MOVING YOURSELF

• If you are renting a van or truck - make reservations early.
  
  
• Confirm vehicle size/capacity with rental company. Typical approximate sizes are:
  • 2 rooms or less - Cargo Van
  • 2 - 3 rooms - 15 foot truck
  • 4 - 6 rooms - 18 foot truck
  • 7 - 8 rooms - 22 foot truck
    
    
• Be sure that you obtain these necessary supplies:
  • loading ramps
  • padding
  • Dollies
  • Boxes
    
    
• Verify additional costs:
  • Insurance and deductibles
  • Drop-off charges
    
    
• Load Carefully:
  • Disassemble what you can
  • Load heavy furniture first
  • Pad delicate items
  • Secure the load
    
    
• Measure your furniture to be sure it will fit:
  • Oversize beds
  • Sofa
  • China cabinet
  • Piano/organ
  • Large dressers
  • Shelving units
  • Appliances (refrigerator, freezer, stove, washer/dryer)
    
    
• Measuring hints:
  • Get measurements of doors and hallways in your new home. Also note if stairs have several flights with a landing where large pieces may be hard to maneuver.
  • Check sofas, large chairs, and dining tables to see if legs can be removed, if necessary.
  • Be prepared to remove a window to move in large bedroom furniture. If necessary, arrange in advance for a hoist.
  • You may want to dissemble shelving units when packing.
  • Find out if and how you can take the door off a too-large refrigerator or freezer.
    
    
• Packing Shortcuts:
  • Wrap sofa and chair cushions in sheets or plastic bags to use as extra padding for other large items you transport.
  • If you are moving a short distance, leave clothes on hangers.
  • Move dresser drawers without removing their contents to avoid repacking.
  • Don't mix items from different rooms in one packing box.
  • Clearly label boxes with the rooms where they should be taken when unloaded.
    
    
• Packing Hints:
  • Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pen, bubble wrap, newspaper and tissue, tape and scissors, tape measure.
  • Use strong boxes and containers that can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
  • Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects they are removed from.
  • Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
  • Label each box and indicate the following: (a) Which room it should go in (b) Whether it is fragile (c) If it should be loaded last so it will be unloaded first.
  • Cushion contents with packing material such as bubble wrap, newspaper or tissue. Save room by using towels and blankets to wrap fragile items.
  • Pack books tightly on end in small boxes. If musty smelling, sprinkle talcum powder between the pages and wrap the book before packing. Leave stored for a couple of months to eliminate the smell.
  • Have rugs and draperies cleaned before moving and leave them in wrappings for the move.
  • Pack medicines in a leak-proof container.
  • Carry all valuables with you.
  • Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving plants from one state to another. Many states have restrictions on certain plants to prevent importing bugs or pests that can destroy valuable cash crops.
    
    
• Moving Electronic Equipment:
  • Audio and video equipment and personal computers require special attention for safe moving. Always consult your owner's manuals for specific instructions and consider these basic tips. Whenever possible, use the equipment's original boxes for packing. if not, pad and pack each piece separately.
  • Use tape to code wiring for easier reinstallation.
  • In hot or cold weather, allow equipment to return to room temperature before turning it on.
  • When moving a personal computer - "park" the hard disk using the program often included on the diagnostics diskette. To protect a floppy disk drive, put in an old or blank disk and close the drive. Back-up important diskettes.
  • When moving a stereo or compact disc player - fasten down your stereo's tone arm, tighten turntable screws, and secure the dust cover. For a CD player, check instructions to secure the laser. Heat can warp compact discs, so don't move them in a vehicle which may get too hot.
  • For your TV or VCR - take normal precautions for fragile items. Clean VCR heads before use in your new home. If you have cable TV service, ask if the installer will connect your TV and VCR at your destination.

• Consumer complaints against moving companies have been rising. Following are some tips that can help your move go smoothly.
  • Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure the amount is written in the contract.
  • Inquire about their on-time record and other complaints with the local Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department.
  • Movers are limited by law regarding what they can give you for lost or damaged goods. To cover potential damage, check existing homeowner's or renter's policy.
  • Ask about expected gratuities and write into contract.
  • Have the contract include a guarantee of how many hours the job will take, allowing an overrun of no more than 10%.
  • Be sure all charges are listed on contract.
  • Inform the moving company of how many stairs are at your new home.
    
    
• Filing Claims
  • Take pictures of major items before the move to prove their pre-move condition. When unpacking, take more pictures. Save the packing material and call the company to send an agent if you find damage after the movers have left. If you are not satisfied with the adjustment, contact AMSA. You have up to nine months after final delivery to make any claims, but you should make them as soon as possible. You have a right to receive your weight tickets; be sure you get them

PETS

If you take your pets in your car remember to take along food, water, a leash for letting your pet out of the car, and newspaper or sheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get car-sick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals.

To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a Health certificate, which can be obtained from your veterinarian. A pet container and tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Your pet can be comforted by having a piece of cloth with your scent on it.

LEAVING YOUR OLD HOME

• Confirm arrival time with moving company.
• Keep important documents and keys handy.
• Make a final inspection to be sure nothing is forgotten.
• Look through closets, basement, garage, etc.
• Turn off lights; close and lock windows and doors.
• Leave keys with real estate agent or landlord.
• Leave home only after the moving truck is on its way.

ARRIVING AT YOUR NEW HOME

• Meet the Movers promptly.
• Supervise placement of cartons and furniture.
• Check circuit breakers or fuse box to be sure everything is on.
• Call family and friends. Let them know you've arrived safely.