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Selecting A Moving Company
Consumer complaints against moving companies are common. Here are some tips to help your move go more smoothly.
• Get a binding estimate from the moving company. Make sure all charges are included in the contract.
• Contact the Better Business Bureau or consumer complaints department and ask about their on-time record and other complaints.
• Movers are limited by law regarding what they are required to pay for lost or damaged goods. Check your existing homeowner’s or renter’s policy to see if you’re covered for such damage.
• Include any gratuity in the contract.
• The contract should guarantee the number of hours required for the job, and provide for an overrun of no more than 10 percent.
• Inform the moving company of the number of stairs at your new home.
• Witness loading, unloading, & examine all items carefully before signing a receipt.
• Create a written inventory of your belongings before you pack.
Packing Checklist
• Keep the following supplies handy for packing: Boxes, marking pens, bubble wrap, newspapers and tissue, tape, scissors, tape measure.
• Use strong boxes and containers which can be secured tightly. Purchase special boxes for dishes, wardrobe and other special items.
• Pack audio-video equipment in their original boxes if possible. Label cables and tighten transit screws. If removing screws, tape them to the objects from which they are removed.
• Avoid loading more than 50 pounds into one box.
• Label each box and indicate the following: (a) In which room do the contents belong. (b) Are the contents fragile? (c) If it should be loaded last so it can 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 rugsdraperies cleaned before moving & leave in wrappings for the move.
• Pack medicines in a leak-proof container.
• Carry all valuables with you.
Moving Garden Plants
• Research climate and soils at your new home.
• Seeds – gather and store in an airtight container.
• Bulbs – dig up during their dormant season. Pack in a mixture of loose dry peat moss and vermiculite to provide a lightweight and protective transport medium.
• Garden tools – sharpen blades of clippers, lawn mowers and shears and apply a thin coating of household or motor oil to protect the paint and metal parts. Clean and disinfect rakes, hoes and sprinklers. Household bleach can be used to disinfect a variety of items.
• Plants – some plants can be dug up and transplanted.
Susan Garczynski, REALTOR
Keller Williams Southwest
