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Household Faq'S

Following are some typical residential moving questions:

• When is the best time to move?
  If possible, try to avoid moving during the summer or the winter holidays. The first and last days of the month are always hectic as far as moving companies are concerned, as are weekends. If you're moving with children, determine whether it would be preferable to move them in the middle of the school year, or to rather wait to the summer vacation. Involve your children in your decision and ask them for their preferences.
  
• How far in advance should I contact a moving company?
  The best time to pick a moving company and notify them of your choice is approximately 4 to 6 weeks prior to the scheduled move. Remember that the sooner you contact your movers, the more likely they are to accommodate your delivery schedule.
• How is the moving estimate calculated?
  Moving estimates are crucial factors when choosing a mover. Many moving companies offer online estimates: based on the details of the shipment which you fill out in an online form, your movers provide you with an initial estimate. Before you make your choice of movers, however, it is highly recommended that your moving company representatives arrive at your house and conduct onsite inspections of the goods to be shipped. Estimates based on onsite surveys are not only more accurate, but attest to your mover's professionalism and reliability.
• What is valuation?
  Instead of insurance, moving companies provide valuation. Valuation is the liability coverage offered by your mover. The valuation should be clearly determined by you and your mover, and should be explicitly stated in the Bill of Lading. Valuation is usually quite low, and it is therefore recommended to purchase additional insurance.
• What types of valuation do moving companies provide?
  There are three types of valuation you can choose from. Your decision should be based on the nature of your shipment and on the value of the items you are transporting.
  1. Declared Value: This type of valuation is based on the overall weight of the items you are shipping. The depreciated value of the damaged property determines the extent of your reimbursement.
  2. Lump Sum Value or Assessed Value: If you intend to ship priceless and valuable items, you should consider this type of valuation.
  3. Full Value Protection: Reimburses you for any lost or damaged items which you wish to repair or replace.

  Whichever valuation you opt for, make sure its terms and conditions are explicitly specified in your bill of lading.

• What additional insurance options do I have?
  To begin with, your homeowners insurance policy may partially cover you belongings while in transit. If it does not, you can purchase "Goods In Transit" insurance from your agent or directly from your moving company.
• What is an order for service?
  This preliminary document details the various aspects of your upcoming move, including a specification of the services your mover has been hired to provide, the estimated moving costs and the scheduled delivery date of your shipment. An Order for Service basically authorizes your carrier to haul and move your goods. Although this is not an official contract, this document must be signed between you and your mover before delivery.
• What is the Bill of Lading?
  The Bill of Lading is the official contract between you and your mover. This document specifies the various details of the move, and also functions as a receipt of your goods. You'll be required to sign the Bill of Lading before your belongings are hauled away. It is extremely important to thoroughly read this document before signing it. Make sure you agree with all its terms and conditions, and that they comply with the decisions previously agreed upon between you and your mover.
• What is a binding estimate?
  As its name suggests, a binding estimate determines the exact cost of your upcoming move. The set cost is calculated according to the type of services you have asked your mover to provide in the course of the relocation process. Should any additional services be required, or if any other facts and figures change during the move (for example, if more items are added to the shipment, or if the access to your new location is impeded by physical or geographical constraints), the price is liable to change, despite its binding nature.
• What is a non-binding estimate?
  An estimate which your mover provides based on his past experiences with similar moving jobs. A final price is given once the move is completed.
• How are moving costs determined?
  Movers usually calculate their charges by hourly rates or weight rates. Additional crucial factors which determine the total cost of the move are distance and location. Whereas hourly rates usually apply to local or short moves, weight rates are used for long distance moves.
• Should I hire only licensed movers?
  While unlicensed movers may offer less expensive services, they do not adhere to the same safety and financial standards upheld by licensed movers. For moves within New York, your moving company should be licensed by the New York State Department of Transportation. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA) licenses NYC movers to operate across state lines.
• Can I pack my household items on my own?
  While packing on your own is certainly a feasible task (particularly if you don't have too many items to ship), there are some things you should take into account before you begin. First, ask your mover to provide you with ample moving boxes and supplies. Remember that in order to provide maximum protection for your belongings, your various household items should be packed in different kinds of boxes. If you have particularly fragile and delicate items, you may prefer to ask your professional movers to help you out. Whether you pack on your own, or whether your movers help you out, remember to pack your valuables (i.e. jewelry, important documents) in a box or a bag that you will keep with you at all times. Ask your mover to explain which items are considered hazardous materials and therefore cannot be shipped along with the rest of your cargo.
• What should I know before moving my pets?
  If you're moving across state or internationally, find out what the specific pet regulations in your new location are. Make sure your pet is given all the required shots and vaccinations before you leave, and ask your veterinarian to provide you with your pet's health certificate. Take care of your pet's travel arrangements in advance: if you're transporting your furry friend as air freight, arrange flight reservations well before your scheduled move. If your pet is traveling with you in your vehicle, make sure you have an adequate pet carrier. For overnight stops along the way, make reservations in pet-friendly hotels only. You can hire the services of a pet handling agency, which will help you out with the various aspects of your pet's move. On moving day, it is highly recommended to confine your pet to a specific room or area in your house. And most importantly, don't forget to shower your beloved companions with constant love and affection. They need you now more than ever!
• What is storage-in-transit? What other storage options are there?
  Storage is a practical and convenient solution if your new home is not quite ready yet, or if you simply have too many belongings to take with you to your new destination. Your mover can deliver your goods to a warehouse facility it is affiliated with, and place it there for an interim period known as "storage-in-transit", until you are ready to have your belongings delivered to their final destination. During the initial storage period, you'll be required to comply with your mover's terms and conditions. Once this period is over, your goods enter permanent storage, and you are thereafter obligated to adhere to warehouse regulations.
  If you wish to store your goods for an indefinite period, you may opt for the self-storage option. The latter basically means that you hire a storage unit or space big enough for your items, which you can access at all times. Self-storage is more of a "do-it-yourself" option, which means you are in charge of delivering your goods to or from the facility.
  Whatever you opt for, remember to pick a storage facility that is equipped with advanced security measures that guarantee your valuables are protected 24 hours a day. Furthermore, you must purchase adequate insurance to cover your belongings while they are in storage.
• What should I know before filing a claim?
  If any of your belongings are damaged or lost during transit, the first step to take is to notify your moving company. A formal claim should be filed within nine months after the delivery of your goods. The mover should confirm receipt of your claim within 30 days, and is obligated to either accept or reject it within 120 days after receiving the claim. Preparing a detailed inventory list which clearly specifies the condition of each of your items prior to the move, could help you out when you file a complaint.
• What is the difference between full service and self service moving?
  Full service moving basically means that your mover helps you out from start to finish: packing your belongings, loading the van, driving it to your new abode and unloading all your boxes - your moving company takes care of every little detail. With self-service moving, a driver hauls your goods after you've packed and loaded your stuff onto the truck. At your new location, you unpack the vehicle and the mover picks it up when you're done. Financial and personal considerations will impact your choice of moving service.