Moving Your Family

Moving your family, whether across town or across the country, can be either a wonderful or a harrowing experience. Much of the success of your move will depend on your choice of a moving company. A little basic research into the various moving companies in your area can save you time and money, and maintain your peace of mind. The wrong choice can mean loss of time, money and worst of all, valuable possessions.

Before you start, you will need to do some basic homework. First, decide whether you want to moving company to just move furniture, appliances, large items and boxes which you will pack yourself, or whether you will also want them to pack up everything in boxes for you.

Next, make an inventory of everything that will be moved. List each item of furniture, and then make a general list of household items such as lamps (how many), books, decorative items, clocks, dishes and other kitchen items (just a general idea of what you have) and appliances.

Don’t forget to include your yard and lawn care items, and the contents of your garage. These can be very general lists so you can do a basic “head count” when you arrive at your new home. However, you should make a very specific list of your valuable items. If possible, you should pack and carry with you such items as jewelry, coin or collections of value, photographs and photograph albums and other items of great value, rather than having them packed on the moving truck.

If you do pack any such items on the moving truck, list each items specifically and try to pack them all into one or several boxes by themselves. Have the driver check the items and sign your list before the move begins.

There are certain questions that you will want to ask each moving company:

1. The cost of the move. Ask whether you have a choice of paying by the day or by the hour. If you are moving 1,000 miles or less, it may be more economical if you are able to pay by the hour. Be sure to get the bottom line prices so that you will not be surprised by add-ons when it is time to pay.

2. What is included in the final price? If you are packing up your belongings yourself, will they provide boxes, and what is the cost per box? If you want them to do the packing, ask if they have a per-room rate, or how their charges will be computed. If you have a large, fairly fragile item, such as a piano, find out if they will handle this item (some companies will not assume the responsibility for moving items like this), and if so, how will it be packed. Ask what is included at the end of the move. Will they move all the furniture and boxes into the new house and place them in the appropriate places?

3. It is important to know how many persons they will employ for the move. Don’t be afraid to inquire about the driving records and qualifications of each employee who will be handling your household items. Find out how long they have been working for the company.

4. Inquire about the insurance coverage each company holds, and get a firm picture of exactly how they will compensate you for breakage or loss

5. Ask each company how long they have been in business and if they have all the required certifications and licenses. Before you make your final decision, you should ask to see these documents.

6. Check with the local Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been registered against the companies you are considering. It is also very helpful to ask if they can provide references, and if they have a lot of satisfied customers, they should be happy to do this.

Once you have decided on a specific moving company, be sure to get a written contract that contains all of your understandings regarding price, time of delivery and guarantees. The right company should make your move an enjoyable and exciting family experience!