Packing and Moving Made Simple
Whether you are moving from Montclair to Cedar
Grove, New Jersey or from Glen Ridge, New Jersey all
the way to Los Angeles, CA., if you are moving
yourself or hiring a professional moving company -
there are many ways to make the process easier on
you and your family. Moving is high on the list of
the most stressful things we will do in our lives
but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some cost-saving
and time-saving tips and information to help you
execute an organized and efficient move. I have
written about movers and rules and regulations in
the book I co-authored called “The Complete
Idiot’s Guide To Selling Your Home”, (Penguin,
January 2010)
Local vs. Out-Of-State Moving
All movers, big and small, are required to be
registered with the Department of Transportation
(DOT) in Washington, D.C. You may have noticed that
just about any truck on the road will have a DOT
number printed on it – usually on the driver’s cab
door. This number should also be printed on their
estimates and other paperwork. Be sure to keep both
their state license number and their DOT number in
your possession.
Local movers are usually required by their
individual state to give you a consumer pamphlet
outlining your rights when dealing with a mover.
There will also be contact information on it, should
you have questions about the process or about how to
settle a possible dispute with the company.
Carriers which do interstate moves are required to
have what’s called an ICC License which is issued by
the Interstate Commerce Commission. This is a
blanket license for most or all states in which they
do business and which allows them to cross state
lines.
When an interstate mover gives you an estimate, the
DOT requires that they give you a consumer booklet
entitled, Ready To Move, or Your Rights And
Responsibilities When You Move. If you want more
information on rules, regulations and your rights,
visit
www.protectyourmove.gov or call 1-888-DOT-SAFT
(1-888-368-7238).
Getting Moving Estimates
All estimates should be in writing, signed by the
mover and given to you before the move. They can
only be done after an in-person inspection is
performed by the moving company. There are two
kinds: binding estimates and non-binding estimates.
A binding estimate is a written guarantee of the
total cost of the move based upon what is being
moved and what specific services you chose or that
your move requires. A non-binding estimate is what
the mover believes that your move will cost. The
moving bill can end up being higher or lower than
your quoted estimate.
Packing Tips
Pack Up the Least-used Rooms First. These
areas are typically the attic, basement, garage and
storage sheds. They are usually filled with items
that you do not use everyday so they can be packed
weeks in advance of your move.
Pack One Room at a Time. If you pack several
rooms simultaneously, it’s easy to get overwhelmed
with the enormity of the project. Half-packed boxes
everywhere can make you feel as though you’re not
getting anywhere. When you complete one room before
moving onto the next room, you will be able to gauge
how much time is needed to finish the whole move and
manage your time better.
Pack Non-breakables First. Non-breakables,
such as linens, books and toys, are easy to pack.
And breakable items often remain in use right up
until moving day and packed last, such as dishes and
glassware.
Consider a Series of Pre-Moves. If you are
moving locally, try bringing a couple of carloads
over by yourself, in advance of moving day. This is
a terrific way to save money on the professional
moving estimate. And, I like to move breakable or
valuable things, such as fine china and art myself,
to be sure that they arrive safely.
Bind Tall Items to One Another. Bundle
brooms, mops, rakes and shovels and tape them
together at the top and bottom.
Hazardous Materials. Propane tanks,
containers of gasoline, paints, stains and other
flammables are not allowed to be transported on
moving trucks. Moving companies are not insured for
them and they are dangerous. Give yourself time to
use up the contents or return them to a local
facility.
Get Your Boxes for Free. Your local grocery,
liquor or other retail stores may give you cardboard
boxes. Liquor boxes with the dividers still in them
are a fantastic way to pack glasses without wrapping
them first. Check out a local art store or framing
store to get old boxes for pictures, art and
mirrors.
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