplies bought well before you start packing and putting them in the right rooms.Not Having a Plan You won't know where you're going to end up if you don't have a plan to get there.You're covered minimally by your moving company, but it's minimal.

Waiting Til the Last Second Change your address, change over your utilities, transfer medical and dentist records.Not a Clue About Insurance Many people assume they're covered by homeowners insurance or renters insurance -- don't assume that.Packing Panic Packing is usually stressful because people do it at the last moment.Here are the most common mistakes people make in the moving planning process.Sneaky' costs can include auto transport, temporary living expenses while traveling, new insurance, and fees to set up your new utilities.And be sure you label your boxes in a way that identifies what's a priority to unpack at your new home.So be sure to map out every step of your move you're organized and not missing any details, from picking moving companies to planning your moving day.Not Budgeting Moving is expensive with lots of little charges that can sneak up on you -- know what these charges are and budget for them so you don't come as a surprise.However, not telling your moving company could cause major problems.So see if neighbors or friends can watch them during the move.

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22Oct/090

Moving Guide: After Your Move

Provide your new doctor and dentist with your medical history.Call the department of sanitation in your new home to find out what day the trash is collected and what type of recycling programs are available in your community.Get new service providers such as a bank, pharmacist, cleaner, cable television, etc.Become familiar with your neighborhood shopping areas.

You may need housewares, tools or other items for your new home.Locate your local post office, police station, fire station and hospitals as well as gas stations near your home.Decide which documents must be kept and determine for how long.File and keep them in a safe place.You may also wish to make a detailed list of your belongings, their value, and your coverage.It's a relief that moving day has come and gone, but it doesn't mean all of your work is done.Transfer insurance policies to your new agent.Thankfully, the next part of the job is much more enjoyable -- getting settled in.Obtain local library cards.Get information on schools, libraries, community activities and emergency calling service from your local Chamber of Commerce.Register to vote in your new city.Here are some tips of things to get taken care of.Contact your local DMV if you have moved to a different state to exchange your driver's license and register your vehicle.

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22Oct/090

Moving Day: What You Should Expect

Check the mover's inventory and make sure you agree with any notes about the condition of your furnishings.Provide the new phone number and all other phone numbers where you can be reached while shipment is in transit.These numbers along with a detailed description of your goods at the time of loading will appear on the inventory.Stay home until the last item is packed.If you cannot be at your home while the van is being unloaded be sure to authorize a representative to accept delivery and pay the charges for you.Take pictures if necessary.Accompany the driver as he or she inspects each piece of furniture with tags of identifying number.Put your pets in a room where they will not be in the way of the loading and unloading process.Hand over keys, alarm codes and garage door remote controls to the new owner or real estate agent.Inform the destination agent of your representative's name.Your representative will be asked to note any change in the condition of your goods noted on the inventory at the time of loading, and to note any missing items at the time of delivery.Get a baby sitter for your kids during the loading and unloading process.You will also be asked to sign the bill of lading and pack/unpack certificate.This person may be asked to sign documents obligating you to moving charges.Make yourself available for the movers for instructions on where to place your furniture while unloading.Review your floor plan so you can tell the movers where to place your furniture and appliances.Make sure to take along the destination agent's name, address and telephone number.Have your phone connected a day before move-in day.Clean your house as much as you can before the moving van arrives.It is your responsibility to contact the destination agent if you cannot be reached.Make sure you have your reference number when calling the van line agent for questions or concerns.If you wish to have your goods unpacked you need to order this service in advance.Stay there in case there are any questions.Be sure that your chosen representative knows exactly what to do and which valuation liability program and amount you have selected.Search every room, closet and around the house before the moving van arrives.Provide the driver with clear directions to your new home Review all paper work and details when the moving van operator arrives.Let the movers know to whom you have given the authority.Document any loss or damage on the inventory sheet and report this to the van line agent at destination, immediately.

It is your responsibility to see all of your goods are loaded.This allows enough time to locate you and begin preparation for unloading.After the movers leave, pack your phone in one of your suitcases for easy access when you arrive to your new home.

Leave your phone connected throughout moving day.By signing the inventory sheet, you are acknowledging the receipt of all items listed.Work" with the movers and be on hand when the moving company arrives.Personal checks are not accepted.Unless other arrangements were made in advance you are required by federal regulation to pay upon delivery for interstate moving.Make a final inspection before the van operator leaves.Verify that all utilities have been disconnected in your old home and connected in your new home.Allow them to adjust to room temperature.Limited unpacking and removal of cartons may be requested on move in day.If you are not able to be present while the movers are there, designate a friend or family member to help out and make decisions in your absence.Payment is required upon delivery in cash, traveler's checks, money order or cashier's check.Do not use your stereos, computers, televisions, other electronic devices and appliances for 24 hours after delivery to prevent possible damage.The driver will contact you or the destination agent at least 24 hours prior to expected arrival time.

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22Oct/090

Moving Day: What You Should Expect

Make sure you agree with everything before signing.First: You should know well in advance when the moving company will arrive.After the inventory is done, the moving company starts loading the moving van after determining the best order in which to do so.Fourth.

This article takes you through the move day step by step, and helps you set up a planning process to ensure all goes well.You hired movers so you didn't have to do all this work, didn't you?Make sure you're satisfied with everything on this sheet before signing.Once everything is loaded, the driver presents the bill of lading, which lays out of the conditions of your move, including your estimate and the expected delivery dates.When they do, your go-to person will often be the driver/van operator: he's the supervisor of the crew and the person you should go to with any questions.The big moving day is right around the corner -- what now?Don't be alarmed if your items seem mixed up on the truck; you will tell the movers exactly where you want each piece when it arrives at your new home.The inventory's purpose is to ensure that everything arrives at your destination in the condition in which they started; it's also done so a damage claim cannot be filed on items with previous damage.To prevent shifting in the moving van, the movers may bring pieces from different rooms to ensure a snug fit -- if it isn't, items can shift.Now get out of the way!Professional movers have a specific technique for loading your stuff.

The mover will generally prepare a written inventory of your goods first thing, assessing each item's condition and giving it a number.Relax and let the movers do all the hard labor.You will sign the paperwork again at your new home when you receive your items.You should concur with the assessment, particularly for a long-distance move.Separate out anything you don't want loaded, like personal goods and high-value items you plan to carry separately.If you've never moved before, you'll have no idea.Each piece is pad wrapped and taken to the truck, with the movers loading the truck from floor to roof in a manner similar to placing pieces in a puzzle.Second.

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