Summer Moving Tips From Moishe

Summer is the busiest time to move and during the summer months most editors and reporters report on moving scams. These types of stories have been done to death so what Im proposing is to take a positive position, educate, help and better inform your audience instead of scare them. This story should focus on pointers that will help people achieve smoother, easier moves. The story should have information such as taking inventory of your house, inventory for the mover, what and what not to pack, what not to forget and who to contact. In this segment, Moishes Customer Service VP Alon Livne shares with GOOD NEWS this essential information for anyone planning to move this summer. Taking Inventory for Yourself Take the time to sort through your home; this will give you the opportunity to make a complete inventory of your belongings. Prepare an inventory of everything you own. – Divide the inventory list into three categories: 1.items to be handled by the mover, 2. Items you will handle yourself, and 3. Items to be left behind or given away. – Make a list of everything that will be included in the move and assign replacement values for insurance purposes. (For some rare pieces and valuable antiques, it may be wise to obtain a professional estimate, in writing.) – Make a note of items that are especially difficult to replace. These items should be carried with you or else shipped to your new home by insured or certified mail. – Know what you will need upon arrival to your new home. Make a checklist of things you will need to pack in suitcases and an essential box. Taking Inventory for the Mover The mover you have chosen will give you an inventory sheet for the move. This sheet should include all of the items you plan to have moved by the mover. As a part of this inventory, the mover will note the condition of each of your items. All pre-existing conditions of your furniture, however minor, are indicated for the movers protection. The mover will write up your inventory sheet on the day of your move. So, it is advisable to accompany them, as they make their notations of your furniture. – Movers are not liable for the boxes that you packed yourself. They cannot verify the contents of the boxes. However, each box is numbered as part of your shipment and the external origin condition of each box is noted. – Dont sign anything until you are in full agreement with what is written. This sheet may help support any damage claims that you may file. – You will be provided with a copy of the inventory sheet. Use it at your new place to verify all items have been delivered. – At the time your shipment is delivered, it is your responsibility to check the items delivered against the items listed on your inventory. If new damage is discovered, make a record of it on the inventory form. The driver is required to record the damage on his copy of the inventory sheet. – After the complete shipment is unloaded, the driver will request that you sign the drivers copy of the inventory to show that you received the items listed. Do not sign until you have assured yourself that it is accurate and that proper notations have been entered regarding any missing or damaged items. When you sign the inventory, you are giving the driver a receipt for your goods. What and What Not to Pack – When packing yourself limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes, (not fine china) and small kitchen appliances. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover. – The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Keep weight under 50 pounds per box. – Never let movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. – Get the proper boxes for your items – the right sizes and strengths. Use wardrobe boxes for dresses and suits, mattress cartons to protect your mattresses from filth, padded dish boxes with dividers for fine china, and free boxes from supermarkets for non-fragile items. – Take the time to pack carefully. Pack fragile items with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. – To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, you should unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. – Movers will not transport living things such as your plants or pets. – Make the loading process easier and more organize by designating a room in your home, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since theyll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient – Set a side an Open Me First box, consisting of the essential items your family will undoubtedly need for the first night. Contents of this box might include: snacks, instant coffee, medicine, towels, toiletry items, flashlights, can openers, paper plates and cups, plastic utensils, screwdrivers, scissors and pliers. Dont Forget to: – Change your mailing address – Cancel the paper. – Collect your medical records. – Refill prescriptions. – Return library books and movies. – Disconnect cable – Defrost the refrigerator – Pack your suitcases. Remember to Contact: – Insurance agent to transfer property, fire, auto and medical insurance – Childrens schools seven weeks ahead of the move. – Clubs or organizations you are associated with for information on transferring, selling or ending seven weeks ahead of the move. – Contact building management to inquire about scheduling your move date and time four weeks ahead of moving. – Contact moving company to schedule your move date four weeks ahead of moving. – Post office to obtain and fill out a US Postal change of address form four weeks ahead of moving. – Utilities for disconnection or transfer and any possible refunds four weeks ahead of the move. – Your bank(s) to transfer bank accounts two weeks ahead of the move – Airline or hotel you plan to use to confirm your familys travel arrangements one week ahead of time For more information, visit http://moishes.com http://moishes.com More About Alon Livne: One of the co-founders of the company, Alon Livne has been with Moishes Moving Systems from the very beginning. He has been involved in every aspect of the moving process, including over 16 years of experience in claims service. As manager of Moishes customer service and quality control departments, Alons experience and professional integrity result in outstanding customer service. He believes that the end of a job is every bit as important as the beginning of the job; and he strives to provide customer satisfaction before, during, and after each move. It is Alons goal to pre-empt problems and to resolve any concern as expeditiously as possible, with maximum care and personal consideration. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=33979