What moving company paperwork do I need for my move?

Packing up an entire household for a move is often considered to be the most tedious job in anyone’s moving calendar – after all, it’s hard to compete with such a repetitive task that’s usually stretched out for days, weeks, and even months. However, there’s a close competitor in the competition for the most boring activity in a residential move – having to deal with moving company paperwork.

Sure, no individual shipper of household goods can possibly enjoy reading the fine print in the Moving Estimate, Order of Service, Bill of Lading, Home Inventory Sheet, and High Value Inventory Sheet that their chosen mover will give them before the actual move takes place. However, if you do wish to have a smooth house move with no unpleasant surprises or shocking news of any kind, you should pay attention to the moving house paperwork that you are handed.

You are expected to read the important documents when moving, understand them, ask questions if you fail to grasp the meaning of a certain clause or condition, sign them if you agree to all the terms stated in them, and keep the copies safe through all stages of the relocation.

So, follow this moving paperwork checklist to learn more about the major moving documents, paperwork and forms that will be exchanged between you and your professional moving company in the course of the move:

Moving estimate

The very first piece of documentation that you should receive from your future relocation partner is a written binding or non-binding estimate after an in-house survey from a moving company representative. Do not agree to receive estimates over the phone or via e-mail simply because the risk of gross price underestimation is too big.

The initial document should clearly state

the type of estimate,
the calculated final amount,
all the additional services that you have requested or that are needed for the successful completion of the relocation job, and naturally,
the charges for each extra service offered.

This is a key moment – if you don’t really understand how your moving company reached the final price stated on the document, you should request clarification. If you still don’t understand the concept of price formation, ask them again. In fact, this is the first real test of trust between you and your mover, and if you get the funny feeling that things have not started off on the right foot (for example, due to vague explanations or refusal to provide clarifications), then consider contacting another professional mover.

Order of Service

If you happen to find the quoted price and the stated conditions to your liking, then you should contact the moving company that issued them and inform them that you would like to hire their services. When that happens, you should soon receive an order of service which will serve as the moving contract between you and the moving company you have selected.

All the relevant information should be laid out in that order of service – all the move details that you want to have in one place:

• the exact pick-up date,
• the estimated delivery date (may be a period of a few days in the case of a cross country move),
• the calculated price that should match the one you were given in the mover’s estimate,
• possible insurance options,
• cancellation policy (if applicable),
• type of the moving vehicle,
• all accessorial services required to finish for your residential move, and
  other terms you may have discussed with the moving expert at the initial on-site visit.

It’s your duty to read the order of service very carefully before agreeing to its conditions by signing it. If there are any details you don’t seem to agree with, do not sign it but discuss your concerns with the relocation expert who’s responsible for the document.

Bill of Lading

Viewed as one of the most important documents when moving out, if not the most essential one, the bill of lading is prepared on the basis of the order of service and should match it completely. Your moving company is required to give you the bill of lading on moving day and you must agree to its terms with your signature before the move can begin.

For better or worse, it’s time for you to take some time to compare the data between the two documents. Pay special attention to the listed charges because that is exactly where you are likely to find any discrepancies. So, in case of such notable discrepancies between the order of service you already signed and the bill of lading you are expected to sign, speak with your movers to understand the reason for the differences.

Hopefully, the bill of lading will serve as confirmation that things are exactly as they are supposed to be – after all, you did succeed in finding a top rated mover you can trust, didn’t you? If everything is correct, your mover will also sign the document after you do, and then give you a copy.

Remember: the bill of lading is the official record of your residential move and you must keep it safe long after moving day is over.

Home Inventory Sheet

Our moving paperwork checklist ends with another important document which will play a major role on your move-out day, and even on your move-in day – the inventory sheet. That form should contain all the household items that your professional moving company will transport for you. The home inventory sheet works like this: as each possession of yours is taken out of your home and loaded into the moving truck, it will be marked against the form and duly noted as loaded. In practice, that very piece of paper ensures that nothing is left behind.

You should be well aware that if you have any items of extraordinary value (possessions valued at more than $100 per pound), then they should be included in the so-called High Value Inventory Sheet. Most movers will want to make sure such valuables are packed by them, and not by you, to guarantee their safety during transit. Also, it’s a good idea to purchase additional insurance for your valuable items.

And, once your movers deliver the shipment to your new home, you will be asked to sign the inventory sheet as proof that each item has been delivered successfully. So, place your signature only after you’ve personally checked that all items have been accounted for and that they are not damaged in any way. In case you notice any kind of damage due to mishandling or incorrect transportation techniques, or an item (or items!) is missing altogether, then note the problems down on the inventory sheet and ask the movers to confirm them with their signature so that you can later file a complaint or make an insurance claim.

Read more source link: http://moving.tips/moving-day-tips/read-the-paperwork-carefully/

Your Complete Moving Checklist

Moving is less of a chore when you break down the tasks into weekly to-do lists. Use our guide below to make your move manageable, or print our checklist out and hang it on your refrigerator to reference easily while you pack up.

