Did you know that one-sixth of all Americans, about 17 percent of the total U.S. population, move each year? That’s a total of 43 million people! And did you know that 40 percent of moves are job related? Did you know, too, that the reason 31 percent of the people move is because the new home is closer to their job?
But, the most interesting and disturbing statistic of all is that moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce.
Polls reveal that moving is the third most stressful event in life, following death and divorce.
Knowing how stressful moving can be, it’s more important than ever to know the facts about moving and what you can do to make it less stressful and more organized. But for that to happen, there are key steps you need to take; the most important step being-find out what makes a mover competent or incompetent.
To do this, ask if your moving company is licensed. Now, you may not want to take the time to do this, thinking that unlicensed movers will be cheaper and less complicated but keep in mind there may be many hidden costs that you will have to pay later during or after the move and the work you receive may be mediocre.
Then, seek out some referrals from friends and family. In addition, call or email your State Department of Transportation (DOT).
Also, your local Better Business Bureau (http://us.bbb.org) can offer helpful and timely information on your mover.
Another important step is to make a visit to the mover’s offices. By checking out their trucks, you may find that their blankets are in poor condition; ragged and dirty. By using dirty blankets on your moving items such as beds and furniture, your moving items will end up the same; possibly with beg bugs, mold and such and that is something you do not want residing in your new residence!
In addition, be sure to confirm in writing that your mover won’t be contracting your work out to someone else on moving day. You want the mover you contract with to be the one who is moving you, not someone who knows nothing about you or your moving needs!
Also, ensure that the movers quote you an estimate that is based on weight, not cubic feet. And, keep in mind another important fact: “be prepared to pay at delivery the cost of any additional services that you requested after the contract was executed…” Liu (2009)
Another helpful hint is to buy your own moving supplies from a local moving supply stores. This will help to keep hidden costs down and give you more control over the move.
In addition, you may want to purchase insurance from the mover or an insurance company, one that specializes in underwriting moves. However, it is often best to purchase such insurance from the mover.
You may also want to consider packing your own stuff. This is often wise because by doing so, you know where everything is at and you save some money. However, keep in mind that if you do, the movers won’t be responsible for damages. And, always keep an inventory of everything that you pack up. Also, mark your boxes for what is inside and what room it should end up in.
If you conclude that your move has not gone well, there are several things you can do. The first thing to do if you find that something is missing or items are damaged is to immediately discuss the situation with the movers before they leave or phone the supervisors of the company. If your concerns are not resolved, make a note or message on the invoice when you sign it. You can also hold on to any damaged boxes so that the insurance company can inspect the damaged contents, in case a claim needs to be filed.
Here are some online sites that can also help with your next move:
- About.com Moving Guide
- Move.com’s Glossary of Moving Terms
- Protect Your Move Federal Moving Portal
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Keep in mind a popular and true saying: “what can go wrong, will go wrong.” No move will go exactly the way you want it. However, by planning ahead, being organized and maintaining a sense of humor, your next move will go smoother, with less stress and give you and your family a feeling of satisfaction and order; feelings that will carry over to your new home.
The aggravation that can come by not having items packed up, not having the necessary cleaning and organizing done, ensuring that the utilities are cut off and paid for and having the necessary transition work done on the utilities, address changes for family and business, can be a nightmare gift that ‘keeps on giving’ for a long, long time! So, begin your moving plans early!
And, for more information on movers check Angie’s List or The Franklin Report—private movers watchdog groups—to see what kind of ratings, etc they might have on the movers.
So, when you’ve decided to initiate your next move, don’t wait! Get involved, do your research and then get Moving!
Angie’s List (2009) Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: www.angieslist.com/angielist
The Franklin Report (2009) Retrieved April 9, 2009 from: www.franklinreport.com
Liu P. (2009) How-to Pick a Good Mover in your Area. Retrieved April 2, 2009 from: http://www.learntomove.com/how-to-find-a-good-mover.php.
Mover Max Movers & Shipping. (2009) Retrieved on April 3, 2009 from: http://www.movermax.com
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