Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to move?
Generally, the summer months and the first and last few days of a given month
are the busiest times for movers. If you have the choice, choose a time other
than these for your move.
How early should I contact the moving company?
The earlier you call us about your pending move, the more time we'll have to plan
and the more likely we'll be able to accommodate your delivery schedule (4 - 6
weeks is ideal).
What should I pack?
It is very important that you pack all jewelry, negotiable papers and
important documents and make sure you know where they are at all times. Books
should also be packed and the boxes numbered if you would like to keep them in
order through the move. Pack books on edge, alternating bound edge to open edge,
and because books are heavy, it is recommended that you use smaller cartons.
Avoid over packing or under packing boxes or cartons. A firm pack prevents items
from shifting, and it helps maintain the structural integrity of the container.
Be sure to clearly label all items by marking all sides of the box with a description
of its contents.
Some items contain fragile parts and should be moved with care. CD players for
example can be damaged due to normal physical shock that occurs during transport.
Remember to remove all CDs from the player before packing and clearly mark all
wiring prior to disconnection. Some players have a transport screw under the unit
that needs to be tightened before being packed. Remove all multi-play cartridges
from the unit and wrap individually. Close CD trays and lower the unit into a
box big enough for packing material. Ask your movers for plastic bubble sheets,
which are excellent for this purpose. Finally, securely seal the box with packing
tape.
Can I pack clothes in chest or dresser drawers?
Lightweight clothing may be left in the drawers, but you may not fill
drawers with heavy items such as books, table linens or sheets, which can damage
the furniture during transit. Be careful not to leave fragile or valuable items
in drawers as well as anything that might spill or leak.
What about valuable items?
We recommend that you take with you (in the trunk of the vehicle you are driving)
or have the bank forward for you items of extraordinary value such as money, credit
cards, expensive jewelry, etc. Valuable items you decide to have shipped such
as antiques, art collections, cameras, china, coin collections, computers &
software, currency, figurines, firearms, furs, jewelry, oriental rugs, silver,
televisions, stereo equipment and video cameras should be declared before the
move to insure they are are not limited to minimum liability. This will require
you to complete the High-Value Inventory form that will be provided during the
pre-move consultation.
What should I let the packers pack?
Let our professional packers use the correct packing materials to secure all of
your fragile items. We are faster and more skilled at this, and remember, in most
instances we will be liable for only the items we pack.
What items should not be shipped?
Hazardous materials (poisons, corrosives, explosives, and flammable items),
perishable items (refrigerated and frozen foods without special arrangements),
and items prohibited by law should not be transported with your normal household
shipment.
Houseplants cannot be shipped and guaranteed to arrive safely because they may
not receive enough water or light, and they might have to endure substantial temperature
fluctuations while in transit. For these reasons, we recommend that you transport
plants in your family vehicle or decide several weeks in advance where to donate,
sell or otherwise dispose of them.
What preparations should I make for large appliances?
2 - 3 weeks before the move, schedule a visit from a service technician to prepare
all major appliances (that will be moving with you). This visit should be scheduled
for the day before the actual move itself.
What information should I provide for the packers?
Notify the packers of any fragile items that need extra careful or otherwise special
attention. Clearly mark all items you do not want packed or moved.
What information should I provide for the movers?
You should notify the movers of any items either added to or subtracted from
your planned shipment and of any time or destination changes made since the
pre-move consultation. Advise the van operator of any elevators, parking restrictions
or necessary long carries (distance of more than 75 feet from the trailer to
the door of the residence) at destination.
Be sure to supply all contact information necessary for the movers to reach
you while in transit. This includes destination location, contact address and
phone numbers.
At the destination location, you may want to place (by the entrance the movers
will use) a floor plan of your new home detailing where each piece of furniture
should be placed. This will help speed up the process.
What is a Bill of Lading?
A Bill of Lading is the receipt for your goods and contract for their transportation
and valuation coverage. Your signature acknowledges that your household goods
can be loaded on the van and "released to the carrier." Be sure that
you fully understand the extent of the carrier's liability in case any of your
goods are lost or stolen.
Is valuation the same as insurance?
No—valuation is a surcharge-based level of motor carrier liability. If
you want additional protection, you should contact your insurance company representative.
Do you accept CODs?
With a Cash on Delivery arrangement, the customer pays moving charges at the
destination before delivery via cash, traveler's check, money order or cashier's
check. Credit card payments are also acceptable, but they must be arranged with
your moving consultant since authorization is required before loading. We do
not accept personal checks.
What about taxes?
Be sure to keep all documents pertaining to your move in a safe place. You will
need these documents for verification of moving expenses when you file your
federal income tax return.
You can order publications and forms from the IRS to deduct moving expenses:
1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676) or visit the IRS
web site.
Pub. 521: Moving Expenses
Form 3903: Moving Expenses
Form 3903F: Foreign Moving Expenses
Form 4782: Employee Moving Expense Info
Form 8822: Change of Address
Personal and miscellaneous checkpoints:
- At least one month before moving day, notify utilities, doctors and dentists,
insurance agencies, personal and business contacts, and any other appropriate
organizations or individuals of your pending move.
- Ask your doctors and dentists to recommend colleagues in the destination
city and make arrangements to have health records transferred.
- Plan to take your telephone directory with you—you may find it handy
should you need to contact former doctors, dentists, employers, friends, etc.
- Check personal insurance policies to see whether moving is covered and
to what extent. Transfer all current insurance to your new location.
- On the day before the actual move, check to ensure all items have been loaded
and nothing has been overlooked. You will need to remain on the premises until
loading is complete so you can check and sign the inventory sheet. Obtain
your copy of the inventory sheet from the van operator and keep it in a safe
place.
- Plan to be on hand to accept delivery. If you cannot be there personally,
be sure to authorize an adult to be your representative. This individual should
be knowledgeable about the condition of your property when it was loaded,
and he/she will be required to acknowledge receipt of all items. The van operator
will contact you 24 hours prior to the expected arrival time to arrange for
unloading. If you cannot be reached, it is your responsibility to contact
your move consultant.
Where can I get further information about my move?
The American Moving and Storage Association
(AMSA) is the national trade association of the moving and storage industry.
It represents movers, van lines and their agents who are engaged in the interstate
transportation of household goods.
You may also wish to contact the Georgia
Movers Association (GMA) at (706) 561-8889.
The US Postal
Service Moving Guide - this Internet version of the hardcopy "Mover's
Guide" features moving tips and change of address information.
You can find contact information for American International Movers and Trading
Post Moving & Storage here. Alternatively, you
may use our online email form to quickly send us questions,
comments or suggestions.
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