8 weeks

* Research moving companies with the Better Business Bureau and get recommendations from friends and family who have recently moved.

* Go to protectyourmove.gov to learn more about your rights and responsibilities as you prepare to work with a moving company.

* Consider extra insurance coverage you may need for your move. Ask prospective moving companies what insurance is included and check your homeowners’ policy to see what it covers.

* If you are moving to a new area, research banks, doctors, and schools. Gather all the proper paperwork you need to set up new accounts.

7 weeks

* Get estimates in writing from at least three licensed moving companies. If possible, have an estimator come to your home to do an inventory.

* Start a binder or folder where you can keep all of your moving estimates and moving-related paperwork.

* Make a list of businesses you will need to contact in order to change your address. Don’t forget to list your online accounts too.

6 weeks

* Get the packing process started by assessing your closets and getting rid of clothing that doesn’t fit or you no longer want. When the closets are done, start to assess items room by room.

* Do a first round of donations of unwanted goods to charity, sell items online, or have a garage sale to help pay for your move.

* If you have children, work with the current and future school to transfer school records and make plans for a smooth transition.

* Begin packing items that aren’t used frequently. Seasonal items, rarely used gadgets, and items stored in the attic or basement are a good place to start.

5 weeks

* Use up food from the refrigerator, freezer, and pantry. Refrain from doing too much grocery shopping or buying in bulk before the move.

* Get the word out to friends and family members that you’re moving. Send them an e-mail with your new contact information or consider sending a moving announcement.

* Purchase moving supplies including boxes, packing material, tape, labels, and box cutters. Remember to order specialty items like dish boxes, wardrobe boxes, and mattress bags if your mover is not supplying them.

* Get a box-labeling system in place. Numbered boxes, color-coding by room, and a master list with inventory are key elements.

* Make a room-by-room packing schedule and start packing!

4 weeks

* Fill out an official change-of-address form with the U.S. Post Office.

* Consult your list of businesses and services and make address changes on all accounts.

* Put in for vacation time at your job for the days surrounding your move and schedule a babysitter if needed.

* Confirm all paperwork with your chosen mover and double check that the proper insurance is in place to cover your valuables.

3 weeks

* Cancel all newspaper home delivery and set up delivery in your new neighborhood.

* Gather valuable paperwork, jewelry, and small family heirlooms. Keep these special items separate from your moving boxes and make a plan for transporting them by hand or via a trackable shipping service with insurance.

* Do an inventory of high-ticket items and videotape or photograph these items. Note any existing scratches, dings, or damage to your furniture.

2 weeks

* How’s the packing going? Keep plugging away and don’t leave it all until the last week.

* Tie up loose ends. Confirm that you’ve changed addresses, have all the proper moving insurance in place, and are ready to make your move.

* Put together a packet for the new owners of your home with any warranties, vendor recommendations, and a note with your contact information in case they have questions or need to forward you mail.

* If you are moving major appliances, make sure that they’re cleaned, unplugged, and ready to go. Freezers need to be defrosted and you may need a professional to disconnect gas lines on particular appliances.

* Fill prescriptions and make sure that everyone has packed medications they need in their suitcase.

* Withdraw cash to tip the movers and make sure you have enough cash, checks, or a credit card to pay for any unexpected expenses.

1 week

* Utilities should be turned off in your current home one day after your move-out date. It is helpful if utilities in your new home are turned on one day before your move-in date.

* Dispose of all flammable items that can’t be transported (paint, chemicals, aerosol cans).

* See if you have accumulated anything else in your “donate,” “pitch,” or “sell” piles. After more packing, you may have additional items to donate and should have one last pickup by your chosen charity, if needed.

* Back up all computers and have a plan in place for checking e-mail and paying bills online while your computer is in transit.

* Get each family member to pack a suitcase like they are going on a two-week vacation.

* Remember all toiletries and comfortable clothes for unpacking.

* Check in with your moving company one last time and confirm that everyone is on the same page. Reconfirm the moving-day arrival time as well as cell phone numbers and last-minute details.

* Hire a cleaning company to come in and do a quick clean after the movers leave or schedule a day that you will come back and make sure that everything is clean and in place for the new owners.

* Celebrate the memories you’ve made in your home and get ready to start a new chapter in your life.

Source Link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a18092/moving-checklist/

How to Move Without Going Bankrupt

I Love Moving Reviews explain buying or renting a new home is expensive enough — between the security deposit or down payment, first and last month’s rent, and the cost of movers, it’s easy to wonder how anyone can afford it.

But everyone has to move at one time or another. So we asked for some budget-friendly moving tips from a few of the top financial experts at Manilla.com, the award-winning, free and secure service that lets you manage your bills and accounts in one place online and via mobile apps. Here’s what they said.

1. Lighten the load.

Get rid of stuff! Packing up and moving is so much easier when you have less stuff. The best part? You might be able to earn some extra cash in the process, said Linda Descano, women and money expert from Citibank’s Women & Co.

“Take your upcoming move as an opportunity to make a little extra spending money when you’re decluttering your home,” Descano said. “As you start packing up, think about the usefulness of each item, whether it’s a piece of clothing that’s been hiding in the back of your closet, or a kitchen gadget that’s been sitting in your garage since your wedding day.”

If it’s the latter, Descano said, it’s time to toss it. Put it in the “sell” pile and, before you move, sell it at a garage sale or on an auction site, such as eBay.

2. Ask a professional.

A professional mover can quickly point out to you easy ways to save money on your moving endeavor, says Sam Burgoon of financial website CreditSeason.com. “Ask a local mover for tips on how to pack items more efficiently to avoid damage and save time,” Sam said, adding that it’s important to consider using shrink-wrap or even disassembling items to save space and money.

3. Don’t break your existing lease.

If you’re currently renting and your lease hasn’t ended, avoid breaking it early, says Adrian Nazari, CEO of credit and loan website CreditSesame.com. “There are many financial consequences of breaking your lease,” he said, “from losing your deposit, to having to pay rent for the months remaining on the lease after you move out. If you can wait to move until your lease is up, it can save you a lot of money.”

4. Explore the tax benefits of your move.

If you’re moving more than 50 miles away, save your receipts for a tax deduction, Nazari said, adding that there are a few restrictions to keep in mind. For starters, your reason for moving must be related to your job, and accepting that job would have had to increase your commute by more than 50 miles if you had decided not to move. Another requirement, Nazari said, is that you must be employed full-time for at least 39 weeks during the 12 months after you move, and it must be true that your employer is not covering your moving expenses.

5. Don’t settle.

Shop around when you’re moving, because you’ll regret it if you don’t, said Brandhyze Stanley, editor of frugal-living website Frugal-Nomics.com. “Moving is not the time to make yourself settle on a place you don’t absolutely love,” Stanley said. “Yes, we have to be realistic with our expectations, but you don’t want to have to funnel tons of money into a place in an attempt to fix it up and make repairs to make it look like your ideal home.”

Source Link: http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/money/advice/a19287/budget-friendly-moving-tips/

9 Essential International Moving Tips

Moving home is a very important and probably exciting event in your life. I love moving reviews, an international moving company hope that this list of moving tips that they compiled can assist you with the move.

1. Prepare Ahead – When moving house, you may need to organize several things previous time. Create a listing of the items you have got to do. Get much of packing material, believe the piece of furniture and alternative belongings that you just need to move, and therefore the things you wish to depart behind. If you have got young children or pets, for instance, you may even have to organize take care of them.

2. Moving boxes – you’ll have already decided your new home location, however, to urge the moving process going, it’s essential to get moving boxes and alternative wadding. You’ll be able to either purchase your moving boxes from your native removal firm, otherwise you might plan to get off moving boxes from retailers in your neighborhood for instance.

3. Communicating with your mover company – it’s essential to decide on a moving company that’s willing to assist you whenever you need advice, and with whom you’ll be able to communicate effectively. Establish the date of moving well ahead, don’t be afraid to debate something you wish to grasp, and ensure the removal once more a number of days before the moving day moreover, to avoid any misunderstandings.

4. Access for the removal van – Think how the removal van will access your current and future home, advise your neighbors that the van is parking outside your house, and acquire any necessary permits.

5. Decide what to require and what to depart behind – you may not essentially need to require everything with you, particularly if you’re moving abroad. According to I love Moving Reviews ,Create a listing of the items positively taking with you – it’s conjointly helpful to possess a listing once you are unpacking, and it’s a demand at customs once you area unit moving abroad. Do not simply throw away the things you’re leaving behind. Ask your relatives and friends if they need something, offer the items to charities, or organize a yard sale.

6. Think about your new home – Draw up a map of your new home. If it’s significantly smaller than your current home, for instance, you actually got to leave some things behind. If you begin packing supported however you’re aiming to take out in your new home, moving will be easier.

7. Packing – According to I love Moving reviews ,you’ll be able to either order an expert packing service from your moving firm that is extremely suggested if you’re moving abroad, or if you have got several fragile and valuable things, otherwise you will plan to pack yourself. If you may be packing yourself, you ought to begin packing your things a number of weeks before the moving day and undergo everything consistently. Label moving boxes clearly, and pack essential things solely within a previous couple of days. Do not place too many or too few things into one box.

8. Notify gas, electric, gas and water firms beforehand – As you’re ever-changing address, you may need to apprise these firms, banks, friends and relatives to send your mail to your new address.

9. Don’t pack personal documents, jewelry, and cash – you may like these things throughout the removal, or whereas they’re in storage. Do not pack things that you just can like right once you progress in, or keep track of wherever you’re putting them.